Who is responsible for supervising the children?

The safety of all children remains the responsibility of the parent or supervising adult(s) at all times.

South Coast Squids follows the Watch Around Water supervision guidelines. We strongly encourage all supervising adults to familiarise themselves with these recommendations before attending your party.

Key Principles

• Children under 5 years must be constantly supervised and remain within arm’s reach of a parent/guardian over 16 years of age.
• Children under 10 years must be constantly supervised by a parent/guardian over 16 years of age and “remain in sight at all times”.

During Swell and Big Wave party packages, a qualified lifeguard will be on duty throughout your booking. However, they are a roving lifeguard responsible for supervising the entire facility and will not be stationed exclusively on pool deck.

Parents and guardians must:

Actively supervise children both in and around the water.

Be prepared to enter the water if their child requires assistance.

Ensure children are supervised in accordance with the Watch Around Water guidelines.

Only the Ultimate Barrel Package includes a dedicated poolside lifeguard for two continuous hours whose sole responsibility is supervising your party.

Can we bring our own food?

Yes. The Swell and Big Wave packages are fully BYO catering.

The Ultimate Barrel Package includes catering as part of your booking.

Please note:

• Birthday cakes are not included in any package but can be purchased as an add-on for your convenience.

Alcohol is strictly prohibited anywhere within the facility.

Unfortunately, we cannot provide refrigerator or freezer space. Please bring eskies or coolers if refrigeration is required.

Do we need to clean up after the party?

For Swell and Big Wave packages, the party area must be left clean and tidy and returned to the condition it was found.

If excessive cleaning is required, a cleaning fee of $50 per hour will be charged.

The Ultimate Barrel Package includes standard post-party cleaning (within reasonable expectations).

For hygiene and safety reasons:

• Food and drinks (other than water) are not permitted on the pool deck.

Food and drinks are not permitted in shower areas or change cubicles.

All eating and drinking must remain within the designated party/food service area.

How do payments work?

A non-refundable deposit of $150 is required to secure your booking.

The remaining balance must be paid no later than two (2) weeks before your party date.

If full payment has not been received by this time, and no prior arrangements have been made with South Coast Squids, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and make the timeslot available to other families.

Do participants need to complete a waiver?

Yes.

A parent or legal guardian must complete and sign a participation waiver for every child under 16 years of age attending the party before entering the water.

The waiver confirms that:

• Participation is at the family's own risk.

South Coast Squids is not liable for illness, injury, loss, damage or other incidents except where required by law.

Staff are authorised to administer appropriate first aid, emergency medication (where supplied) and resuscitation if required.

Any relevant medical conditions, allergies or additional support needs have been disclosed prior to the party.

Any child entering the water without a parent or guardian is considered by their parent/guardian to be a confident and independent swimmer with appropriate water safety skills for their age and ability. Regardless of ability, all swimmers must be supervised in accordance with our Watch Around Water supervision policy. 

What pool equipment is included?

Pool toys and equipment are not included with the Swell Package.

A limited selection of equipment may be available for Big Wave and Ultimate Barrel parties at the discretion of South Coast Squids staff.

Equipment must be used safely and as instructed.

If equipment is misused, staff may remove access for the remainder of the party.

Any equipment that is damaged through misuse and requires replacement may incur a replacement charge.

Can we arrive early to decorate?

Due to our regular swimming programs operating before and after party bookings, no additional access time is available.

Your 3 hour booking time includes time for:

• Decorating
• Guest arrival
• Swimming
• Food and cake
• Pack up
• Vacating the venue

Please ensure all pack up is completed before your booking concludes.

You are welcome to bring your own decorations.

However:

• Decorations must not damage walls, furniture or fixtures.
• Confetti, glitter and similar products are not permitted.
• Street signage is not permitted due to local council regulations.

What if our plans change?

Your $150 booking deposit is non-refundable.

Parties cannot be cancelled for a refund.

Bookings may be rescheduled provided:

• At least two (2) weeks' notice is given.
• The new party date is within three (3) months of the original booking.
• The requested date is available.

Requests received with less than two weeks' notice will not be eligible for rescheduling unless under exceptional circumstances and at management's discretion.