Royal Life Saving is seeking to employ a full time Aquatic Facility Specialist (Facility Auditor) for a new role located at Gumdale. The purpose of the role is to build and drive Royal Life Saving as a risk management specialist in the aquatic industry in Queensland. To increase the safety of aquatic facilities and locations and to assist increase overall safety for individuals who frequent these locations. work with all levels of aquatic industry – operations through to government. Strengthen industry relationships, knowledge and safety.

We are seeking an energetic and enthusiastic person with aquatic industry experience who will:

• Manage RLSS Aquatic advisors / risk services: including platinum pool program, pool safety assessments, signage assessments and supervision assessments
• Industry liaising: relation management with aquatic stakeholders and delivery of workshops, forums, or symposiums
• Business development: building and retaining partnerships across multiple industries, growing aquatic service capabilities, products and services, providing industry updates to stakeholders.
• Compliance: assisting with maintaining of standards.
• Work alongside and support Royal Life Saving Australia
• Proactively grow aquatic services and revenue

Please refer to the Position Vacant page on our website to express interest in the role.

Our Commonwealth Office is delighted to receive notification that His Majesty King Charles III has accepted the Patronage of The Royal Life Saving Society.

Royal Life Saving Society Queensland (and Australia) are members of the RLSS Commonwealth.

This news is wonderful for the Society and maintains the link between the reigning monarch and the Society which was established in 1904. This news comes as we celebrate the first anniversary of Their Majesties’ Coronation.

We are very grateful to His Majesty for this display of support. His Majesty is no stranger to the RLSS having, as Prince Charles, achieved his Bronze Medallion and the Elementary Certificate in 1962.

Royal Life Saving Queensland launches Virtual First Aid courses.

A virtual first aid course is a course completed entirely online and is ideal for those in regional or remote locations that find it difficulty to attend face-to-face courses in metro locations. This ground breaking method merges interactive, self-paced online learning with webinar-style instruction and practical evaluations guided by certified training experts. Before your online session, we will post you a training kit, which including a training manikin and other vital resources so you can complete the course.

The Virtual First Aid course is a little more expensive than a regular first aid course at $310.00, however this cost includes a resource kit (which you keep) and it can be completed without having to attend one of our usual training locations.

Course provided by Royal Life Saving Training RTO 5431. Upon successful completion of this course, a Statement of Attainment in the following units of competence is issued:
HLTAID009 – Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
HLTAID010 – Provide basic emergency life support
HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid

Interested parties are invited to apply for Queensland-first Aquatic Industry Safety Committee

Royal Life Saving Queensland (RLSQ) are inviting key stakeholders who have capacity and capability in safety in the Queensland aquatic industry to establish a Queensland Aquatic Industry Safety Committee, a key outcome of the South East Queensland Water Safety Strategy 2023-27 (Link). This committee aims to enhance aquatic industry safety across Queensland and drive collaboration within the aquatic industry. Building communities of practice around safety and compliance in the aquatic industry.

This important initiative is in response to calls for this to occur in the South East Queensland forum, which was a forum of close to 200 industry experts on drowning prevention and water safety. The South East Queensland Water Safety Strategy 2023-27, a comprehensive plan developed by Royal Life Saving Queensland, identified the need for a dedicated committee to address safety challenges and opportunities in the aquatic industry.

The committee is intended to consist of representatives from key stakeholders including aquatic facility owners & operators, local government leaders, private agencies, and community groups, reflecting a collaborative approach to addressing aquatic industry safety issues.

“We know that the aquatic industry provides significant benefits to the community but recognise there are some gaps we need to address. The establishment of the Queensland Aquatic Industry Safety Committee marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to improve the consistency of safety standards in the aquatic industry.” said Paul Barry, Executive Director of Royal Life Saving Queensland.

“We know that the aquatic industry provides significant benefits to the community and want to ensure we continue to do this at the best possible safety standard available.” Said Mr Barry.

Tim Goward, Manager Major Venues – City of Gold Coast, emphasised the importance of a high level of safety and compliance at aquatic facilities and welcomes the approach by Royal Life Saving Society – Queensland in bringing the industry together to improve safety. 

Mr Goward highlighted the positive impact of aquatic facility safety assessments conducted as part of the strategy. He remarked, “The safety of aquatic users is paramount and should be a high priority for all aquatic facilities and managers. This committee will be a great avenue for the industry to collectively improve by sharing valuable insight, recommendations, learnings and best practice.”

Royal Life Saving is extending an invitation to all agencies, organisations, and individuals in the Queensland aquatic industry who are interested in bettering aquatic industry standards and safety. To express an interest in attending, please complete the Expression of Interest form (Link) and return by COB Monday, 13 May 2024.

Resources:

https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/74722/Water-Safety-Strategy-Final.pdf

Media and Committee Contacts

Nikki Thornhill

State Manager Royal Life Saving Society – Queensland

On 22nd April, the Pool Lifeguard Challenge returned for its second year, serving as a stage for teams to showcase their abilities and team work. Diverse participants, with a wide range of expertise, agility, and collaboration, highlighting their unwavering dedication to aquatic safety across South East Queensland.

The success of these events was a testament to the dedicated participation and support from all involved. The enthusiasm and positive outcomes from these events further underscored our collective mission to enhance safety practices and knowledge-sharing in water related activities.

As we commemorate these achievements, we eagerly anticipate more opportunities ahead to fortify our commitment to aquatic safety.

The top three results are as follows:

First Place: Gold Coast
Second Place: Sleeman Team 2
Third Place: Sleeman Team 1
Most Valuable Competitor: Brenden Elliott (Gold Coast)

Royal Life Saving Society Queensland extends gratitude to Sleeman Sports Complex for providing the event venue and support staff, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia for offering support staff and competitor equipment kits, and the 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 contributed to the event’s success:

Brooke Cherfils
RLSSQ Staff
and, of course, all the competitors

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.