We warmly invite members to attend the upcoming Annual General Meeting. Date: Thursday 26 November 2026Time: 6.30pmLocation/Online Meeting Details: Will be circulated on the ARC Qld website and social media The AGM will provide an opportunity to reconnect with member organisations, discuss the future direction of the Queensland Branch and explore opportunities for collaboration across… Read more: ARC Queensland AGM

ARC Queensland Workshop – Tuesday 17 November 2026 We are also delighted to announce that ARC Queensland will be hosting its first professional development workshop in well over a decade. This workshop represents an important milestone in the revitalisation of the Queensland Branch and is designed to bring together people involved in CPR, first aid,… Read more: ARC Queensland Workshop

SAVE THE DATE | Queensland Aquatic Industry Safety Forum From Lessons to Action: Strengthening Aquatic Safety in Queensland. Royal Life Saving Society Queensland is bringing the aquatic industry together for a dedicated Queensland Aquatic Industry Safety Forum, followed by the formal launch of the Queensland Aquatic Industry Facility Safety Code of Practice. 📅 Tuesday 10… Read more: Queensland Aquatic Industry Safety Forum

TRAINEE TRAINER WANTED! Are you an experienced lifeguard, swim teacher or aquatic facility supervisor who loves working with people? Take the next step in your career with Royal Life Saving Queensland! We’re looking for a full-time Trainee Trainer, and we’ll support you every step of the way. Earn up to $65k while training Pay increase… Read more: Trainee Trainer Wanted

COULD YOU SAVE YOUR MATE? If something went wrong in or around the water, would you know what to do? This school holidays, learn the skills that could help you save yourself, your mates or someone else. Our school holiday lifesaving course is designed for Years 8–12 and gives students the chance to get hands-on… Read more: VacSave

Royal Life Saving Queensland, as a founding member of ARC, is pleased to support it’s workshop on 17 November 2026. Please click on the link below to find out more and register for the workshop.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST – RLSSQ BOARD MEMBER Royal Life Saving Society Queensland (RLSSQ) is seeking expressions of interest for a Board Member to join our organisation and contribute to the future direction of water safety and lifesaving in Queensland. We are looking for an individual who can help strengthen gender equity and diversity on the… Read more: Expressions of Interest for Board

Royal Life Saving Queensland is pleased to announce the updated board of directors following the Annual General Meeting, held on Thursday 17 September 2026: Position Name President Mr James McClelland BM OAM Deputy President Mr Michael Darben Secretary Mr Luke Daly Treasurer Mr Colin Harris Director Mr Andrew Chan Director Mrs Izzie Forsyth Director (additional)… Read more: Updated Board of Directors

Royal Life Saving releases it’s annual report for the financial year (June 2026). The society continued to provide increased services to the Queensland community, with significantly increased activity in community programs, training and other activity. Society President, Ms Nicky Sloan said “As I write my final President’s Report for Royal Life Saving Society Queensland, I… Read more: Annual Report 2026

A proposed Australian Standard that would, for the first time, set consistent water quality requirements for both public and residential swimming pools is now open for public comment. 💧 HAVE YOUR SAY: Proposed national water quality standard for swimming pools A proposed Australian Standard that would set consistent water quality requirements for both residential and public swimming… Read more: Have your say on a new National Standard for Pool Water Quality

Media Release – 10 September 2026 313 lives lost to drowning as new report highlights persistent risks ahead of summer Australia recorded 313 drowning deaths in 2025/26. While this is an improvement on the record 357 deaths reported in 2024/25, the toll remains unacceptably high, still 10% above the 10-year average. The Natonal Drowning Report… Read more: National Drowning Report 2026

NOTICE OF AGM    We would like to invite members to the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the society which will be held on Thursday 17 September 2026 at The Plantation, 1204 New Cleveland Road, Gumdale Qld 4154, commencing at 7.00 pm. Please find attached the Notice and Agenda for the AGM. You can also attend the meeting… Read more: 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Royal Life Saving Society – Australia is opening applications for the WE SWIM Multicultural Community Water Safety Program to partner with councils, water safety groups, aquatic centres and swim schools, multicultural community organisations, settlement services, swimming and lifesaving clubs, schools and universities. Royal Life Saving Society – Australia has launched the WE SWIM Multicultural Community Water Safety… Read more: We SWIM Multicultural Community Water Safety Program

