While it may be possible to teach young infants basic motor skills in water, infants cannot, and should not, be expected to know how to swim or to be able to react appropriately in emergencies.
Active supervision of children at public pools is crucial. But with a few creative policy interventions, we can make it easier for solo parents to visit the pool with kids in tow.
New South Wales boasts many wonderful ocean pools, thanks to a combination of climate, geology, culture and prosperity. Despite concerns about costs, economic and health benefits far outweigh these.
Sunanda Creagh, The Conversation et Molly Glassey, The Conversation
Over the coming weeks, we will be publishing a series of stories on why public pools matter - to the economy, to social well-being and to our shared history. But we also want to hear from you.