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read moreA young lifeguard at the Casey Aquatic and Recreation Centre (ARC) in the Melbourne suburb of Narre Warren has been taken to hospital after being assaulted by a gang of youths yesterday afternoon.
The 19-year-old lifeguard had warned the youths about dangerous pool stunts, such as flips, close to other swimmers, including children, while at the Aligned Leisure operated swimming pool in Melbourne's south-east.
Nine News reported that the large group of youths headbutted, kicked and punched the lifeguard before fleeing.
The lifeguard was taken to Dandenong hospital with bruises, cuts and scratches across his upper body before being discharged.
City of Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen told media said the council had taken "immediate steps to increase security" at council-owned aquatic centres.
Mayor Koomen added “on behalf of the council, I want to reassure our community that we are deeply committed to making our aquatic facilities safe for everyone to enjoy.
"We are actively supporting the police investigation and providing all necessary assistance.
"We are taking immediate steps to increase security at all our aquatic centres to ensure a safe environment for everyone."
“The City of Casey, in partnership with Aligned Leisure, is providing support to the lifeguard and all staff involved.”
The assault followed a recent post to the Casey ARC Facebook page reminding visitors to “treat staff and fellow swimmers with respect.”
Reaction
In a statement, Life Saving Victoria advised that it is “committed to working closely with aquatic venues to ensure adherence to procedures and compliance standards, prioritising the safety of both staff and patrons at all times”.
Royal Life Saving Society - Australia highlighted its 'Keep Your Cool at the Pool' campaign - launched at the start of the summer - which sets clear behavioural expectations for patrons.
Royal Life Saving General Manager - Capability & Industry, RJ Houston told Australasian Leisure Management “while the campaign this summer represents a good start, Royal Life Saving Australia is working with members and industry partners to develop additional resources, including training resources and guidance, that will assist facility owners and operators in implementing procedures which address these types of situations.
“Violence and aggression towards lifeguards and swim teachers is unacceptable. Our campaign has been developed to reinforce a culture of respect, cooperation, and zero-tolerance for aggression in aquatic facilities.”
Lifeguards at the Casey ARC. (Used for illustrative purposes only).
6th January 2025 - Royal Life Saving to stage symposium on future of aquatic facilities
16th December 2024 - ‘Keep Your Cool at the Pool’ Campaign urges respect for lifeguards and other aquatic facility staff
29th November 2024 - Aligned Leisure names Ben Tudhope as new Chief Executive
6th November 2024 - Royal Life Saving highlights summer job opportunities in aquatic centres
23rd October 2024 - Royal Life Saving encourages aquatic facility managers to adopt key health and safety guidelines and regulations
16th October 2024 - Royal Life Saving launches new fatal drowning dashboard
5th October 2024 - Corangamite Shire Council offers free youth pool lifeguard and first aid training
2nd July 2024 - Aligned Leisure takes over management of seven Casey major leisure facilities
27th June 2024 - Study reveals youth who participate in organised sport have less mental health issues when older
9th April 2024 - Royal Life Saving WA aims to engage youth in aquatic careers
22nd March 2024 - Orange Aquatic Centre lifeguards threatened with abusive behaviour during free entry period
12th March 2024 - Belgravia Leisure program empowers youth while fostering social inclusion
22nd February 2024 - Aligned Leisure secures contract to manage City of Casey aquatic, recreation and sport facilities
20th January 2024 - Swearing and threats pose ‘serious risk’ to staff at Orange Aquatic Centre resulting in cut in pool entry numbers
24th February 2023 - Royal Life Saving develops new online course specifically for pool lifeguards
16th June 2021 - Council report says assault on lifeguard at Gore Aquatic Centre was ‘harrowing’
9th March 2021 - Australian Sports Commission revealed to have underpaid casual pool lifeguards
23rd June 2019 - Casey Aquatic and Recreation Centre sales superstar recognised at ARV Industry Awards
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