Jan Juc SLSC praised for COVIDSafe opening

LIFE Saving Victoria (LSV) has hailed the recent opening of the Jan Juc SLSC clubrooms as an exemplar of a COVIDSafe summer event.

VIPs were given a tour of the facility overlooking Jan Juc’s main surf beach on December 16, after signing up to the club’s COVID tracing QR code at the facility’s entrance.

“We would have liked to invite all our members along, but we limited the numbers to keep within COVIDSafe event restrictions,” Jan Juc SLSC president Aaron Green said.

“Our club prides itself on being inclusive and open, so we livestreamed the event for all our members to participate.”

The COVIDSafe event plan included ensuring physical distancing with floor markings, display signs and chairs 1.5m distanced, as well as encouraging mask wearing despite the relaxation of restrictions. Alcohol-based sanitiser was also available at the entrance and exit of the club.

The opening mostly used the clubrooms’ outdoor areas, while indoor air flow was enhanced with the opening of windows and doors.

External contractors also carried out deep cleaning of the facility before and after the event.

“The launch event by Jan Juc SLSC is a great example of the COVIDSafe standards our lifesaving clubs have adopted,” LSV chief operating officer Mevan Jayawardena said.

“And the way the lifesaving facility will be used in its first season will be a bit different to what it would have if it was opened last season with our emphasis on keeping members and the public COVIDSafe.”

The facility already hosted another event, with Jan Juc SLSC holding its philanthropic opening on Sunday.

Jan Juc SLSC sponsorship and fundraising manager Brad Papworth said the opening was an opportunity for those who had donated significant money towards the development to tour the new building.

Future events welcoming the new facility are also planned this year, including a “demolition party” for club members.

Every lifesaving club across the state has appointed COVIDSafe co-ordinators, with 211 volunteers now trained in the processes and fortnightly COVIDSafe briefings held to keep everyone up to date as the situation continues to evolve.

“As COVIDSafe is new to everyone, it’s even more important to facilitate this exchange of information so we can all move forward in the best way possible for all of our clubs,” Mr Jayawardena said.

“While things are returning to COVID Normal now, we remain vigilant in promoting COVIDSafe practises to keep everyone safe.”

Lifesaving operations will look slightly different across the state, with social distancing requirements and how patrols are managed adapted for COVID safety – including how members can interact with the public and respond to major incidents.

Mass participation events like club swims and fun runs may have been moved to a virtual format.

The club environment now has contact tracing measures, such as QR codes when you arrive, and it is likely you’ll need to plan your trip and head to the club only when attending a session.

For more information, head to lsv.com.au/clubcovidrecovery.