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read moreRoyal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA) has updated its Guidelines for Safe Pool Operation (GSPO) in an effort to further increase the safety standards within the aquatics industry.
With an ever-increasing number of swimming training providers entering the industry, and with continually changing state and territory legislation, Australian standards and industry practice, the GSPO has never been more crucial to public safety.
Set for imminent release, the update relates to the Program Guidelines section of the GSPO, the first full review of the section since the GSPO was first published in 1996.
Welcoming the update, YMCA Australia Chief Executive Ron Mell explained "the GSPO provides the YMCA with clearly defined requirements for swim teacher training, swimming programs and facility management so we can ensure public safety.
"The YMCA use the GSPO to ensure a pool or aquatic facility we manage is maximally safe." However, Royal Life Saving acknowledges that the GSPO needs to remain relevant and, for that reason, it is continually developed under the scrutiny of both RLSSA and the aquatics industry, a process reflected in these recent changes.
RLSSA Aquatic Industry Services Manager Matthew Griffiths states "the provision of safe aquatic programs is a key pillar in drowning prevention in Australia and these updates better reflect the standards expected of facility operators."
Australian Leisure Facilities Association (ALFA) Chair Gary Penfold adds "the ALFA Alliance is committed to the ongoing development of the GSPO and its application to all community aquatic facilities.
"ALFA supports the principles outlined within the GSPO and will use its network of facilities and managers to provide timely and practical information and feedback to ensure the Guidelines reflect current industry circumstances and best practice."
The GSPO Program Guidelines have been part of the GSPO since its first release in 1996, with the current review first commenced in 2008 and involving extensive consultation with the aquatics industry and leading industry bodies.
The Programs section has been part of the GSPO since its first release in 1996 and was expanded in 2001 with the inclusion of guidelines for the provision of safe aquatic programs (other than learn-to-swim and squads) and aqua exercise; and further expanded in 2002 when a Guideline was introduced on teaching of water entries and diving.
In order to undertake the review, RLSSA convened a National Working Party comprised of representatives from YMCA Australia, AUSTSWIM, Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA), and Swimming Australia Ltd.
The aquatics industry was also invited to provide feedback prior to the commencement of the review and at the completion of each draft stage of the review prior to final publication.
The resulting Guidelines reflect the collective expertise of the National Working Party and the broader aquatics industry to provide minimum standards and best practice advice to the operators of aquatic centres, swimming pools and learn-to-swim providers on the delivery of safe aquatic programs.
The Programs Section now includes 10 Guidelines covering topics ranging from swim teacher training and licensing; emergency procedures; teacher student ratios; diving, considerations for safe aquatic programs, aqua exercise and equipment.
The most significant changes within the Programs section occurred in GSPO Guideline PR1, previously titled 'Standard of Swimming Teacher Education'.
PR1 is now titled 'Licensing and the Training and Assessment of Swimming and Water Safety Teachers' and reflects a changing approach to requirements for those employed as swimming and water safety teachers.
The changes to PR1 were subject to extensive discussion by both the National Working Party and the broader industry. These changes include a differentiation between the training of swimming and water safety teachers and licensing to reflect the increased importance of VET units of competency in training.
As such, the new Guideline is divided into two distinct areas. The first being licensing with regards to the Australian and International Standard for the certification of persons. This section outlines those elements of a licensing scheme that should be included for anyone certifying people as swimming and water safety teachers.
Key requirements include evidence of training; practical assessment; currency of resuscitation and emergency care certificates; rescue competencies; evidence of ongoing professional development and the ability to engage the industry and other relevant stakeholders in consultation on the licensing scheme.
Based on the established criteria, the Guideline confirms the AUSTSWIM Teacher License as the current standard for the licensing of swimming and water safety teachers and is consistent with the 1996 version of the PR1 Guideline.
While these changes were widely debated, the need for a clearly defined accreditation pathway for swimming and water safety teachers has been broadly accepted as a necessity for the industry. Confusion as to the status or appropriateness of an individual's qualifications continues to be detrimental to both employers and employees. PR1 seeks to provide clarity in this area and continue to promote the high standard of swim teachers across the country which makes Australia a leader in swimming and water safety education.
In addition to the licensing requirements, PR1 also confirms the requirements for training and assessment prior to licensing. This now includes training in the competencies for swim teachers currently governed by Service Skills Australia as a minimum requirement. These competencies may only be issued by a Registered Training Organisation.
The changes made to PR1 have been applied consistently throughout the remaining Guidelines within the Program Section recognising competency-based training for instructors where it is available as well as additional licensing, accreditation or registration where required to instruct specific activities.
In addition to PR1, changes were made to the 1996 versions of PR5, PR6 and PR7. These 3 separate Guidelines have now been consolidated into a single Guideline PR5 – Infant and Preschool Aquatic Programs and have been revised in partnership with AUSTSWIM and consultation with the National Working Party and the broader industry to reflect changes in best practice in the conduct of programs for children less than five years of age.
As a result of the changes to PR5, numbering of previous Guidelines has now been changed. Minor changes were made to the content of the new Guidelines PR6, PR7, PR8 and PR9 however the broader intent and approach remains largely unchanged.
This release of the Programs Section also includes a new Guideline, PR10 – Aquatic Program Equipment. The purpose of this Guideline is to provide practical guidance on the use of equipment in aquatic programs.PR10 reflects the expert opinion of those involved in its development. As with all GSPO Guidelines, its application should be partnered with a comprehensive risk assessment in the use of specific equipment as part of aquatic programs.
For further information regarding the updated Guidelines or to obtain a copy of the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operation visit Royal Life Saving's website or contact RLSSA across Australia on:
ACT - 02 6260 5800
NSW - 02 9634 3700
NT - 08 8981 5036
QLD - 07 3823 2823
SA - 08 8234 9244
TAS - 03 6243 7558
VIC - 03 9676 6900
WA - 08 9383 8200.
For more information go to www.royallifesaving.com.au
Middle image shows the Warringah Aquatic Centre.
16th October 2012 - STRONGER AQUATICS INDUSTRY CRITICAL TO DROWNING PREVENTION IN AUSTRALIA
4th July 2012 - FEATURE GIVES CURRENT GUIDANCE ON AQUATIC INFLATABLES STANDARD
2nd November 2010 - DOES SWIMMING MAKE PEOPLE SMARTER?
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