Ipswich Water STAARS Shine

Ipswich City Council has partnered with the Royal Life Saving Queensland's Water STAARS (Support to Access Recreational Spaces) Program, to encourage people with disabilities to develop their water skills.

"The classes were a mixture of water activities and fun lagoon deck games for those involved and there was great feedback from the seven participants in this first course," Ipswich City Council Chief Executive Officer Sonia Cooper said.

Our SEAL program identified there was a gap in our water education programs and this course has allowed a new group of Ipswich citizens to participate in a safe, supportive and educational environment with a focus on real life skills that many of us take for granted.

"Getting enquiries from the community while the event was being held just goes to show what a great environment the Royal Life Saving Queensland's qualified disability instructors provide. Everyone could see that everyone was being engaged and participating."

Royal Life Saving Society Queensland Senior Education Officer Beverley Newton praised council's involvement in the program.

"It was a great group over the four weeks and every participant came back each week and you can tell they were enjoying it as much as we do teaching. I hope to do this again with council, it is a really valuablepartnership," Ms Newton said.

"The program focuses on water safety, becoming more comfortable around water and giving people the confidence to participate in water activities with their friends and family."

The Water STAARS (Support To Access Aquatic Recreational Spaces) Program is designed to support people with disabilities to feel confident and empowered to acces the water safely. Participants engage in a range of exciting and educational activities with a focus on sun safety and signage, personal water safety and resuce techniques.

Council has already begunm the process for a new program later this year and Ms Cooper encouraged parents, guardians and carers with questions to reach out to council directlyto discuss any questions or requests regarding the Water STAARS Program.

The newly develop Royal Life Saving Pool Plant Operations Couse has now been released and is renamed to the Aquatic Technical Operator, to align with other states. The course is an entirely new course with different content to the previous course. It contains three modules (parts):

Part 1: Work Health & Safety
Part 2: Water Quality & Maintenance
Part 3: Workplace Activities

The course is issued under the Skillset SISSS00131, which is not equivalent to the former course.

The next course is on 26 & 27 March 2024 and enrolments can be completed at our training website.

Enduring partnership between RLSSQ and QFES

RLSSQ was recently honoured to attend the QFES Partnership Celebration event, celebrating a 10-year partnership with QFES (now transitioning to QPS). Along with PCYC and Surf Life Saving Queensland, RLSSQ was presented with Challenge Coins to celebrate the decade-long relationship.

Challenge coins are emblematic tokens deeply rooted in military tradition, recognised for their significance and camaraderie. Originating from World War 1, these coins were initially used to identify soldiers from different units. Over time, challenge coins evolved into symbols of unity, belonging, and shared experiences among military personnel.

The coins are typically presented to members for exceptional service, or achievements, or as tokens of appreciation and serve as symbols of honour, loyalty, and mutual respect. The tradition of carrying and exchanging challenge coins fosters bonds among individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in shared endeavours.

In this spirit, the decade-long partnership between QFES and RLSSQ has delivered significant services to the Queensland community in water safety and community programs. QFES-funded RLSSQ programs have helped target some of Queensland's most marginal communities including Indigenous, disability and migrant groups - delivering water safety and Learn to Swim programs to prevent drowning.

QFES has also provided funding for the valuable work of our volunteers who conduct patrols and water safety programs for RLSSQ-patrolled beaches. RLSSQ extends it's sincere gratitude and recognition to QFES for it's continued support and contribution to our mission to prevent fatal drowning in Queensland.

Here's to another decade of a great partnership in the future.

Register today for our FREE School Holiday Program: NextGen Lifesavers

Attention all teenagers! Are you interested in learning lifesaving skills that could make a real difference in emergencies?

Whether you're a beginner or have some prior experience, NextGen Lifesavers is tailored to give you an introduction to basic water safety and aquatic lifesaving techniquers.

Our experienced instructors will guide you through hands-on exercises and simulations in a fun and active format.

At this special introductory program, you will learn:

• Personal survival skills
• Rescue techniques
• CPR Awareness (DRSABCD technique)

One session only, don't miss out!

