Victorian Public Pools State of the Sector Report 2019/20 - Life Saving ...
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About Life Saving Victoria (LSV) About Aquatics & Recreation Established in 2002, Life Saving Victoria (LSV) is an Victoria (ARV) initiative of the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia (RLSA) Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) is Victoria’s peak Victoria Branch (est. 1904) and Surf Life Saving Victoria industry body for aquatics and recreation. (est. 1947) to prevent aquatic-related death and injury. ARV is a not-for-profit, member-based association providing LSV’s vision is that all communities learn water safety, support, professional development, training, advocacy, swimming and resuscitation, and enjoy safe beaches, water research and networking opportunities to those who plan, environments and aquatic venues. build, own, operate or service aquatic and recreation facilities Operating as a social enterprise, LSV is an independent across Victoria. company that is limited by guarantee, with more than 300 staff and 38,000 volunteer members. Together, LSV works ARV positions itself to remain relevant and responsive to the with communities, educational institutions, emergency industry and partners it represents. It pursues a strategy of service organisations, government, businesses and the developing effective relationships with a range of partners broader aquatic industry, across a range of operational across the aquatic and recreation, commercial, health, local activities and services including: government and state government sectors. • Seasonal beach lifesaving. ARV facilitates industry development and advocacy, • Event lifesaving. research opportunities, delivers aquatics services, conducts • Water safety education and campaigns. special projects and studies to provide key information on behalf of the industry. It works to provide guidelines and • Aquatic leadership and development. benchmarks in consultation with industry, the tertiary sector • Public aquatic and first aid training. and government. ARV’s key role is to develop effective • Aquatic risk assessments. partnerships by bringing industry organisations together to • Multicultural water safety education. achieve a common goal. • Research and evaluation. Acknowledgements Definitions LSV and ARV gratefully acknowledge Community Issue-based • Any pool where swimming lessons the public pool representatives and Working Group: are being conducted (for the government/industry agencies that A stakeholder group formally engaged duration of the lesson/s). contribute to water safety across the to address Victoria’s primary drowning • Any swimming pool offering Victorian public pool sector by: prevention issues. access on a pay-per-usage basis is Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations considered public for the duration of • Contributing to industry committees (GSPO): Recommended minimum the pay-per-access usage. and working groups. safety standard for swimming pools. Communal pool: A privately owned • Attending industry conferences and events. Platinum Pool: Pools that successfully pool that is accessible by a group complete a series of annual of people and/or their customers. • Adhering to industry guidelines. assessments and adhere to a strict Communal pools include: • Investing in staff training and code of practice, accredited under professional development. • Apartment building pools. LSV’s Platinum Pool Program. • Developing and/or supporting • Body corporate pools. Pool Safety Assessment: Auditing a industry resources. • Hotel, motel and caravan park pool’s operational performance against • Participating in and/or supporting pools. known industry standards, behaviours industry research and evaluation. and expectations, specific to staff and • Short and long-term serviced patron safety. apartments. Public pool: Under the National Aquatic • Airbnb and/or other Bed Facility Classification and Definition and Breakfast commercial System the following facilities are accommodation arrangements. considered public pools: Communal pools are referred to as ‘Class • Council-owned pools. 3’ pools in the National Aquatic Facility Classification and Definition System. • Learn-to-swim pools. • Early childhood care, tertiary education and higher education venue pools.
Contents About Life Saving Victoria 2 About Aquatics and Recreation Victoria 2 Acknowledgements 2 Definitions 2 Aim 4 Objectives 4 Introduction from LSV and ARV 5 Sector size and economic benefits 6 Public pool social and health benefits 7 2019-20 Overview 8 Impacts of COVID-19 9 #InThisTogether – LSV’s aquatic industry COVID-19 response 10 #OurIndustryConnected – ARV’s aquatic and recreation industry COVID-19 response 11 Distribution of Victorian public pools 12 Drowning statistics 14 New industry initiatives 16 Updates to ongoing industry initiatives 20 Sector safety 22 Research and industry strategies 28 Case studies from industry 30 Industry awards 32 News and events 33 New facility developments 34 Industry profiles 36 References and methods 38 Stakeholder opportunities 39 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report 3
Aim Objectives The annual Victorian This report provides: Public Pools – State of the • An overview of the Sector Report provides a industry’s size, scope snapshot of the public and value. pool industry. • Analysis of industry safety performance The target audiences and trends. for the report are facility • An overview of sector owners and operators, projects, research and aquatic industry agencies new initiatives. and government • Details of key industry departments. award and event winners. • Insights into trends in public pool use by customers. • Evidence of the impact of COVID-19 on the industry and communities. 4 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report
