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Royal Life Saving has advised of its release of a new online module that is directly targeted at improving the communication skills of those working in the aquatic industry. 

The module is the second to be built in response to feedback gathered from the National Aquatic Industry Workforce Survey, conducted in April-June 2019, where industry employees indicated that further training on communication is high on their list of preferred professional development topics.  The first, on conflict management was released in 2020.

One of the final questions in the survey asked respondents to list their five preferred PD topics.

Shaun Jackson, National Manager - Training and Workforce Development at RLSSA explains “Communication skills consistently came through as one of the most sought-after PD topics, across all professions.  This is not surprising as the aquatic industry is a people facing, service-based, industry that relies on teamwork. 

“The successful operation of an aquatic facility, including all the programs and services it offers, comes about through the hard work and skills of those in public facing roles and those somewhat behind the scenes, in the offices and meeting rooms (virtual or physical).  Being able to communicate effectively, to customers and stakeholders, or to colleagues and work teams is vital for success.  In this module we break down the components of communication and focus on building awareness and key skills through practical content, activities and scenarios that are highly relevant to the aquatic industry workforce.”

The module is broken down into 4 main learning themes:

• Why communication is important
• What good communication involves
• Types of communication within an organisation
• Communication scenarios

Each of these themes is explored in detail through a range of stories or scenarios relayed through characters in typical aquatic industry roles: swim teacher, swim school coordinator, customer service officer/manager, lifeguard, lifeguard duty manager, facility manager.  The characters and scenarios are used to explore key concepts that will lead to a better understanding of communication.  They are also used to demonstrate strategies and techniques, in authentic settings, that outline how to adjust your communication techniques, how to communicate effectively in a range of situations, and what can be achieved when these strategies are used well.

The module will lead to a better understanding and appreciation of the fact that even though communication is a skill we all have, it is very much a skill that can be improved, especially in a workplace context. It shows why savvy organisations and employees place extremely high value on effective communication.

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