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 achievement marks a significant and positive milestone for the Brisbane Aquatic Centre.

“It is pleasing to see such a high-level venue take a proactive and leading approach in the provision of Aquatic Safety Management,” said Ms Thornhill.

“Brisbane Aquatic Centre are among a select few venues throughout Queensland to achieve this very difficult rating and have proactively been working hard over the past two (2) years to ensure the venue makes this achievement.”

Stadiums Queensland, Sleeman’s Sports Complex General Manager, Alex Hutchison expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with the Royal Life Saving Society.

Once again, Congratulations to the Brisbane Aquatic Centre on this outstanding achievement!

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, particularly colleagues in the aquatic industry and drowning prevention sectors.

Impact on the Aquatic Industry

Royal Life Saving Australia estimates that up to 349 aquatic facilities have been impacted due to their locations within the declared disaster zones. These facilities include:

• 133 community outdoor swimming pools
• 76 multi-use aquatic centres
• 112 commercial swim schools
• 28 club and education institution pools

Impacts include damage to facilities, water quality disruptions from floodwater, debris and other contaminants, supply chain issues and the impacts to up to 10,786 aquatic workers, including lifeguards, swimming and water safety teachers.

Ordinarily, these facilities provide an estimated 200,000+ visits per day, with the estimated economic impact of closures of approximately up to $5.8 million per day. It is estimated most affected facilities have been closed for an average of 3 days, representing an estimated economic impact of up to $17.5 million.

Recovery and Support

Affected aquatic facilities and workers may be eligible for support through a range of government assistance measures, including:

• Disaster Recovery Funding Announced for North and Far North Queensland
• Australian Government Additional Support for Impacted Communities
• Queensland Government Disaster Assistance
• NSW Government Recovery Grants and Payments
• Queensland Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Funding

Royal Life Saving encourages affected aquatic facilities and operators to seek available funding and support (if eligible) to assist with recovery.

We also note in disaster areas without utilities, some aquatic facilities, such as the Gold Coast aquatic facilities, have been opened free of charge to community so they can access things like toilets, showers and power to charge electronic communication devices.

Looking Ahead

As the industry assesses the full extent of damage and develops pathways to recovery, Royal Life Saving remains committed to supporting aquatic industry professionals during this challenging time.

We remain hopeful that all affected colleagues have remained safe and encourage those impacted to reach out for assistance as needed.

We welcome government and community support for the rebuilding of these essential community facilities, ensuring they can continue providing vital swimming and water safety services for the affected communities, bringing people together and enabling greater community wellbeing and resilience.

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 challenges ahead.

If you are located in Brisbane, please listen to the emergency radio which is for the Brisbane area radio 612 AM, Sunshine Coast 91.7 FM and Gold Coast 90.3 FM.

Below are some tips for you, but please remember to listen to all local community safety messaging.

We expect to be back at work on Monday morning, and you are welcome to reach out to us if you need assistance. My contact number if you need to contact me is 0408 185 727, but in an emergency please call 000.

Please stay safe.

Paul Barry
Brisbane, 7 March 2025 (2pm)

Tips

Before the cyclone

• Disconnect all electrical appliances (listen to your battery radio for updates).
• Stay inside and shelter (well clear of windows) in the strongest part of the building (i.e. internal hallway or bathroom). Keep evacuation and emergency kits with you.
• If the building starts to break up, protect yourself with mattresses, rugs or blankets under a strong table or bench or hold onto a solid fixture.
• Beware the calm ‘eye’. If the wind drops, don’t assume the cyclone is over; violent winds will soon resume from another direction. Wait for the official ‘all clear’.
• If driving, stop (handbrake on and in gear or park) — but well away from the ocean/rivers/water, and clear of trees and power lines. Stay in the vehicle.

After the cyclone

• Don’t go outside until officially advised it is safe.
• Check for gas leaks and other hazards. Don’t use electric appliances if wet.
• Listen to local radio for official warnings and advice.
• If you have to evacuate, or did so earlier, don’t return until advised. Use a recommended route and don’t rush.
• Beware of damaged or downed power lines, bridges, buildings, trees, and don’t enter floodwaters.
• Heed all warnings and don’t go sightseeing. Check/help neighbours instead.

