Geelong pools get platinum rating for safety

LIFE Saving Victoria has awarded all four of the City of Greater Geelong’s indoor leisure centres with a Platinum Pool accreditation for their commitment to providing exemplary safety.

Leisurelink, Splashdown, Waterworld and Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre were among only 24 pools across Victoria to receive the accreditation, which is a sign of excellence in the industry.

Platinum Pool accreditation requires the leisure centres to adhere to a strict code of practice and be subjected to a series of assessments each year to ensure they meet Life Saving Victoria’s stringent safety criteria for public pools.

The accreditation is awarded based on a sixmonthly assessment of pool safety standards, “Mystery Guest Visits” by assessors and adherence to the best practice ‘Watch Around Water’ child supervision program.

The accreditation is valid for 12 months and forms an important component of the overall safety planning and continual improvement strategy of each aquatic centre.

Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said the city was very proud of the level of safety and care offered in its leisure centres.

“We take water safety and water education extremely seriously, and that’s why we aspire to and achieve such high standards. This is particularly important as we head into our warmer summer months.

“This Platinum Pool accreditation should provide the community with great confidence that our centres deliver the highest level of safety requirements and standards, according to Life Saving Victoria.

“To be awarded the Platinum accreditation yet again is testament to the hard work and dedication of our leisure centre staff and management. Congratulations to all involved.”