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Royal Life Saving Society - Australia (RLSSA), on behalf of the National Aquatic Industry Committee, have announced the release of the first edition of the National Aquatic Workforce Framework.

Compiled following extensive Industry Consultation, including the release of a draft for consultation in May, the Framework responds to the calls in the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 to spotlight aquatic careers, advocate development pathways and reinforce systems which strengthen the capability and professionalism of the sector, particularly in relation to safeguarding community safety.

The development of this framework represents a culmination of extensive research, workshopping, and consultation. It is a comprehensive blueprint designed to enhance the capabilities, safety standards, and professional development of the aquatic workforce, ultimately contributing to drowning prevention and the provision of safer aquatic environments for communities. The Framework successfully expands the concept of aquatic workforce capability.

Updates incorporate industry feedback, provide additions to industry profiles and streamline key sections, encouraging simplicity and accessibility.

Where traditional workforce development products have tended to focus on technical competencies, such as those covered in VET sector qualifications, including rescue, swim teaching techniques and water chemistry, this new Framework integrates technical skills with relevant soft skills and business performance capabilities that must be applied together to maximise the positive impacts on community safety and wellbeing brought about by the aquatic workforce.

Additionally, the Framework supports developmental and career pathways, prioritising concepts such as skills progression and continuous learning.

Speaking of the Framework, recent National Sports and Physical Activity Convention 2024 RLSSA Young Leader’s Scholar and Belgravia Leisure’s Operations Manager at Knox Leisureworks, Cooper Seeley, said he had already printed off the Framework draft and was handing it out at careers expos in his local community.

Seeley explained “the National Aquatic Workforce Framework is a great resource to clearly describe the available careers at the facility that I work in to local job-seekers.

“Previously we would have relied on community awareness of jobs like lifeguards, without clear information to support the career opportunities available more broadly, which the framework does a great job of communicating an elevated understanding of the opportunities on offer in the industry.”

Noting that the Framework can be used to develop improved leadership capabilities for people working in the industry, Royal Life Saving Workforce Development Specialist, Tess Craigie “the framework provides a blueprint for building development plans for workers to expand their skill base from the outset.

“If applied, this will facilitate the elevation of broadened leadership capabilities in our workforce and equip workers to tackle the varied challenges inherent in this community-facing industry as well as provide a benchmark for strengthening systems to develop future leaders.”

Click here to access the National Aquatic Workforce Framework on the Royal Life Saving website.

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