What to expect after the cyclone

• Some emergency services workers have compared the impact of a severe cyclone to a war zone. Be prepared for a lot of structural and environmental damage.
• Power and communications can be lost for hours, days or weeks. You may not be able to access your bank account and may need to rely on cash kept in your emergency kit.
• Water, gas and sewage services may not be working. There could also be road and airport closures and loss of communications.
• Food and fuel may be in short supply, or unavailable.
• High levels of stress and trauma may also be felt in your community or family if there has been destruction, injuries or deaths, loss of services or isolation.
• Not all businesses and support services will function efficiently and well, be prepared for slow service, delays and incorrect information.
• During this time, it is very important to look after your wellbeing. Refer to the wellbeing section below for tips and links to support organisation

Will there be a mud army?

• There may not be, in 2011 parts of Brisbane were impacted and parts were not, so many people volunteered to help others and were able to drive to other suburbs to helps others.
• This time, we expect the entire area may be impacted, so we recommend you help your immediate area only, and don’t drive to other suburbs until the clearance is given. This can unreasonably risk you or others.
• Volunteering Queensland has been appointed to be the coordinating agency for a mud army (or similar) if it is to occur.

Wellbeing and Mental Health

Anticipatory Anxiety

Anticipatory anxiety occurs when we feel worried or nervous about a future event that has not yet happened. In the case of an impending cyclone, the uncertainty about the potential impact can lead to heightened stress and anxiety.

How can you manage Anticipatory Anxiety

• Focus on what you can do
• Use an if-then techniques
• Stay informed (but limit exposure)
• Practice relaxation techniques
• Talk about it
• Prioritise self care
• Accept uncertainty

Emotional Support Contact

• Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
• Headspace: 1800 650 890
• SANE Australia: 1800 18 7263
• Mental Health Triage Service (24/7): 13 14 65
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

This information has been obtained from Royal Life Saving business partner Get Mentally Fit who we use and recommend:

www.getmentallyfit.com.au

Sources of information:

• https://www.disaster.qld.gov.au/

• https://www.jcu.edu.au/safety-and-wellbeing/emergency/natural-disasters/personal-cyclone-preparedness-and-safety-procedures

• https://dfes.wa.gov.au/hazard-information/cyclone/recovery

• https://www.abc.net.au/emergency/recover-what-to-do-after-a-storm/102612432

The cyclone could last up to nine (9) hours and information is changing from hour to hour.

Please take all necessary precautions, stay informed through official channels, and support one another during this time.

Stay safe, and take care.

Paul Barry, Executive Director

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 these months. This serves as a timely vehicle for us to promote safety advice in conjunction with our ongoing drowning prevention campaigns for particularly high-risk groups and communities, such as men, children and people from multicultural communities.

National Summer Drowning Toll 2024/25
104 lives lost to drowning in waterways and swimming pools this summer

• The National Summer Drowning Toll for 2024/25 identified that 104 people lost their lives to drowning, up 5% from last summer and 14% on the 5-year average.
• One-third (32%) of all summer drowning deaths were people aged 55 years and over. Ten children (0 -14 years) drowned this summer. Males remain over-represented (81%).
• New South Wales recorded the highest number of drowning deaths (33), followed by Victoria (22), Queensland (22), and Western Australia (15).
• Approximately one third each occurred at beaches (32%) and rivers (30%). River drowning increased by 29%. Swimming pool drowning deaths (11) doubled compared to last summer.
• Two-thirds (64%) of drowning deaths occurred in regional areas. Regional communities experience higher rates of drowning, due to greater exposure to natural waters, and reduced access to safe places to swim.
• Royal Life Saving is alarmed by the increase in drowning deaths again this summer and emphasise the need for long-term investments into drowning prevention measures

To stay safe around the water, be prepared and make sure to:

Know your swimming abilities

Always supervise children around water

Avoid alcohol around water

Wear a lifejacket when boating, paddling and fishing

Check the conditions and be prepared to change your plans

Avoid going alone

Choose a patrolled beach and swim between the flags

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 insights will help shape the future of the industry by:

• Building a comprehensive workforce profile

• Identifying key challenges and opportunities

• Strengthening advocacy efforts

• Informing policies and programs that support and grow the workforce

The survey is completely anonymous, but participants who choose to leave their name and email will go into the draw to win one of 20 x $150 Prezzee e-gift vouchers.

