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read moreRoyal Life Saving Society - Australia, with the support of the National Aquatic Industry Committee, has launched two pivotal resources to increase community safety by strengthening the aquatic industry workforce and improving industry standards and practices.
The National Aquatic Workforce Framework (Draft) and the Safe Places to Swim: The State of Safety at Australian Aquatic Facilities report provide comprehensive insights and guidance to enhance safety and professionalism in aquatic environments across Australia.
Advising that the launch of these resources marks a significant step forward in ongoing efforts to ensure a safer and more capable aquatic industry, Royal Life Saving General Manager - Capability & Industry, RJ Houston stated “by providing clear evidence-informed and industry-endorsed frameworks and detailed industry analysis, we aim to empower stakeholders to implement best practices that significantly enhance public safety and improve industry standards, thereby strengthening the sector's reputation.
"We encourage feedback from the industry stakeholders on the draft framework as this input will be crucial in refining approaches and ensuring that resources meet the evolving needs of the aquatic industry.
The National Aquatic Workforce Framework (Draft) aims to improve the industry's attractiveness, clarify career opportunities, and standardise safety outcomes. It was shaped by insights from four national symposia and extensive research.
The Framework was developed in response to the Australian Water Safety Strategy's calls for enhanced career pathways and professional development in roles such as swimming and water safety teacher, pool lifeguard, duty manager and customer service officer.
Belgravia Leisure Chief Executive Nick Cox and other key aquatic industry stakeholders have voiced their support for the Framework, which specifically targets roles crucial to water safety and drowning prevention and offers guidelines to enhance workforce capabilities and leadership within the sector.
Cox noted "as a major employer in the aquatic industry, Belgravia Leisure supports the Framework's objectives of highlighting and advocating a variety of career pathways offered in aquatic facilities.
"The framework offers a structured and consistent approach to how the sector thinks about developing its people as well as a resource that those considering a job in the sector can pick up to better understand the opportunities on offer, and that's something that we proudly support," said Mr Cox.
Safe Places to Swim: The State of Safety at Australian Aquatic Facilities report underscores the industry's significant role in Australian wellbeing while presenting key findings on safety performance, key initiatives, and trends that illustrate the industry's ongoing need for commitment to ensuring safety at aquatic facilities.
With statistics from 2023 showing six drowning deaths, 18 non-fatal drowning incidents, and over 7,800 rescues at Australian aquatic facilities, the report highlights the need for continued improvements in safety standards adherence.
This includes measuring and benchmarking safety conformance by increasing the number of facilities that undergo routine safety assessments with Royal Life Saving, further professionalising staff training, and universally implementing child supervision programs.
Welcoming the report, Leisure Institute of Western Australia Aquatics (LIWA) Executive Officer, Steve Good commented “public pools are vitally important community assets that provide essential opportunities for social connection, physical and mental health benefits, swimming lessons, and recreational enjoyment to all Australians
"Industry groups and peak bodies like LIWA Aquatics are dedicated to ensuring these facilities are safe and welcoming for everyone, and we strongly encourage all Aquatic Facility owners, operators, and staff to adopt the recommendations of this report and commit to maintaining safer public pools nationwide."
Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the National Aquatic Workforce Framework (Draft), by completing the online form by Monday 24th June 2024.
Access and Further Information
For more details on the National Aquatic Workforce Framework and the Safe Places to Swim: The State of Safety at Australian Aquatic Facilities report and to provide feedback, go to:
National Aquatic Workforce Framework (Draft)
Safe Places to Swim: The State of Safety at Australian Aquatic Facilities
14th May 2024 - Royal Life Saving and NSC unveil scholarship opportunity for future leaders
10th May 2024 - Wagga Wagga’s Oasis Aquatic Centre secures high scores for safety from Royal Life Saving
3rd May 2024 - Belgravia Leisure reports 26% rise in GOswim enrolments in two years
30th April 2024 - City of Whittlesea appoints Belgravia Leisure to manage major aquatic and recreation facilities
12th April 2024 - Strategy Summit looks to drive cohesion across the aquatic and recreation industry
9th April 2024 - Royal Life Saving to convene water safety forum for Riverland region
28th March 2024 - LIWA Aquatics launches industry mentorship program
6th March 2024 - Royal Life Saving fears 500 public pools may close without strategic investment
5th March 2024 - NSW Government convenes Coastal Water Safety Roundtable
6th February 2024 - Royal Life Saving National Aquatics Symposium looks to strengthen the aquatic industry
19th December 2023 - Royal Life Saving announces NSC collaboration
7th December 2023 - NSW Government releases draft Places to Swim guideline document
5th December 2023 - Global water safety community converges on Perth with a mission to end drowning
1st December 2023 - Royal Life Saving highlights opportunities for facilities through Community Energy Upgrade Fund Program
9th November 2023 - Launching its Keep Watch water safety campaign Royal Life Saving warns of child drowning risk
5th September 2023 - Royal Life Saving highlights swim teacher and lifeguard shortages present opportunities for job seekers this summer
7th August 2023 - Royal Life Saving South Australia names new Chief Executive
25th October 2021 - National Aquatic Industry Committee releases updated guidelines for managing the risk of COVID-19 in aquatic facilities
14th September 2021 - Royal Life Saving and National Aquatic Industry Committee provides qualification extensions update
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