Introduction from LSV and ARV LSV and ARV are proud to present the third annual Victorian Public Pools – State of the Sector Report. This report provides a broad, overall snapshot of the public pool industry. As the one true source of information, this report will increase collaboration, improve analysis and evaluation, and lead to more informed decisions within the industry. By working together, LSV and ARV are creating a greater understanding of the sector and better outcomes for members and stakeholders. Information and data have been provided by LSV, ARV, industry partners and publicly available sources. Understanding and interpreting these will provide better insight into the sector’s size, performance and broader landscape. The insights continue to inform smarter, more confident and larger public pool investments. Dr Nigel Taylor ESM Kathy Parton CEO Interim CEO Life Saving Victoria Aquatics & Recreation Victoria 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report 5
Sector size and economic benefits $38.8m 288 annual direct economic benefit to the Victorian economy is provided by outdoor pools (Swimming Australia, 2020). Victorian council-owned pools. 280 $242m annual direct economic benefit to the Victorian additional Victorian public-access pools. economy is provided by indoor pools and indoor/outdoor complexes (Swimming Australia, 2020). 70million+ $247m visits to Victorian aquatic recreation facilities in a typical (non-COVID-19) year annual indirect economic benefit to the (Victorian Water Safety Assembly, 2016). Victorian economy is provided by public pool supply chains and ancillary expenditures 40,000+ (Swimming Australia, 2020). employees trained in water safety each year (Skills IQ, 2018). $36m annual indirect health contributions is provided by swimming in Victoria (Swimming Australia, 2020). Sport and active recreation $1.1b make a significant contribution to Victoria’s lifetime health contribution is provided by liveability (Sport and Recreation Victoria, 2017). swimming in Victoria (Swimming Australia, 2020). $8.5b $110m value of sport and recreation to the Victorian annual direct contribution to the regional economy (Sport and Recreation Victoria, 2017). Victorian economy is provided by public pools (Swimming Australia, 2020). $1.8b $194m annual direct economic benefit to the Victorian economy is provided by swimming annual direct contribution to the metropolitan (Swimming Australia, 2020). Melbourne economy is provided by public pools (Swimming Australia, 2020). $304m $933m annual direct economic benefit to the Victorian economy is provided by public pool operations four-year planned infrastructure spend (including learn-to-swim) (Swimming Australia, 2020). (Victorian Auditor General’s Office, 2016). 6 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report
Public pool Swimming and water safety skills are a critical component in drowning prevention social and (World Health Organisation, 2014). health Drowning costs the Australian economy $1.5 billion each year (RLSA, 2018). benefits Each swimming pool visit generates $26 in health benefits to the community (RLSA, 2017). Swimming is Australia’s largest participation sport, and Australia’s most successful sport at the Olympics and Paralympics (Swimming Australia, 2020). Insufficient physical activity is responsible for five per cent of all death and disability in Australia (RLSA, 2017). Lack of sufficient physical activity costs the Australian economy $3.7 billion every year (RLSA, 2017). The average aquatic facility creates $2.72 million a year in value to the community (RLSA, 2017). Physical activity has a 25 per cent preventative impact on anxiety and depression (Harvard University, 2020). Increasing the rate of physical activity by 10 per cent has been estimated to reduce physical inactivity (low levels of physical activity) related deaths by 15 per cent and new cases by 13 per cent (VicHealth, 2016). Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of death due to non-communicable disease worldwide (heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancers) – contributing to over three million preventable deaths annually (six per cent of deaths globally) (World Health Organization, 2009). Increasing the activity of physically inactive Victorians would save $245 million in health costs in a lifetime (Victoria State Government, 2017). Increasing the activity of physically inactive Victorians would increase workplace productivity by $3.1 billion in a lifetime (Victoria State Government, 2017). 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report 7
2019-20 2019-20 was marred by bushfires, Overview poor air quality and a global pandemic. It was a challenging time for everyone, and the aquatic and recreation industry was impacted significantly. It was also a time when industry personnel drew on the resilience and skills they had learned to help each other, their communities and their stakeholders. It will be a year remembered not just for the difficulties, but also for the way it brought the aquatic industry together (while staying apart) to find new and innovative solutions to how it delivers services to the community. It is clear that technology equipped the industry to adapt to new challenges, but it was also a time to recognise that a screen can never replace the value of meaningful, face-to-face interaction or the feelings of joy and rejuvenation that swimming in a pool and gathering at community facilities brings. There is little doubt that a blend of online and face-to-face service delivery will continue to assist the industry in providing more efficient and effective services to its stakeholders into the future. 8 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report
Impacts of The Arts and Recreation sectors COVID-19 have been hardest hit by COVID-19 lockdowns (ABS, 2020). PUBLIC POOL CLOSURES* FROM 16 MARCH - 31 MAY 2020 RESULTED IN: -$346 -$21 million -$6.9 million -13 million million immediate detrimental detrimental effect visits to effect to regional on public health public pools immediate detrimental Victoria’s economy with further ongoing did not occur. effect to the Victorian with ongoing further detrimental economy with ongoing Indirectly adversely detrimental impacts. impacts. affecting physical further detrimental impacts. activity levels and mental health. -8,000 -145,000 -$523,000 aquatic industry staff swim lessons average immediate missed out on water were missed detrimental economic safety training. each week. effects on each aquatic facility’s local community with ongoing further detrimental impacts. *It is noted that this data is restricted only to the 2019-20 financial year and that impacts carry over into the 2020-21 financial year. **It is noted that adverse economic, health and social impacts could have been significantly greater in the face of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic had restrictions not been imposed. LSV and ARV remain supportive of all government efforts to protect the Victorian community. 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report 9
