Leisurelink wins national aquatic safety award

LEISURELINK has been presented with an award from Royal Life Saving Australia for its contribution to aquatic safety in the community.

The Grovedale aquatic centre was one of six award winners announced last week at the National Aquatic Industry Safety Awards.

The centre was recognised for Excellence in Staff Development for its lifeguard training program.

The award acknowledges the city’s in-depth training for lifeguards, including simulated real-life emergency scenarios, at all six of the city’s aquatic and leisure centres.

Leisurelink aquatic team leader Scott Schefferle said the centre had strived to create new and engaging initiatives to educate facility lifeguards.

“The training is all hands on, and uses a range of specialised equipment including an advanced digital CPR mannequin.

“Peter, our aquatic co-ordinator has even created lifelike props for first aid including artificial wounds and burns.

“We’re elated to see that the training has made our facility safer for our staff and community. It is great to observe that when our staff do have to respond to incidents that they do so with a high level of confidence and professionalism.”

Between July 1, 2005 and June 30, 2015, there were 293 drowning incidents in public and commercial pools across Australia. Of these, 36 (12 per cent) were fatal.

Royal Life Saving Society Australia national manager of operations Craig Roberts said drowning deaths and incidents at aquatic facilities were lower than other popular aquatic locations, but the society was continually working to reduce this to zero.

“There are some great initiatives which are creating safer aquatic environments for children and adults across the country. The awards were established to recognise these efforts and inspire others to review and further develop their own health and safety policies and procedures.”

To see the winners’ videos and find out more, head to guidelines.royallifesaving.com.au.