Date: Monday, 8 April 2024
Time: 10am-1pm
Location: Cleveland Aquatic Centre, 22 Russell Street, Cleveland

This event is open to 12-17 years*, and is free of charge.

*All 12-14-year-old participants must be accompanied by a parent or carer for the duration of the event. Free pool admission for parents and carers.

You must register to attend. Reserve your spot today by submitting the form.

Water safety is a crucial aspect of enjoying our natural resources, yet it remains a significant concern for communities worldwide.

As we strive to assist Queensland communities in preventing drowning, we invite you to join us in supporting the Royal Life Saving Society Queensland (RLSSQ) Foundation, dedicated to promoting water safety awareness and education.

Every year, Queensland lives are affected by water-related accidents and drownings, many of which could have been prevented through proper education and awareness. With your support, we can make a meaningful impact by:

• Educating Communities: Your donation will enable RLSSQ deliver educational and community programs that teach essential water safety skills to individuals of all ages throughout Queensland. From basic swimming techniques to understanding the dangers of all waterways, our programs empower people to make informed decisions around water.
  
• Providing Resources: Your contribution helps us distribute life-saving educational materials and programs delivered by professional trainers to communities in need, including state-wide school curriculum programs and community-based programs for indigenous and disabled persons. These resources can make all the difference in ensuring individuals are adequately prepared and protected when near bodies of water.
  
• Advocating For Change: By supporting the RLSSQ Foundation, you help us become an advocate for government policies, education and regulations that prioritise water safety. Together, we can work towards developing safety measures and standards that protect swimmers, boaters, and recreational enthusiasts.

Your donation, no matter the size, will assist Royal Life Saving Society Queensland Foundation to reach more individuals and communities with life-saving water safety initiatives.

Ways to donate

1. Pay via bank deposit using the details below:

• Please add a payment reference: *your name
• Please remember to send us an email and let us know your details so we can send you a receipt

2. Pay via credit card online
Please click on the "GiveNow" logo below to make a secure online payment.

3. How to bequeath a gift to the RLSSQ Foundation
Please read this information flyer with details on how to include a gift in your will:

4. Pay by cheque or money order
Download a printable donation form, write a cheque payable to 'Royal Life Saving Society Queensland Inc' and send it by post:

The Treasurer
Royal Life Saving Society Queensland Inc
PO Box 1093
CAPALABA QLD 4157

5. Giving by phone
We are always happy to discuss your gift and what you would like to support. Call us on +61 3823 2823 Mon-Fri 9am-4pm (AEST)

Together, we can make a difference and ensure that everyone has the knowledge and resources they need to enjoy water activities safely. Thank you for your support and commitment to promoting water safety in our community.

The Queensland Primary and Secondary School Pool Life Saving Championships are back and being held on Sunday 21 April 2024, at the Sunshine Coast Grammar Aquatic Centre.

📅 Sunday 21 April 2024
🕒 Secondary Students: 8.00am (Warm up), 9.00am (Start)
🕒 Primary Students: 1.00pm (Warm up), 1.30pm (Start)
💲 $10 per competitor (unlimited number of events)

The event allows schools that undertake programs such as Swim and Survive to give students a sporting alternative.

The Championship for the Primary School students will include age-appropriate swim racing and rescue events, such as the

• 8m Line Throw
• 50m Rescue Race
• 100m Individual Life Saving Race and more.

The Secondary School students will have an opportunity to compete in the

• 10m Line Throw
• 100m Rescue Race
• 200m Individual Medley and more.

The Championships are being hosted by the Sunshine Coast Grammar Pool Lifesaving Club, which is affiliated with Royal Life Saving.

The Championships are open to any school student. Entries close WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL 2024

Try Pool Lifesaving Today!

The Sunshine Coast is well-known for its many popular swimming spots and water-based activities. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the water safely. Royal Life Saving Queensland are inviting Migrant residents of the Sunshine Coast to attend the Migrant Water Safety Program. The classes will incorporate water confidence skills, personal water safety awareness, survival and rescue techniques, and basic swim skills.

6 Week Program

What: 6 Pool classes (with included welcome day; the perfect opportunity to meet your instructors, fellow participants and become familiar with the Aquatic Centre) and 1 FREE beach day.