Queensland Aquatic Industry Facility Safety Code of Practice Industry Consultation Now Open Aquatic Facility Safety Code of Practice released for consultation in Queensland . cvvv. Aquatic facility owners and operators across Queensland are being invited to read a new industry-developed Code of Practice for the safe operation of public aquatic facilities, now released in draft.… Read more: Queensland Aquatic Industry Facility Safety Code of Practice

The City of Gold Coast has once again demonstrated its commitment to aquatic safety excellence, with all participating aquatic venues achieving Platinum Endorsement through the Royal Life Saving Queensland Platinum Pools Program.The Platinum Pools Program recognises aquatic facilities that achieve the highest standards in safety, risk management, supervision, and operational excellence. Platinum Endorsement is the… Read more: City of Gold Coast Achieve Platinum Success

The 2025-26 RLSSQ membership register has been reconciled and ballot papers have been distributed today to financial members by Australia Post to the postal address recorded on the aXcelerate system. Ballot papers should arrive in letter boxes sometime this week. There may be a few people who may consider themselves a member, however do not… Read more: Members Ballot for Directors

In accordance with our constitution, this year the positions of President, Treasurer and one (1) board Member (Directors) are due for re-election. Any two (2) financial members of the Society shall be at liberty to nominate any member to serve in any vacant position on the Board of Directors. Board members are required to be… Read more: Nominations for Positions on the Board of Directors 2026

We all want to believe we’ll never be in a situation where a loved one’s life is on the line. We spend our days hoping the gate is locked and the kids are safe. But just ‘hoping’ nothing goes wrong isn’t enough. We need to actually know what to do when every second counts. The… Read more: Time is everything: Why “hoping for the best” is a dangerous strategy

The Brisbane Aquatic Centre, located within the Sleeman Sports Complex, has been awarded Platinum Safety Endorsement under Royal Life Saving Queensland’s Platinum Pools Program for 2025-26, the highest level of recognition for aquatic safety, risk management and operational excellence. The Platinum Pools Program, established in Queensland in 2021, sets a rigorous benchmark for public aquatic… Read more: Brisbane Aquatic Centre Achieves Royal Life Saving PLATINUM Safety Endorsement

The Queensland School pool Life Saving Championships are back and being held on Sunday 31st May 2026, at the Sunshine Coast Grammar Aquatic Centre. 📅 Sunday 31st May 2026🕑 Secondary Students: 8:00am (Warm Up), 8:30am (Start) Primary Students: 1:00pm (Warm Up), 1:30pm (Start)💲 $10 per competitor (unlimited number of events) The event allows schools that… Read more: 2026 Queensland School Pool Lifesaving Championships

Royal Life Saving Society urge Queenslanders to take action to end drowning on World Drowning Prevention Day, 25 July 2026 Royal Life Saving Society QLD will be marking World Drowning Prevention Day (WDPD) 2026 on Saturday, July 25 by calling on all Queenslanders to take action to end drowning. World Drowning Prevention Day resulted from… Read more: WDPD 2026

Royal Life Saving Society Queensland is proud to announce that two of our members have been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of their outstanding service and dedication to life saving (water safety and drowning prevention). This prestigious national honour reflects their long-standing commitment, leadership, and tireless contribution to saving… Read more: Members presented OAM

We are delighted to share the prestigious award that the International Life Saving Federation (ILS) has bestowed on Dr Shayne Baker OAM at the recently concluded World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2025 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. The International Lifesaving Federation (ILS) Board of Directors has also bestowed a very prestigious international award on Dr. Baker… Read more: Dr Shane Baker OAM – Knight in the Order of Lifesaving

Queensland’s leading aquatic organisations have joined forces to address workforce shortages and build a stronger, more sustainable industry through the Queensland Aquatic Workforce Attraction and Retention Program. Led by the Active Queenslanders Industry Alliance (AQIA) in collaboration with AUSTSWIM, Royal Life Saving Society Queensland (RLSSQ) and SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia (SWIM), the Aqua Jobs… Read more: United Industry Initiative to Strengthen Queensland’s Aquatic Workforce

Royal Life Saving releases it’s annual report for the financial year (June 2025). The society continued to provide increased services to the Queensland community, with significantly increased activity in community programs, training and other activity. Society President, Ms Nicky Sloan said “This year has been one of consolidation and strategic renewal. The Board has been… Read more: Annual Report 2025

A huge thank you to SET – Specialised Engineering Technologies for signing on as our Drinks Sponsor for our 120 Year Celebration on Thursday 23 October 2025! SET proudly delivers the AngelEye AI Drowning Detection System, a world-leading aquatic safety solution trusted across 30+ countries and ISO 20380 compliant. What sets AngelEye apart? A fully… Read more: Drinks Sponsor: Angel Eye