#InThisTogether Every area of LSV was affected by the LSV’s aquatic COVID-19 pandemic, but the team have proven to be #InThisTogether through the industry development of a number of innovative COVID-19 solutions that kept the aquatic and recreation response industry connected, informed and engaged. For aquatic and recreation industry professionals who temporarily lost their workplaces to the pandemic, the online Aquatic, Fitness and Recreation (AFAR) – Professional Development Series provided opportunities to keep the aquatic and recreation industry informed and their thinking current in a rapidly changing environment. The Water Safety @Home Series provided learning opportunities for children who were missing out on swimming lessons to learn at home. Mental Wellbeing Mondays and Blue Connections provided industry personnel opportunities to connect and look after their psychological wellbeing. CPR & First @Home offerings were quickly mobilised to allow industry personnel to keep their qualifications up to date without needing to leave their homes. Throughout the pandemic, LSV worked with industry leaders to advocate on the impacts experienced by aquatic facilities and learn- to-swim schools and recognises the unprecedented hardships faced by the industry in 2019-20, and that they will continue to be felt into the future. Through this period, LSV lead a number of key advocacy initiatives including the provision of an industry Return to Play Plan endorsed by government to be used by aquatic facilities in order to facilitate a safe and early as possible reopening. LSV worked closely with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV), WorkSafe and Emergency Management Victoria (EMV) to ensure timely, evidence- based and effective advocacy was given between government and industry as well as participating in and leading a number of industry forums and engagement activities to ensure the sharing of information and enable effective decision making. By looking at how LSV could service the needs of industry professionals working from home, as well as the needs of government and industry organisations, LSV took a multilateral and holistic approach to its support, advocacy and engagement efforts and would like to thank every partner and stakeholder for their collaboration over this difficult period. 10 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report
#OurIndustryConnected ARV’s aquatic The outbreak of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the Victorian aquatic and recreation and recreation industry. industry While some annual ARV activities have either been rescheduled, pivoted COVID-19 or adapted, ARV’s focus over this period of 2020 has been to enable and lead industry engagement and advocacy activities within Victoria and response nationally. As a peak Victorian industry body, our priority has been to represent our members and industry through important integrative functions including research, provision of advice to government and the sector, advocacy and representation to government and other decision-makers, Key collaborative information dissemination within the sector and to the community, outcomes have industry consultation and coordination within the sector and industry included: capacity building. ARV has closely monitored the COVID-19 pandemic using official • Victorian Aquatics sources to ensure the best information has been provided to the industry and Recreation to enable a consistent industry response to government COVID-19 Industry Recovery directions. Proposal. ARV has established and participated in a number of new collaborations to ensure industry connection and enable contemporary industry advice • Victorian Aquatics to government, including the Victorian Aquatics and Recreation Industry and Recreation Leaders Group, the National Aquatics and Recreation Industry Leaders Group, the Victorian Aquatics Industry Alliance and the Australian Leisure Reopening Facilities Networking Committee. These groups, comprising senior Proposal. industry personnel, have informed advocacy activities, industry resource development, industry engagement and industry innovations. • Victorian Aquatics ARV have provided opportunities for multiple segments of the Victorian and Recreation aquatic and recreation industry to regularly stay engaged, be informed, Advocacy Plan. learn from each other, problem-solve and provide peer support throughout this changing and challenging year. 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report 11
Distribution There are more than 560 public pools of Victorian in Victoria, providing infrastructure and services for aquatic leisure, learn-to-swim public pools and rehabilitation. Regional public pools 12 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report
Metropolitan public pools Legend Pool Type Council (288) Learn to Swim (193) School / University (81) Population density 3 people or fewer per km2 3.1 to 8.5 people per km2 8.6 to 138 people per km2 139 to 1575 people per km2 1576 to 4870 people per km2 *not shown on map: approximately 100 communal pools 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report 13
Key statistics Drowning statistics 10 Drowning deaths in public pools since July 2000 There were no drowning deaths in 78% Victorian public Of drowning victims were male pools in 2019-20. However, there 29 Median age of were 24 non- Years Drowning victims fatal drowning incidents attended by 92 Non-fatal drowning incidents in public pools paramedics. in the past 5 years (2014-15 to 2019-20) 41% of non-fatal drowning incidents were children aged 5-14 years. Key contributing factors to FIGURE 1 Frequency of fatal and non-fatal drowning at public fatal drowning deaths: pools 2014/15 to 2019/20* Fatal Non-fatal Lack of supervision 11* 22 12 25 24 2 1 0 0 9 0 0 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 Pre-existing *Note: Figure 1 missing non-fatal drowning data in medical conditions 2014-15 due to industrial action by paramedics. 14 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report
