AusLeisure

Australia’s acknowledged global leadership in aquatic facility safety is being expanded with the release of a series of training programs to surf parks, aquatic-based theme parks, splash playgrounds, cable ski facilities, open water and other aquatic attractions.

Resulting from research undertaken by Ash Presser, the former Operations and Risk Manager at URBNSURF Melbourne and now Risk Specialist, Facilitator and Lead Auditor with Aquatic Risk Services Australia, the innovative aquatic risk and safety programs include:

• Surf Park Lifeguard Training Program (SPLTP)
• Open Water Lifeguard Training Program (OWLTP)
• Aquatic Park Lifeguard Training Program (APLTP)
• Aquatic Attraction Training Program (AATP)

Launched this month, Presser advises “as technology advances and aquatic environments become more complex, the need to align risk management practices with operational systems of work are critical for operators to thrive beyond risk.”

Continuing to offer nationally recognised training packages for both pool and inland open water lifeguard training, reinforcing its commitment to aquatic risk and safety, the new programs have been specifically tailored for the aquatic leisure, surf park and amusement sectors.

Presser’s contributions to aquatic safety were first acknowledged in 2018, while at URBNSURF Melbourne, at the prestigious WorkSafe Victoria Awards, where he received the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Leadership Award. Subsequently, the National Safety Council Australia recognised his efforts with the Best Individual Achievement Award, highlighting his significant impact on the surf park, leisure and attractions industry.

After this, Presser embarked on a research collaboration with Federation University, aiming to conduct a comprehensive analysis of workplace health and safety laws within unregulated and high-risk leisure and attractions industries.

The focus was specifically directed towards surf parks and aquatic-based theme parks, delving into legal obligations and the principles of due diligence under common work health and safety (WH&S) laws. The extensive research sought to understand the nuances of due diligence in the context of WHS and public safety, recognising its significance in potential prosecutions related to breaches of reasonable care, negligence, or tort law in complex aquatic environments.

The findings of this research underscored significant risk exposures for operators in aquatic leisure and amusement, emphasising the critical need to acknowledge legal complexities and adopt a multifaceted approach to risk management.

This insight served as the catalyst for the development of new aquatic risk and safety programs by Presser and Aquatic Risk Services Australia.

Upskilling Lifeguards
Each of the new programs serves to upskill LIFEGUARDS from the Pool or Open Water Lifeguard Skillset (SISSS00129 or SISSS00134) in order to equip participants with the necessary skills specific to their working environment and risk exposures. Additional components range from advance rescue techniques, operator controls, logistics, emergency response, preventative measures and more.

Explaining his motivation for developing and launching these programs, Presser state “I was motivated to develop and launch these programs having understood the various risk exposures faced by operators of high-risk leisure and amusement environments.

“The research findings highlighted the need to develop purposeful, industry-specific risk and safety programs that support not only legislative requirements, but the operating environment, systems of work, and risk management strategy. While grounded in research and evidence-based approaches, these programs have been formed from learnings in the sector across various jurisdictions.”

In an era where the attractions industries is rapidly evolving, the significance of tailored risk and safety programs cannot be overstated.

These programs not only ensure compliance with legislative requirements but also empower operators with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the intricacies of their unique working environments.

Presser and Aquatic Risk Services Australia's collaborative efforts exemplify a forward-thinking approach that not only identifies emerging risks but proactively addresses them through comprehensive training initiatives, supported by national units of competency.

As the industry is presented with changing legislation, codes of practices and standards, particularly in the realm of safety and risk management, initiatives like those undertaken by Aquatic Risk Services Australia become essential in fostering a culture of safety and preparedness. By offering targeted training programs, they contribute not only to the immediate safety of individuals in aquatic environments but also to the long-term sustainability and success of the leisure and amusement industry as a whole.

As other regions and industries take note of Australia's leadership in this space, the newly launched programs are likely to set a precedent for international best practices in aquatic risk and safety. Research efforts like this have not only identified the challenges faced by operators in high-risk environments but have also provided tangible solutions through meticulously designed training programs when integrated in risk and safety management systems.

Aquatic Risk Services Australia, at the forefront of dynamic aquatic environments, specialises in providing a range of training, risk, and safety solutions. From conducting in-depth safety assessments and implementing robust risk management strategies to developing tailored systems of work, serving as expert witnesses, and offering consulting and advisory services, their expertise covers the entire spectrum of training, risk, and safety solutions. Understanding the complexities that exist within the industry, we want to support others to thrive beyond risk.

To learn more visit aquaticriskservices.com.au

Images: Wavegarden Cove (top, credit: Wavegarden); Ash Presser addressing an industry group (middle) and having received the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Leadership Award at thew 2018 WorkSafe Victoria Awards (below).

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