In 2025, Royal Life Saving Society Queensland proudly marks 120 years of service to the Queensland community – a legacy built on water safety, lifesaving training, and the collective effort of people and organisations like yourself. To celebrate this remarkable milestone, we warmly invite you to join us at our 120-Year Celebration Reception. Date: Thursday… Read more: 120-year Celebration

Tomorrow we will release the National Drowning Report 2025, which shows the impact of drowning across Australia. But behind these numbers are people, families and communities forever changed:• Those who have lost a loved one to drowning• Those living with the consequences of non-fatal drowning• First responders who undertake rescues and attempted rescues As we… Read more: National Drowning Report 2025

 What You Need to Know! From 1 October 2025, all Queensland organisations that provide services or facilities to children — including public and private aquatic venues — will need to comply with the new Child Safe Organisations Act 2024. This new legislation, overseen by the Queensland Family and Child Commission (QFCC), introduces 10 Child Safe Standards and a Universal Principle focused on… Read more: New Child Safe Standards for QLD Aquatic Facilities

Vale: Mr Rod Welford – Life Member, RLSSQ It is with deep sadness that we inform members of the passing of Mr Rod Welford, who passed away this morning. Rod was a Life Member of both Royal Life Saving Society Queensland (RLSSQ) and Royal Life Saving Society – Australia (RLSSA), and also made significant contributions… Read more: Vale: Mr Rod Welford – Life Member, RLSSQ

OCEANIC TALES – MARINE SAFETY KITS Developed by a Whitsundays family after their young son experienced a marine sting, Oceanic Tales Marine Kits were created to help others stay prepared for the unexpected while enjoying Queensland’s stunning coastal lifestyle. Each kit is packed with trusted, Australian-made essentials designed for families spending time by the water.… Read more: OCEANIC TALES – MARINE SAFETY KITS

Under the untied banner of the Queensland Water Safety and Aquatic Collaborative (QWSAC), the leading industry organisations—Royal Life Saving Queensland, SWIM Coaches and Teachers Australia, AUSTSWIM, and Swimming Queensland are thrilled to open registrations the upcoming Queensland Aquatic Industry Trainers Workshop. Date: Wednesday, 18 June 2025Location: South Pine Indoor Sports ComplexCost: $100ppTime: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PMNetworking… Read more: QWSAC 2025

Education Department | Royal Life Saving Society Queensland Inc RTO 5431 Are you passionate about teaching swimming and making a difference in people’s lives? We’re looking for a qualified and experienced Swim Teacher to join our dynamic Education Delivery Department! What We’re Looking For: Minimum 2 years of swim teaching experience Experience teaching Adult Multicultural… Read more: WE ARE HIRING

Royal Life Saving Society urge Queenslanders to take action to end drowning on World Drowning Prevention Day, 25 July 2025 Royal Life Saving Society QLD will be marking World Drowning Prevention Day (WDPD) 2025 on Friday, July 25 by calling on all Queenslanders to take action to end drowning. World Drowning Prevention Day resulted from… Read more: WDPD 2025

The Queensland School Pool Life Saving Championships are back and being held on Sunday 1 June 2025, at the Sunshine Coast Grammar Aquatic Centre. 📅 Sunday 1 June 2025🕒 Secondary Students 8.00am (Warm up), 8.30am (Start) Primary Students: 1.00pm (Warm up), 1.30pm (Start)💲 $10 per competitor (unlimited number of events) The event allows schools that… Read more: 2025 Queensland School Pool Life Saving Championships

Brisbane Aquatic Centre – Gold Safety Endorsement A huge congratulations to the Brisbane Aquatic Centre for earning the Royal Lifesaving Gold Safety Endorsement for their Aquatic Facility operations for 2024-25. Nikki Thornhill, State Manager of Royal Life Saving Society Queensland, highlighted that these endorsements recognise facilities that meet and exceed the highest safety standards. This… Read more: Brisbane Aquatic Centre – Gold Safety Endorsement

Ex-Cyclone Alfred Causes Widespread Disruption to Aquatic Facilities Across South East Queensland and Northern NSW Cyclone Alfred has brought extensive disruption, damage and flooding across 37 Local Government Areas (LGAs), adversely affecting individuals, families, communities, emergency and health systems and infrastructure, including aquatic facilities. Royal Life Saving Australia extends our support for all those impacted,… Read more: Ex TC Alfred