Fatal and non-fatal drownings at public swimming pools Fatal drowning Although outside the scope of the Victorian Public Pools - State of the incidents Sector Report, it is important to note that there were two drowning deaths in a communal ‘Class 3’ pool during this period. (Class 3 pools are those There were no located in a residential building, including pools within hotels/motels, drowning deaths caravan parks, apartment complexes and retirement villages.) Since July 2000, there have been ten drowning deaths in public pools in at public pools in Victoria, representing 1.2 per cent of the total unintentional drowning deaths Victoria in the last in Victoria. Further analysis of drowning deaths in public pools over the past 20 years revealed that 78 per cent were male and the median age was financial year. 29-years old. Most occurred in summer or autumn and the average time was 2:30pm. Key contributing factors were a lack of supervision and pre- existing medical conditions. (Life Saving Victoria, 2018; Mahony et al, 2018). Non-fatal drowning The 24 non-fatal drowning incidents at public pools in Victoria incidents in 2019-20 is eight more than the five-year average of 16 non-fatal drowning incidents in public pools attended by paramedics. There were 24 Non-fatal drowning incidents in public pools represented one in four of non-fatal drowning the total non-fatal drowning incidents attended by paramedics in Victoria incidents at public from 2014-15 to 2018-19. The leading age group for non-fatal drowning was children aged 5-14 years (41 per cent), followed by children aged pools in Victoria in 0-4 years (29 per cent), and adults aged 25-44 years (10 per cent). the last financial year. This rise in non-fatal drownings over the last two years continues to be an area of concern for LSV. To reduce the frequency and likelihood of these incidents, a stronger systems-based approach to drowning prevention is required in public and communal pools, with an emphasis on preventive measures. The primary preventative measure that should be in place is supervision, which is recommended for all public and communal pools. Supervision delivery should be supported by appropriate public safety messages and/ or pool rules, such as mandating parental supervision for children under ten as well as messages targeting vulnerable adult swimmers. To ensure the effectiveness of supervision, careful planning should be undertaken in consultation with employees responsible for supervision delivery to ensure the drowning prevention system is achieving its intended objectives. Critically, systematic Pool Safety Assessments and appropriate testing of supervision systems via expert mystery shoppers will enhance the third- party validation of the delivery of supervision to pool customers and/or expose any gaps in the system prior to a system failure. By developing a more robust system of drowning prevention, and by putting the system to the test, the likelihood of a drowning event decreases. It may be the difference between a rescue and a resuscitation, and pool owners and operators should mitigate to the extent possible the risk of a drowning prevention system failure within their facility. 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report 15
New industry SwimSafe In December 2019, the SwimSafe public safety campaign was initiatives launched to contribute towards making public pools safer for higher risk swimmers. The SwimSafe campaign was born out of coronial 1 5 recommendations and aims to educate vulnerable YUOPU R REA adult swimmers about the risks associated with aquatic T DT PUHAND P FOR HE environments. HEL SAFETy The campaign has been implemented in over 75 public NS pools since inception and was nominated for a Parks and SIG Leisure Australia Research Project of the Year award. The program has received a boost thanks to the generous ® sponsorship by Cleaning Melbourne. YOU BUY YOUR TICKE T GET THE 5 TIPS TO SWIM SAFE WHEN YOU BUY YOUR TICKET ® More information lsv.com.au/pool-safety-services/swimsafe/ WHEN SAFE SWIM S TO 5 TIP THE GET Virtual Y The Virtual Y offers free access to exclusive fitness videos, nutritious recipes, wellbeing advice, family activities and a youth hub. The youth hub focusses on both physical and mental health and offers methods of looking after wellbeing through mindfulness practices, at- home learning activities that can be done with family, and engagement with the Australian youth community. Along with social isolation, young people are facing loss of employment, financial insecurity and increased anxiety about the future. The Virtual Y continues to advocate for and provide services for young people and communities as they have never been more important. More information virtualy.ymca.org.au/ Virtual Fitness Glen Eira Leisure (GESAC) Launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Glen Eira Leisure (GEL) ‘Anywhere’ online streaming of fitness classes is a great example of how local government adapted to the needs of keeping its local community active, healthy and engaged from home. Hosted in a unique hub dedicated to activity type, an innovative and comprehensive program is available and caters to everyone. From training videos, Zumba sessions, at-home bodyweight workouts and more, community members can stay fit and connected from anywhere, no matter their location. Classes were also featured on Glen Eira Leisure’s Facebook page Monday-Saturday. More information www.geleisure.com.au/group-fitness/gel-anywhere 16 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report
