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.

We have made the very difficult decision to close the Burpengary Aquatic Centre, effective 12pm on friday 6 October 2023.

The pool was constructed in the early 1980’s and is in need of significant structural repairs or redevelopment. Royal Life Saving have taken the very difficult decision to close the centre whilst repairs and re-development options are considered.

Arrangements have been made with alternate aquatic facilities in the area to ensure that children who are enrolled in lessons have the option of moving to a neighbouring swim centre. Existing Burpengary Aquatics customers will be offered 4 weeks free learn to swim at nearby aquatic facilities.

A full refund of fees will be provided to all customers who have pre-paid fees. We will communicate the refund process to those affected customers in the coming days via our Burpengary Aquatics website.

Royal Life Saving has arrangements in place to support Burpengary Aquatic staff at this very difficult time for them, including potential for employment at other aquatic centres.

View our media release here below

Royal Life Saving releases it’s annual report for the financial year (June 2023). 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 your newly appointed President, I’m both honoured and excited about our journey ahead”. Executive Director Mr Paul Barry said “Our need as important now, as it was in 1905. In the last 12 months , there have been far too many lives lost to drowning, the majority of these could have been avoided”.

The National Drowning Report 2023, developed by Royal Life Saving – Australia in partnership with
Surf Life Saving Australia, provides an analysis of fatal drowning between 1 July 2022 and 30 June
2023.

The analysis shows that 281 people lost their lives to drowning in Australia last financial year.
Nationally, the number of drowning fatalities in children aged 0-4 years (16 deaths, 6%) was 33 per
cent below the ten-year average.

57% of drowning deaths were people over the age of 45 years.

Drowning was above the 10-year average for all age groups 45 years and older except for 65-74,
where there was no change.

The leading drowning locations for nationally were rivers/creeks (76 deaths, 27%), beaches (75
deaths, 27%), and ocean/harbours (33 deaths, 10%).

The National Drowning Report analysis also shows that those residing in regional and remote areas
drown at higher rates compared to those residing in major ci􀆟es, and that those living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas drown at higher rates that those in advantaged areas.

National Drowning Report 2023 for Queensland

• 2022/23 drowning deaths: 61
• 10-year average: 66
• This is an 8% decrease compared to the 10-year average
• 2022/23 drowning fatal drowning rate per 100,000: 1.15
• 10-Year Average Fatal Drowning Rate per 100,000: 1.35
• This is a 15% decrease compared to the 10-year average

QLD 2022/23 Facts:

• 70% of all drowning deaths in Queensland were males (43 deaths)
• 20% of drowning deaths adults aged 45-54 years (12 deaths).
• 10% of drowning deaths children under 5 years of age (6 deaths).
• Top 3 locations
  • 28% of drowning deaths occurred at River/creek locations (17 deaths)
  • 23% of drowning deaths occurred at a Beach (14 deaths)
  • 21% of drowning deaths occurred at Ocean/harbour locations (13 deaths)
• Top 2 activities:
  • 39% of drowning deaths occurred while swimming and recreating (24 deaths)
  • 16% of drowning deaths occurred while boa􀆟ng (10 deaths)

President of Royal Life Saving Queensland, Mr Les Mole, has stepped down from the role. Royal Life Saving would like to thank Mr Les Mole for his service to Royal Life Saving. Mr Mole departs as President after many years on the Queensland board.

Mr Mole commenced with Royal Life Saving Queensland as Executive Director in 1994, a role he held for 10 years until 2004. Following this, Les became a board member holding the offices of Treasurer, Secretary, Deputy President and most recently, President. Les was also on the RLSSA National Board from 1994 to 2011 and was also a member of the Rescue Committee of the International Life Saving Federation. Les is a Life Member, trainer and assessor for Royal Life Saving and has authored several publications including Free Chlorine, a book on the history of RLSSQ and the story of China Life Saving.

The board would like to thank Les for his outstanding service to Royal Life Saving over the years and wish him all the best for his future.

The South East Queensland Water Safety Strategy 2023 – 2027 was released yesterday by Royal Life Saving – Australia.

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This Strategy was developed from a Forum in 15 – 16 May 2023, which saw more than 120 delegates from over 45 organisations meet together to develop a collective water safety strategy for the South East Queensland region. The forum, co-hosted by Royal Life Saving Society – Queensland and City of Gold Coast, came about as a result of Royal Life Saving research, which found that 366 people had drowned in the region in the last 10 years, making the region a drowning blackspot region.

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It was found that 30% of drownings occurred in a river or creek, 33% while swimming or recreating, and 30% at the Gold Coast. A Strategic Framework has been proposed following a review of available drowning data, media reports, the lived-experiences of the individuals, groups and agencies represented at the engagement forum. These accounts reflect where the burden of drowning is highest, where the issues are most preventable and whether the local issues are sufficiently defined and understood so that actions can be targeted.