When: Pool classes are on 10 February - 16 March on Saturdays at 11-11:45am.

Free beach safety awareness day is on 23 March at 9:30-11:30.

Where: Pool classes are at Goodlife Community Centre Buderim.
Beach day is at Bulcock Beach, Caloundra

Intensive Sessions

What: 5 pool classes and 1 FREE beach day.

When: Pool classes are on 18-22 March at 8:30-9:30 (Female Only) OR 5-6pm (Mixed Gender).

Free beach safety awareness day is on 23 March at 9:30-11:30am.

Where: Pool classes are at Nambour Aquatic Centre.
Beach day is at Bulcock Beach, Caloundra.


*Numbers will be limited per session.

In early December 2023, Perth played host to a gathering of over 700 delegates from 50 countries at the World Confernece on Drowning Prevention. Hosted by the International Life Saving Federation, this event served as a pivotal moment, drawing the worlds attention to the urgent need for drowning prevention and water safety initiatives.

The conference was a melting pot of ideas, research, and actions, fostering an environment where experts in drowning prevention, lifesaving, and water safety collaborated to shape global strategy. This collaborative effort highlights the shared commitment to addressing the challenges posed by drowning.

Delegates we treated to an enriching experience with field trips, workshops, and research opportunities. These activities allowed participants to test, measure, and reflect on the impact of their efforts. The conference featured specialised streams covering policy, research, prevention efforts, rescue and disaster preparation, emergency response and advocacy.

The conference provided a platform for the exchange of vast knowledge and experiences. Attendees left empowered, armed with insights and strategies to bolster drowning prevention efforts globally, nationally, and locally. The collaborative spirit of the conference underscored the collective determination to promote water safety and drowning prevention on a global scale.

Noteworthy Presentations

Royal Life Saving Society Queensland State Manager Education & Training, Nikki Thornhill, made a significant impact during her presentation and comprehensive discussion on the critical initiative of Reducing Migrant Risk of Drowning in Queensland through tailored programs:

• Highlighted the importance of developing specialized programs addressing specific risks faced by migrants in aquatic environments.
  
• Emphasized the need for targeted educational strategies and innovative approaches to minimize drowning incidents among migrant communities.
  
• Showcased proactive measures taken by the Royal Life Saving Society Queensland to enhance water safety for all individuals.
  
• Nikki's passionate commitment resonated, inspiring action and fostering awareness among attendees.

Royal Life Saving Society - Australia National Medical Advisor, Emeritus Prof. John Pearn AO RFD, delivered a compelling analysis on the significant impact of legislation in preventing pool drownings, particularly among pre-school aged children:

• Prof. Pearn's research spanned thirty years and revealed a remarkable 40% reduction in domestic drownings in the pre-school aged group due to safety legislation.
  
• Emphasized the crucial role legislation plays as an effective preventive measure, reducing child fatalities and long-term disabilities when monitored and enforced.

Additionally, Prof. Pearn eloquently addressed the ethical complexities intertwined with lifesaving endeavors:

• Highlighted fundamental principles guiding decision-making in drowning scenarios: autonomy, beneficence, and justice.
  
• Expanded the discussion to ethical considerations in sudden emergencies, emphasizing the importance of empowerment and informed choices in the face of risk.
  
• Shed light on moral obligations, the psychological impact of unsuccessful rescues, and the complexities when rescuers become victims, offering nuanced understanding of the ethical dimensions inherent in lifesaving efforts.

Looking Ahead: The Perth 2023 conference was not just a moment in time but a catalyst for ongoing efforts. The insights gained and strategies outlined will continue to shape our approach to drowning prevention and water safety. As we move forward, let us remain commited to the shared goal of making aquatic environments safer for all.

Our recent events-the Advanced Supervision Workshop and the Pool Lifeguard Challenge, highlighted our commitment to improving water safety and supporting skilled professionals.

The Advanced Supervision Workshop offered attendees an opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge. They actively exchanged advanced techniques and best practices, displaying a strong eagerness to improve. This reaffirmed our commitment to maintaining high safety standards in aquatic settings.