Survey closes: Monday, 7 April 2025

Winners contacted by email: By 5 May 2025

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, teamwork, and emergency response.

Throughout the holiday program, the kids took part in a variety of hands-on activities designed to challenge and excite:

• Paddle Board Rescues and Relays: Participants learned how to perform rescues using paddle boards and enjoyed friendly relay races that tested their skills and speed.
• CPR: Junior Lifeguards were trained in CPR techniques, ensuring they are prepared to respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Manakin Tow and Relay: Working in teams, the kids towed rescue manakins through the water, practicing real-life techniques in a fun and engaging way.
• Obstacle Course: A thrilling obstacle course helped participants hone their agility, speed, and problem-solving abilities while reinforcing safety protocols.
• Lifejacket Scenarios: using lifejackets, participants learned how to get into the HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) and HUDDLE positions – two critical techniques for staying safe in the water in emergency situations.
• Safe Entries: Practicing how to enter the water safety in an emergency, participants learned techniques to ensure quick and controlled access to the water during rescues.

At the end of each session, the energy was high as participants jumped into friendly challenges, eager to showcase all the skills they had mastered throughout the day! These exciting competitions gave the juniors a chance to demonstrate their newfound abilities to instructors, family, and friends, adding an extra sense of pride and accomplishment to the program. It was a thrilling experience for everyone involved, with each participant leaving the program not only more confident but also highly skilled in water safety.

A huge thank you to all our young lifeguards for their enthusiasm and dedication! We can’t wait to see you again next year for another round of action-packed training, teamwork, and fun.

🌊 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 the end of their lifespan this decade, we must embrace innovative, equitable, and sustainable solutions to meet the needs of communities nationwide.

This two-day symposium, facilitated by Royal Life Saving Australia and held in Melbourne on 27 & 28 March 2025, will unite senior industry leaders, architects, planners, policymakers, academics, and drowning prevention experts to co-develop a vision for the future of aquatic facilities – ensuring every community has access to a great local pool.

🔑 Key topics include:
Addressing aging infrastructure and infrastructure gaps
Investment and sustainability models
Equitable access for regional and underserved communities
Framework development for facility provisioning

💡 Attendance is by invitation only, with a small registration fee to cover costs. If you’re interested in attending or presenting, we encourage you to complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form below.

👉 EOI Form: https://lnkd.in/gURqJi3g

For more details check out the event website here: https://lnkd.in/gKUUgkrC

Together, let’s create safer, more inclusive, and sustainable aquatic facilities for future generations! 🌟

hashtag#AquaticInfrastructure hashtag#NationalAquaticsSymposium hashtag#DrowningPrevention hashtag#CommunityPools hashtag#Sustainability hashtag#Innovation

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 successful applicant will be responsible for:

• Promoting and growing our programs and training courses
• Engaging with clients, answer phone calls and enquiries
• Organisation events and activities
• Providing high quality customer service to patrons
• Develop and use our marketing calendar
• Using our various communications media to develop and grow the organisation and our activities

The successful applicant will have strong customer service skills and be computer literate, also be:

• Reliable and dependable
• A friendly and personable disposition
• Able to coordinate simultaneous competing tasks
• Adaptable and willing to learn

Note: This is a customer service role which may involve working outside of normal business hours (including weekends) and some travel.

Note: We expect a lot of applications and may close the advertisement early

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 includes alignment with other Royal Life Saving states”.

The Strategic Framework includes a refreshed purpose, vision and newly developed beliefs. It discusses our values and the has four strategic pillars:

• Eliminate drowning
• Empowering communities
• Succeeding together
• Strengthening safety

How you can provide feedback?

Please review the Draft Strategic Framework and let us know what you think. You can email feedback to us at admin@rlssq.com.au. Please provide any feedback by 20 January 2025.

How do I get a copy?

Please click the button below to get a copy of the Strategic Framework