Protecting children in public areas

Pool employees told to look out for predators Jeff Keele on new security measures to help protect children from predators in public pools.

The city is partnering with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection to better protect kids from predators at city pools.

This year, a man was convicted for placing a small camera in a change room at Pan Am Pool. The centre says predators target public places like beaches and pools.

A pilot project will assist maintenance and other staff members on how to identify hidden digital devices. It will also help employees recognize unusual behavior, who to report it to, and how to intervene.

"There's a lot that goes on, in terms of supervising for swimming safety, that can be used for surveillance and accountability for individuals who are interacting with kids in the facility," said Noni Classen from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.

The plan will also reinforce current rules, like not using cell phones or other recording devices in locker rooms, and making sure those phones are being used for the right reasons.

Posters and social media will be part of a public awareness campaign to help parents and others identify and report suspicious activity too.

The pilot project has two other phases. The centre says it will focus on libraries and leisure and recreation facilities next.