Aquatic Industry Update (2021-08)

Statement from Queensland Aquatic Industry Alliance

The Queensland Aquatic Industry Alliance (QAIA) was convened in early 2020 as lockdowns emerged in Queensland. The QAIA comprises representatives from industry organisations, local government authority and facilities including ALFAQ, ASCTA, ASSA, AUSTSWIM, Brisbane City Council, City Venue Management, Royal Life Saving Society Queensland and Swimming Queensland.

The QAIA has issued an update in respect to the operation of aquatic centres following Queensland Heath direction on 8 August 2021. Please refer to this link to view the update.

Position Statements 2021-03

Position Statement on re-accreditation and licensing requirements for those affected by Lockdowns

A new position statement on ongoing reaccreditation and licensing requirements for key aquatic industry positions has been released by the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia (RLSSA) and the National Aquatic Industry Committee (NAIC).

The statement recognises that the aquatic industry has been deeply affected by COVID-19 lockdowns which mandated the closure of public and learn-to-swim aquatic facilities. It provides owners and operators of aquatic facilities with certainty on rostering aquatic industry staff whose reaccreditation and/or licence renewal for key qualifications has been affected by recent lockdowns.

Position Statement No 2021-02

Position Statement on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Infants

Royal Life Saving aligns its first aid training with the Australian Resuscitation Guidelines and the nationally recognised units of competency HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation and HLTAID011 Provide first aid. With regard to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in infants, 0-1 years, ‘ANZCOR Guideline 6 – Compressions’ states that…

‘A person requiring chest compressions should be placed on their back on a firm surface (e.g. backboard or floor) before chest compressions to optimize the effectiveness of compressions.’

Australian Resuscitation Council (ANZCOR Guideline 6)

Position Statement No 2021-01

Qualifications and HLT Units

Royal Life Saving Queensland has issued a Position Statement (No 2021-01) in respect to acceptable certificates and training for Pool Lifeguard’s and Swim Teachers.

On 15 October 2020 new Units of Competence in the Health Training Package were released (HLTAID009 and HLTAID011), which replaced previous units of
competence HLTAID001 and HLTAID003, however industry documents still refer to the superseded units. Many RTOs are now delivering training with the new units and this is creating problems to the industry.

Position Statement (No 2021-01) clarifies what Royal Life Saving Queensland will accept in respect to training certificates until such time as the industry documents are updated.

Position Statement No 2020-05

CPR During the Pandemic

Royal Life Saving has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 Pandemic through official sources, including the Australian Government Department of Health, and State/Territory Government Departments of Health, as well as seeking guidance from organisations such as the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC).

We have issued Position Statement 2020-05 in respect to procedures for CPR.

Position Statement 2020-04

COVID-19 & Swimming Pool Closures

Royal Life Saving has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 Pandemic through official sources including the Australian Government Department of Health, and State/Territory Government Departments of Health.
Governments have now called for all swimming pools to close by midnight 25 March 2020. This includes all
non-essential education services. It may allow for the continuation of swimming pools in the setting of Allied Health Facilities.

Position Statement 2020-03

CPR & Pool Lifeguard Re-accreditation (COVID-19)

The purpose of this position statement is to advise trainees in Queensland of Royal Life Saving’s position in respect to the ability of trainees to complete training and assessment requirements for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, First Aid and Pool Lifeguard certifications which are due to be renewed between the dates of 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2020.

Position Statement 2020-01

Pool Operator Training

The purpose of this position statement is to advise pool operators in Queensland of Royal Life Savings position in respect to the qualifications required when operating a commercial aquatic facility. This statement is a result of the release of Queensland Health’s water quality guidelines for public aquatic facilities (dated December 2019). The purpose of the guideline is to reduce risk to public health and the focus is on water quality associated risks .

Position Statement 2019-02

Cracking Oxygen Cylinders

The purpose of this position statement is to advise of a change in setting up an oxygen cylinder, following the
release of a Safety Alert by WorkSafe WA. Previous documentation and training resources have referred to
the process of ‘cracking’ a cylinder prior to attaching a regulator. The purpose of this was to remove any foreign debris or matter prior to fitting the regulator.

Position Statement 2019-01

Oxygen, Pulse Oximetry, Flow Rates

Royal Lifesaving confirms it position in respect to:

  • Oxygen Flow Rates,
  • Pulse Oximetry,
  • Oxygen Therapy, and
  • Oxygen Resuscitation.

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