Home Fitness Network – Belgravia Group Powered by over 25+ live group fitness classes, plus 100+ programs, and leveraging the collective resources of the Belgravia Leisure, Genesis, Ninja Parc, Coaching Zone, Jump Swim Schools and Belgravia Kids organisations, an impressive health and wellbeing at home offering is available from the Belgravia Group. Programs include Group Fitness, Strength and Conditioning, Wellness, Yoga, Meditation, New Mum Workouts, Active Kids, Ageless Activities (seniors’ program) and a nutrition portal. More information www.belgraviahomefitnessnetwork.com/ Facility Champions Program LSV launched the Facility Champions program in February 2020, which enables aquatic facilities to deliver LSV training resources to their customers and staff. Leveraging the structure and logic of the traditional Service Member program, the Facility Champions program is geared towards supporting aquatic facilities and commercial partners with their training activities. The program is a great way to effectively and efficiently deliver high- quality, in-service staff training, consistent with the requirements of the GSPO, as well as professional development training including Watch Around Water and SwimSafe. The program also offers a unique commercial opportunity to aquatic partners, with awards such as the RLSA Bronze Medallion or Emergency Care being the perfect addition to school group or holiday program activities. More information lsv.com.au/training-all/lsv-service-members/ CPR@Home and First Aid@Home Developed and released during the first lockdown, LSV’s CPR@ Home and First Aid@Home training courses continue to be available to Victorians to complete or update from the comfort and convenience of their own home. The adapted courses are fully accredited and meet both workplace and legislative requirements. The courses make use of engaging online learning to deliver the theory training and new instructional video demonstrations to guide individuals through their practical assessment tasks. More information training.lsv.com.au/ 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report 17
Water Safety @ Home LSV’s Water Safety @ Home series provides online, practical sessions for kids to stay active, and learn water safety, CPR, first aid, swimming and the lifesaving Nippers program from their home or classroom. The sessions are designed for early childhood through to upper primary-school ages, and there are also Water Safety Watch and Learn videos and resources available that align with the Victorian curriculum. More information lsv.com.au/education/watersafetyathome/ Aquatic, Fitness and Recreation (AFAR) Professional Development Series During the COVID-19 Stage 3 restrictions, LSV took the decision to partner with industry organisations to deliver free professional development webinars four times per week to industry personnel. Over 5,500 professionals participated in these sessions in 2019-20 through live attendance or viewing the content after the session via the LSV website. The webinars were broken down into four service area streams: safety and operations, swimming and water safety education, management and leadership, and health and fitness. *The fitness stream was coordinated by Fitness Australia, and LSV would like to acknowledge the Fitness Australia team for their partnership and spirit of collaboration. All sessions are recorded and remain available. More information lsv.com.au/pool-safety-services/afar/ Blue Connections Blue Connections is LSV’s networking event series. Blue Connections connects the broader aquatic industry, volunteer members, staff, emergency services, education and sport and recreation sectors, and interested community members together to network, share and grow through interactive professional and personal development workshops. During Coronavirus restrictions, Blue Connections continued to be offered once a month in a virtual format. More information lsv.com.au/blueconnections/ 18 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report
‘Where are they now?’ Multicultural Role Model Series LSV’s ‘Where are they now?’ role model video series showcases interviews and inspiring stories from participants of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background who have graduated from LSV’s multicultural employment and settlement pathway over the past decade. The feature aims to highlight LSV’s decade-long pool program that establishes pathways for multicultural community members into paid lifeguarding and swim teacher positions. Benefits for local aquatic centres include bridging cultural and language differences and encouraging inclusion and social cohesion. It is hoped that these benefits will also extend into the emergency services sector. More information: lsv.com.au/multicultural/role-model-settlement-video-series/ Water Quality Risk Management Plan Following industry feedback, LSV partnered with Commercial Aquatics Australia and AquaticOne engineers to develop and roll out a free risk management template for aquatic facilities across the state. The Water Quality Risk Management Plan aims to assist facility owners and operators in complying with the recent ‘Water quality guidelines for public aquatic facilities’ released by the Department of Health and Human Services. The steps outlined in the plan have been implemented in more than 100 public pools across Victoria. More information lsv.com.au/pool-safety-services/industry-support/ Return to Play Plan To assist in meeting changing government restrictions, LSV developed and published a Return to Play Plan for the aquatic industry as a practical tool to assist aquatic facility owners and operators prepare for and continue their ‘Return to Play’ activities. The tool focuses on available risk mitigants relevant to COVID-19 and how they can be applied at aquatic facilities. It leverages the Sport and Recreation Victoria Return to Play Plan template and has been customised and continually updated for easy use and localised application throughout the different reopening phases. 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report 19
Updates to ongoing industry initiatives Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations – COVID-19 The National Aquatic Industry Safety Committee and RLSA in response to the COVID-19 crisis, prepared and published a new section to the GSPO to address the challenges faced by COVID-19. The guideline provides practical guidance for owners or operators of aquatic facilities on how to manage the risks within an aquatic facility as it applies to COVID-19. More information: www.guidelines.royallifesaving.com.au/ 20 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report
