2021 South Australian Aquatics State Conference less than a week away

August 27, 2021

After what organisers describe as “arguably the most difficult and challenging year in decades”, the Life Saving SA 2021 South Australian Aquatics State Conference is set to be staged on Thursday 2nd September as an in-person industry event.

Presented by Life Saving SA/Surf Life Saving SA with the support of Business SA and The Y (South Australia) and being staged Surf Life Saving SA headquarters in Adelaide’s West Beach, the conference theme and its primary focus is ‘Resilience’ and the impact and learnings from COVID-19 that was experienced in 2020.

The conference will also touch on the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 - Let’s Be Active and the South Australian Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing - Game On Project and Grants Review.

The conference aims at exploring how physical activity, mental strength and ‘Resilience’ can be adopted in many different ways to provide health benefits and safety around water.

Organisers explain “the aquatic industry of South Australia offers a diverse range of activities and programs designed for people of all ages, interests, backgrounds and fitness and swimming levels. The conference offers a fantastic opportunity to explore ways in which these programs and activities can be promoted and supported by people actively working in the industry.

Conference Topics and speakers
Leading speakers from across the national aquatic industry will provide practical advice, information, opportunities through aquatics programs and raising the awareness and importance of water safety.

Keynote Speakers
Jessica Stenson (née Trengove)
Australian marathon runner and Olympian - opening speaker

Anthony Hart
Invigor Wellbeing - social entrepreneur and advocate for mind health

Simon Weatherill
With over 40 years’ experience leading teams and organisations in the business, he will address Embracing the uncertainty in the Sport, Recreation and Aquatic Industries.

Conference Speakers
Dr Jeff Walkley - National Disability & Diversity Manager Belgravia Leisure
Joel Perricone - Blue Fit, Elizabeth Aquadome.
Adam Luscombe - General Manager, SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
Donna Wilmott - Parafield Gardens Swim School

Life Saving SA 2021 Awards of Excellence
The event also features the presentation or awards recognising the achievements of individuals and organisations making an outstanding contribution to the South Australian aquatic industry.

Kicking off the Conference, the Awards Breakfast will be an opportunity for delegates to be inspired by outstanding events, projects and high-performing individuals in the industry and will be opened by South Australian Minister for Recreation and Sport Corey Wingard.

Four Awards Will Be Presented:
2021 - Watch Around Water Innovation award: This award celebrates the achievements of a committed and dedicated facility that implements and innovates the Watch Around Water program better than any other pool or centre in South Australia. The award serves to encourage registered Watch Around Water centres to promote the program’s water safety messages beyond the marketing tools provided by Life Saving SA.

2021 - Pool Lifeguard of the year: This award celebrates the achievements and accomplishments of a pool lifeguard and their commitment to the preservation of life within our pools and the industry.

2021 - Pool Employee of the year: This award celebrates the achievements and accomplishments of a pool operator, manager, staff member, volunteer and/or other worker that has demonstrated significant dedication to the industry and their facility.

2021 - Community Aquatic Program of the year: This award celebrates a specialised and tailored program that has been facilitated and delivered within the Aquatic Industry to achieve a specific outcome.

All awards are proudly sponsored by Clubs SA and the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing and Lifesaving SA Awards.

Held under COVIDSafe conditions, attendees just need to wear masks unless eating or drinking.

In Western Australia, LIWA Aquatics held its annual conference as an in-person event last week.

Click here for more information in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Main image courtesy of SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre.

23rd August 2021 - Royal Life Saving provides guidance on COVID-19 vaccinations and aquatic facilities

10th August 2021 - Aquatic industry delivers $9 billion in economic, health and social benefits to Australia

18th June 2021 - SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre’s hosting of 2021 Australian Swimming Trials caps a remarkable year

11th June 2021 - National Aquatic Industry Committee advises on conditions for swim teachers, lifeguards and instructors affected by Victoria’s lockdowns

10th June 2021 - Olympic swimming trials set to commence at SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre

18th May 2021 - Lifeguard shortage sees weekend closure of Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre

3rd May 2021 - Aquatic Recreation Network Australia launched to support states and provide national advocacy opportunities

18th March 2021 - Drastic shortage of swim teachers puts young Australians at risk

1st February 2021 - YMCA South Australia partners to invite donations of used sporting equipment for disadvantaged children

4th December 2020 - Changes set to provide greater unity in the South Australia aquatics industry

12th October 2020 - Fleurieu Regional Aquatic Centre to change pricing following competitive neutrality investigation

10th August 2020 - YMCA South Australia to launch new Strength for Life Aqua program

17th July 2020 - Belgravia Foundation passes three years of operations

30th June 2020 - New aquatic play space under development at Marion Outdoor Pool

23rd January 2020 - YMCA South Australia achieves Quality Accreditation for all facilities

5th December 2019 - Aqua Fitness Convention gets backing from Recreation SA

24th July 2019 - World Health Organization promotes physical activity action plan at National Sports Convention

17th June 2019 - St Clair Recreation Centre exceeds performance expectations through first six months of new facility

5th September 2018 - World Health Organization advises that lack of exercise puts one in four people at risk

16th December 2016 - Watch Around Water gets season launch

7th November 2016 - Clubs SA renews major sponsorship of Watch Around Water in South Australia

28th October 2016 - Recreation SA releases Code of Practice for South Australian public pools

27th November 2015 - Simon Weatherill to leave Melbourne Sports Hub after 20 years

26th November 2015 - Watch Around Water gets South Australian Local Government Association backing

18th November 2014 - Belgravia Leisure makes key new appointments

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