The Pool Lifeguard Challenge provided a platform for teams to demonstrate their abilities and teamwork. Diverse teams showcased exceptional skill, agility, and teamwork, reflecting their unwavering commitment to aquatic safety.

The success of these events was result of the dedicated participation and support from everyone involved. The enthusiasm and positive outcomes from these events reinforce our collective mission to advance safety practices and knowledge-sharing in water-related activities.

As we celebrate these achievements, we eagerly anticipate more opportunites ahead, including workshops and challenges, to further reinforce our commitment to aquatic safety.

Top three results:

– First Place: Sleeman Team 1

– Second Place: Gold Coast

– Third Place: Sleeman Team 2

– Most Valuable Competitor: Matt Barnes (Gold Coast)

Royal Life Saving Society Queensland acknowledges the support of Sleeman Sports Complex for providing the event venue and support staff; Royal Life Saving Society - Australia for providing support staff and competitor equipment kits; and staff from Royal Life Saving Society Queensland who assisted with event officiating and adjudication.

Royal Life Saving Society Queensland would also like to acknowledge the following individuals who made the event happen:

• RJ Houston
• Marty Moran
• Brooke Cherfils
• RLSSQ Staff
• The staff at Anna Meares Velodrome and Brisbane Aquatic Centre at Sleeman Sports Complex
• And of course, all the competitors

The Queensland Pool Lifeguard Challenge will return in 2024.

Stay tuned for more upcoming events!

The Queensland Aquatic Industry Group (QAI group) is proud to announce a ground breaking partnership with the Queensland Education Department, aimed at improving water safety education across Queensland. This collaborative effort represents a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of Queensland's residents, especially its children when it comes to aquatic activities.
The group, which includes aquatic industry organisations SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia (SWIM), Royal Lifesaving Queensland (RLSQ), AUSTSWIM, and Swimming Queensland, was formed as an alliance to support aquatic education in Queensland.
The collaboration between the Queensland Education Department and the QAI group reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that all Queenslanders have the knowledge and skills to stay safe in and around water. By working together and collaborating, both organisations aim to reduce water-related accidents and contribute to a safer and more informed community.
SWIM CEO Brendon Ward expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying, "Water safety is a shared responsibility. The QAI group is pleased to see this agreement come together with the Queensland Education Department, as we continue to further our common goal of reducing water-related incidents in our state. This partnership will undoubtedly benefit our students and communities."
AUSTSWIM Ambassador Brooke Hanson was excited about the news. "AUSTSWIM is thrilled to be part of this collaborative effort to enhance aquatic education in Queensland. Our commitment to promoting water safety aligns perfectly with the goals of the Queensland Education Department and the QAI group. By working together, we can provide the knowledge and skills necessary for all Queenslanders to enjoy the water safely."
The agreement, in place until 2027, establishes a framework for cooperation and mutual support between the Queensland Education Department and the QAI group. Both organisations recognise the importance of fostering water safety awareness and skills among Queensland's students.
“The key bodies within the aquatic industry have been working collaboratively with the Department of Education so that Queensland Children and communities can get the best outcome in terms of water safety education. We can all see the benefit of working together using each organisations strengths and networks to best benefit Queensland children,” Royal Life Saving Qld Executive Director Paul Barry said.

Key aspects of this collaboration includes: Water Safety Curriculum Integration, Teacher Training, Access to Aquatic Facilities, Public Awareness Campaigns, and Research and Development.
The QAI group will share responsibility for providing training and resources for teachers to deliver effective water safety education, including best practices in teaching water safety and the latest information on aquatic safety guidelines.
About the Queensland Education Department: The Queensland Education Department is responsible for overseeing and developing the education system in Queensland, Australia. The department's mission is to provide all Queenslanders with access to high-quality education, ensuring they are well-prepared for the future.
About Queensland Aquatic Industry Group (QAI group): QAI group is a collective of aquatic industry professionals and organisations in Queensland, dedicated to improving water safety and promoting aquatic activities. The group made up of SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia (SWIM), Royal Lifesaving Queensland (RLSQ), AUSTSWIM, and Swimming Queensland works to enhance aquatic education, safety, and opportunities for all Queensland residents.