Despite near perfect weather and free access to local pools this season, lifeguards across the shire have reported 21 incidents of harassment and abuse over the past 12 months, with six already recorded this year.
The uptick in abuse against pool staff — the majority of whom are under 21— has sparked concern at the council level.
Council director of communities Jo Bradshaw said the abuse had been stemming from patrons “refusing to follow safety rules”, particularly around requirements for parents and guardians to be supervising children.
“Lifeguards hold a critical responsibility for community safety, including saving lives, and their role should be respected,” she said.
If reports keep coming in, Ms Bradshaw said council was not afraid to pull the pool plug even if it did not want to.
“Any closure related to patron behaviour would generally be temporary and used as a ‘cool‑off’ measure,” she said.
“Permanent closures are not the intent but remain a last‑resort option if unsafe behaviour persists.”
Beyond safety concerns, the abuse could create a recruitment crisis.
Ms Bradshaw warned that harassment made it difficult to fill rosters, especially as student staff returned to university.
“Continued abuse does impact staff returning to work, the ability to fill rosters, and future recruitment,” she said.
“As the season progresses and lifeguards return to school, university, sport, or other employment, it becomes increasingly challenging to keep all outdoor pools open every day.
“Ongoing verbal abuse worsens these challenges, as staff may choose not to work at affected facilities.”
To tackle this growing problem, council is urging community members to speak up and report inappropriate behaviour when they witness it.
“Support from the wider community — particularly calling out and stopping abuse when it is witnessed — can significantly reduce the likelihood of closures,” Ms Bradshaw said.
For now, the gates remain open, but the message from council is clear: respect the whistle or lose the water.
To read more about Campaspe pools and the rules, head to campaspeaquatics.com