Tropical Cyclone Alfred A message from Paul Barry,Executive Director of Royal Life Saving Society Queensland. As a valued member of Royal Life Saving, your safety and preparedness are our top priorities. With an approaching cyclone forecasted for South East Queensland, we want to ensure that you, your family, and our community are well-prepared for any… Read more: A special message from Royal Life Saving

National Summer Drowning Toll Royal Life Saving Australia research shows a consistent peak in fatal drowning cases in the summer months. In a bid to understand the increased risks during this time, each year, we publish the Summer Drowning Toll from 1 December to the end of February, which charts drowning incidents around Australia in… Read more: National Summer Drowning Toll

Work Force Survey 2025 Royal Life Saving Society Australia and the National Aquatic Industry Committee (NAIC), are conducting important research to better understand the current state and profile of the National Aquatic Industry Workforce. All members of the aquatic industry workforce are invited to take part in the National Aquatic Industry Workforce Survey 2025. Your… Read more: Work Force Survey 2025

Occupational Violence Workshop With recent reports of lifeguards being assaulted, abused, and spat on, it’s more important than ever to ensure that the safety and well-being of our teams are protected. This workshop aims to provide team leaders, pool managers, and supervisors with practical strategies to effectively handle such situations. Attendees will learn valuable techniques… Read more: Occupational Violence Workshop

This school holiday, we had the pleasure of hosting our NextGEN Junior Lifeguard program at Cleveland Aquatic Centre, where 127 Children, ages 8 to 16, came together for a fun and educational experience. Over the course of the program, participants had the chance to dive into lifeguard training while building valuable skills in water safety,… Read more: NextGEN Lifesavers Program

🌊 Shaping the Future of Aquatic Facilities in Australia 🌊 Royal Life Saving Queensland is pleased to support the National Aquatic Infrastructure Symposium 2025 – a key step in developing a national framework for aquatic facility infrastructure provisioning across Australia. Australia’s public aquatic infrastructure is at a critical juncture. With over 40% of facilities nearing… Read more: National Aquatic Infrastructure Symposium 2025

WE’RE HIRING! – Marketing and Training Support Officer– Full-time position– Based at our head office in Gumdale, Brisbane– This role includes on the job training and is suitable to recent school leavers Royal Life Saving is seeking an energetic person to market and promote our organisation and our range of projects, courses and programs. The… Read more: Marketing & Training Support Officer

Royal Life Saving Queensland releases our draft strategic framework for public comment and feedback. Executive Director Mr Paul Barry said “the framework has taken two years to developed and has involved a wide ranges of stakeholders including members and volunteers”. Mr Barry also said that “the framework development was driven by members and stakeholders and… Read more: Draft Strategic Framework

With summer approaching, public aquatic facility operators are reminded that even well-maintained venues have been linked to outbreaks of illness including cryptosporidiosis. As such Queensland Health is distributing some healthy swimming messaging to our members. Below is the following resources can be used as needed: • Fact Sheet (A4 – General)• Fact Sheet (A4 –… Read more: Queensland Health Factsheets

Yesterday (6 November 2024) Queensland Water Safety and Aquatic Collaborative (QWSAC) hosted its first Trainers Workshop. The collaborative includes Royal Life Saving Society Queensland Inc, SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia (SWIM), AUSTSWIM and Swimming Queensland. QWSAC members presented to over 50 attendees and discussed key aquatic industry changes, youth engagement and career pathways, updates on… Read more: QWSAC 2024

RLSSQ is delighted to announce changes to the RLSSQ Board and also to welcome two new members. Mr James (Jim) McClelland BM OAM has been appointed Deputy President. Jim is a life member and volunteer, having commenced his service to the society in 1971. Jim is an active member with Ithaca–Caloundra City Life Saving Club… Read more: Board Changes

Advancing Aquatic Safety: Supporting the use of AI-Enhanced Drowning Detection Systems In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed various industries, and the aquatic sector is no exception. AI-enhanced drowning detection systems are now emerging as an innovative tool to improve aquatic safety in facilities across Australia. These advanced systems use strategically placed cameras, sensors… Read more: Survey: AI-Enhanced Drowning Detection Systems

Royal Life Saving Queensland, introduces Award Membership. Award Membership is granted to any person who has completed one or more nationally recognised training course with us. Unless a person opts out, the person will automatically become an Award Member upon, either: Course participants do not need to do anything, they will automatically become a member… Read more: Award Membership