Victorian Water Safety Certificate State Government funding for the Swimming in Schools initiative is helping meet the curriculum requirements for all Victorian primary students to achieve the Victorian Water Safety Certificate (VWSC) by the end of Year 6, with a dramatic increase in certificate achievements. During the 2019 school year, LSV issued nearly 27,000 Victorian Water Safety Certificates (VWSC), a 76 per cent increase on the previous year. Due to COVID-19 activity restrictions preventing the delivery of swimming lessons, the target VWSC numbers for 2020 will not be achieved. As an alternative, Water Safety @ Home resources have been developed and made available to enable schools and swim schools to deliver water safety learning during restrictions. LSV is working with government and industry to ensure the VWSC can be achieved by students who missed out in 2020 and ensure they are not left behind. Public Pools Register – Year two complete LSV’s Public Pools Register allows patrons to check their local pool’s safety classification, see its level of safety endorsement and view when it was last assessed. The register provides an overview of a pool’s services, features and safety standards and includes council, learn-to-swim and educational facilities. As part of the Victorian Government – Safer Pools project, it’s a key component of the Safer Public Pool – Code of Practice, which was jointly developed following coronial recommendations. The register allows facility owners and operators to track their own performance, as well as the performance of similar facilities. LSV would like to acknowledge and congratulate the pools that have received and maintained safety endorsements on the register. More information: lsv.com.au/pool-safety-services/victorian-pool-register/ National Swimming and Water Safety Framework review complete The National Swimming and Water Safety Framework has the ultimate goal to increase the swimming and water safety skills of all Australians for lifelong safe and active participation in physical aquatic activities and recreation. It sets out a core structure to enable people to develop the skills, knowledge, understanding, attitudes and behaviours they need to enjoy a range of aquatic environments safely. The framework is intended for those who influence the learning opportunities and experiences for swimming and water safety education and guides those responsible for developing, providing or selecting a swimming and water safety program. More information www.royallifesaving.com.au/programs/national- swimming-and-water-safety-framework 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report 21
Sector In 2019–20, LSV’s Pool Safety Assessments (PSA) rated the safety of 109 facilities against a safety range of industry, state and national standards, guidelines and legislative provisions. LSV gratefully Each year, LSV evaluates the sector’s overall safety performance against acknowledge facilities recognised standards. Completing a pool safety assessment enables a pool to: that have committed to the Pool Safety • Ensure access to updated information and advice based on continually evolving safety standards and best practice. Assessment process • Provide a thorough assessment of the current safety standards and and have contributed management systems against relevant compliance standards. their time and • Assist with determining exposure relating to aquatic risk. resources to ensuring their pools meet • Provide independent, expert information and advice. industry standards • Demonstrate the use of appropriate risk management processes. for the wellbeing and safety of their patrons FIGURE 2 PSA breakdown by management in 2019-20. and staff. 12% ALIGNED LEISURE 14% BELGRAVIA LEISURE 35% COUNCIL 14% OTHER 26% YMCA VICTORIA Of the 109 facilities 77 (71%) operated assessed in year-round. 2019-20: 29 (27%) were LSV Platinum Pools. 90 (83%) undertake the PSA process annually. *Note: Refer ‘Communal pools’ in definitions. 7 were communal pools.* 22 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report
Overview of PSA results for 2019-20 86% 87% 42% Mean Safety score Mean Compliance Council owned pools up by 1.4% on 3-year score up by 4.1% on were not assessed in average (2016-17 to 3-year average (2016-17 the last 3 years. 2018-19). to 2018-19). All year pools Pools assessed Safety and operations: outperformed seasonal annually outperformed Spa Pools, Lap and pools by 11.8% for those assessed less Lane Pools and compliance and 11.0% frequently than annually Inflatables were the for safety. by 12.8% for compliance highest performing and 11.73% for safety sections. Slides and flumes, emergency planning and qualifications, and training were the lowest performing sections. 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report 23
Key section FIGURE 3 Comparison of key assessment sections (%) – 2019-20 vs three-year average. safety scores This section compares the safety scores for 11 of the 20 sections in 2019-20 with the 83.2% 87.7% 78.1% 83.8% 80.7% 84.1% 80.9% 85.8% 89.2% 93.1% 81.8% 87.5% previous three-year average scores section 1 WORK HEALTH & SAFETY section 2* EMERGENCY PLANNING section 3 QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING section 5 SUPERVISION section 6 FIRST AID section 7 PLANT & CHEMICAL (2016-17 to 2018-19) (Figure 4). 90.9% 94.3% 90.9% 91.2% 94.6% 83.9% 94.1% 79.9% 83.5% 94% section 10 LAP & LANE POOLS section 11 LEISURE POOLS section 12 SPA POOLS section 17 INFLATABLES section 18 SLIDES & FLUMES 3 year average 2016/17 - 2018/19 2019/20 *Note: Emergency planning was introduced on 1 January 2018, so is not a three-year average. Safety scores across all 11 sections were higher in 2019-20 with the previous three-year average. Key observations: • Highest performing sections in 2019-20: spa pools (94.6 per cent), lap and lane pools (94.3 per cent) and inflatables (94.5 per cent). • Lowest performing sections in 2019-20: slides and flumes (83.5 per cent), emergency planning (83.8 per cent) and qualifications and training (84.5 per cent). Note that these scores still demonstrate an improvement on the three-year average. • The sections that saw the biggest improvement were: inflatables (12.1 per cent higher compared with the previous three-year average) and emergency planning (6.9 per cent higher). 24 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report
