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