All year FIGURE 4 Mean overall compliance and mean safety score for all year and seasonal facilities (%). vs seasonal facilities Facilities open year-round scored 11.8 per cent higher in compliance and 11 per cent higher in 90.7% 80.1% All year (n=70) 88.5% 78.8% safety than facilities Seasonal (n=32) open seasonally Overall compliance score Overall safety score (Figures 4, 5 and Table 1). FIGURE 5 Overall mean section scores for all year and seasonal aquatic facilities (%). 92.4% 77.3% 87.4% 75.9% 84.8% 82.9% 88.4% 80.1% 94.8% 89.7% 91.9% 77.7% 98.1% 90.2% 94.3% 84.9% 84.8% 76.6% section 1 WORK HEALTH & SAFETY section 2 EMERGENCY PLANNING section 3 QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING section 5 SUPERVISION section 6 FIRST AID section 7 PLANT & CHEMICAL section 10 LAP & LANE POOLS section 11 LEISURE POOLS section 18 SLIDES & FLUMES All year (n=70) Seasonal (n=32) TABLE 1 Mean compliance and safety scores, all year vs seasonal pools All Year Seasonal Percentage difference (n = 32) (n = 32) (All Year vs Seasonal) Mean Compliance score 90.7% 80.1% +11.8% Mean Safety score 88.5% 78.8% +11.0% 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report 25
Platinum vs FIGURE 6 Mean overall compliance and mean safety score for Platinum and non-Platinum facilities (%). non-Platinum facilities Platinum Pools* scored 15.7 per cent higher than non- Platinum Pools for compliance, and 15.8 per cent higher Platinum (n=29) 98.5% 96.3% 81.1% on safety compared 83% Non-Platinum to non-Platinum (n=73) pools. Overall compliance score Overall safety score *Note: The Platinum Pool program is a program that aquatic facilities FIGURE 7 Overall mean section scores for Platinum and non- voluntarily undertake comprising a Platinum facilities. series of assessments performed annually by LSV. Exemplary levels of safety must be achieved and maintained before accreditation is issued. % 99.5% 98.4% 96.9% 97.5% 81.1% 99.3% 98.8% 99.9% 87.8% 91.3% 99.1% 85.8% 95.7% 69.9% 83% 78% 79% 83% 92% 99% 98% 90.6 section 1 section 2 section 3 section 5 section 6 section 7 section 10 section 11 section 12 section 17 section 18 Platinum (n=29) Non-Platinum (n=73) TABLE 2 Mean compliance and safety scores, Platinum and non-Platinum facilities, and range. Platinum Non-Platinum Difference (n = 29) (n = 73) (Platinum vs Non-Platinum) Compliance score Mean 98.5% 83.0% +15.7% Range (Min-Max) 83.0% – 100.0% 13.4% – 100.0% Safety score Mean 96.3% 81.1% +15.8% Range (Min-Max) 85.3% – 98.9% 20.3% – 98.5% 26 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report
Performance Facilities assessed annually outperformed those assessed less frequently by 12.8 per cent for overall compliance score and 11.7 per by assessment cent for overall safety score (Figure 9). frequency Facilities assessed annually outperformed others across all sections, except qualifications and training. The largest difference in section scores between facilities assessed annually and those assessed less frequently was for the following key areas: Plant and chemical (18.7 per Pool safety activities cent), work health and safety (14 per cent) and Leisure Pools (13.5 per • 30 Platinum Pools – cent) (Figure 10). 16 accredited. • 196 Watch Around Water accredited aquatic facilities. FIGURE 8 Mean overall compliance and mean safety score for • 76 SwimSafe accredited facilities by assessment frequency (%). aquatic facilities. • 72 Pool Lifeguard Challenge competitors from 18 teams. • 230 Pool Safety Summit attendees. • 290 face-to-face Pool Safety Technical Workshop participants. Annually (n=90) 89.5% 78.1% 87.4% 77.1% • 5,501 AFAR PD series Less than webinar attendees across annually (n=19) 45 sessions. Overall compliance score Overall safety score • 90 mystery guest visits delivered (additional 40 cancelled due to COVID-19). FIGURE 9 Overall mean section scores by frequency of • 109 Pool Safety assessment (%). Assessments delivered (additional 30 cancelled due to COVID-19). • 15 Facility Design Assessments conducted. 77.4% 85.6% 75.7% 82.8% 89.8% 87.6% 77.9% 94.2% 88.1% 90.6% 73.7% 95.8% 86.8% 93.6% 81.1% 85.5% 90% 83% section 1 section 2 section 3 section 5 section 6 section 7 section 10 section 11 section 18 Annually (n=90) Less than annually (n=19) 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report 27
Research and industry strategies Evaluation of Bush Nippers pilot programs LSV conducted a review into the feasibility and effectiveness of the Bush Nippers pilot programs conducted in Echuca, Shepparton and Ballarat. To measure the program’s impact, children participating in the U9 and U12 age groups were assessed on their water safety knowledge and skills participation, before and after participating. Feedback was collected from staff involved in the program, and parents’ engagement and satisfaction were also measured. Key findings included a significant increase in the children’s water safety knowledge and lifesaving skills, with participants rating the program 4.5 out of 5, and 100 per cent of parents recommending the program to other families. Lifeguard supervision eye-tracking study With the goal of maximising safety and reducing incidences of fatal and non-fatal drownings at public pools, LSV and Swinburne University conducted a study focused on the use of eye-tracking technology to determine the most appropriate supervision ratio of pool lifeguards to patrons. Observations suggest that where the number of patrons exceeded 75, drowning victims were not identified 50 per cent of the time. A higher number of patrons in the pool was also found to influence the length of time a pool lifeguard took to identify a potential drowning victim. The findings of this research will be referred to the National Aquatic Industry Committee and RLSA for consideration for adoption into the GSPO Aquatic Supervision section and will be considered in LSV pool lifeguard training resources. 28 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report
National Aquatic Industry Workforce profile RLSA has released the National Aquatic Industry Workforce profile based on data collected and collated from the National Aquatic Industry Workforce survey. It captures a current snapshot of the aquatic industry across Australia and presents demographic information on the key roles and make-up of the workforce that supports the industry. Key survey findings: • It is an overwhelmingly female workforce. • Almost half the workforce work casually. • Most workers work throughout the year but in a part-time capacity. • Many workers have a second job at least some of the time. • Almost half the workforce live within 15 minutes of their workplace. • Two in every five workers think they will stay in their role for six or more years. • Most workers place a high value on working in a team and knowing their work has a positive impact on people’s lives. • There are differing key trends across the range of aquatic industry roles. More information: www.royallifesaving.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_ file/0006/26916/National-Aquatic-Industry-Workforce-Profile-2019.pdf COVID-19 swim school impacts In August 2020, ARV conducted a swim school survey with the support of the Australian Swim School Association (ASSA), Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA) and AUSTSWIM. The survey aimed to identify the impacts of COVID-19 closures on swim schools across the state. Key findings from the survey identified: • 50 per cent of responders were not eligible for Victorian Government Business Support Grants. • 82 per cent demonstrated concerns regarding staff retention. • 1 per cent were unlikely to reopen. • Every week of closure saw: – $2.5 million loss in swim school revenue – 145,000 students miss out on learn-to-swim programs (excluding school swimming). – There are concerns regarding the financial sustainability of organisations. 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report 29
Case studies Kelly Smart – Lakes Entrance Aquadome East Gippsland Shire Council from industry While an aquatics facility manager, lifeguard or swim teacher might not first come to mind as roles with skills to help out in a bushfire emergency, that is certainly something staff at a Lakes Entrance aquatic facility can attest to after volunteering during the East Gippsland bushfires. In particular, Lakes Entrance Aquadome Centre Manager - Kelly Smart was called upon to take a leading role in the setup and coordination of the town’s second relief centre, while facility staff played a crucial role in providing first aid and support to community members sheltered in the relief centre. The emergency response skills she and others had learnt as part of aquatic industry training were a great foundation for effective emergency planning and preparedness at a time of need. Kelly’s role in helping bushfire relief and recovery efforts ended up lasting two weeks, even when the relief centre had turned into an information centre. LSV and ARV commend staff of the East Gippsland Shire, in particular, the aquatic facility staff for their support to the community during that extremely difficult time. Note: the swim school wished Case studies from swim schools to remain anonymous CASE STUDY ONE Facility one had overheads of approximately $4,000 per month and generated no income in the final quarter of 2019-20, as the facility income was solely derived from swimming lesson activities. Whilst the $10,000 Government grant was gratefully received, it was used to pay a $15,000 gas bill. Efforts were made by the facility to reduce expenditure, but the pool was losing approximately one per cent of water per week, so required continual top up. Also, the heating system was required to remain on (although turned on low), otherwise the resulting condensation damages the building fabric. Although the facility intended to reopen at the time of writing, it flagged further short-term costs associated with staff employment and re-training, who were not able to be kept on under the Government JobKeeper scheme. In 2020, the facility was expecting a financial loss of close to $170,000. Without the grants and federal payroll assistance, this would have been close to $300,000, highlighting the importance of the support provided by “At best, we predict Government. Due to the expectation of reduced consumer confidence and it will take eight to ongoing restrictions, the facility had forecast a financial loss of $150,000 for 2021, and determined that make-up lessons were unlikely to be ten years just to possible, meaning they intended to credit lessons forward for each term recoup this loss.” which was expected to continue to impact cashflow. 30 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report
Note: the swim school wished to Case studies from swim schools remain anonymous CASE STUDY TWO (incorporating two locations) “The landlord LOCATION 1 refused to provide The facility was able to renegotiate rent down to $1,500 per month, and have other overheads associated with electricity, insurance and outgoing rent relief.” bills which totalled almost $3,000 per month. Income during the closure was $0. The facility had 110 students enrolled and did approximately 180 lessons per week. It had one full-time and two casual staff members. LOCATION 2 The landlord refused to provide rent relief, which remained at $2,800 per month throughout the period of closure. Other bills including electricity, insurance and outgoing bills totalled almost $2,500 per month. Income during the closure was $0. The facility had 70 students enrolled and did around 110 lessons per week. It had one full-time swim teacher. Between the two locations, only one casual sales and administration staff member was eligible for the Government JobKeeper program, although the swim school was successful in receiving the first and second round of the Victorian government grants and applied for the third round. Note: The funds are shared between the two locations. 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report 31
Personal Trainer Award Outstanding Contribution 2019/20 Chris Pattison Award industry Aquanation, Maroondah Leisure Mike King Otium Planning awards Group Teacher of Babies, Infants and Pre School Award ARV Life Member award Hannah O’Shea Carol Crofts ARV INDUSTRY AWARDS Eltham Leisure Centre, Aquanation, Aligned Leisure Maroondah Leisure Customer Service Award Thuy Hill Brimbank Leisure Teacher of People Innovative Program Award Centres, with a Disability Junior Racers Brimbank City Council Al Gevers Camberwell Grammar Yarra Leisure, School Duty Manager Award Yarra City Council Jackson Tellus Health Club Award Aquarena Aquatic Aquarena Aquatic Anneliese McDonald and Leisure Centre, & Leisure Belgravia Eltham Leisure Centre, Belgravia Leisure Leisure Aligned Leisure Pool Lifeguard Award Watch Around Water Award David Morris Course Instructor Award Aquarena Aquatic Aquapulse Aleksei Bondarenko- and Leisure Centre, Western Leisure Edwards Belgravia Leisure Services Yarra Centre, Belgravia Leisure Membership Sales Award Swim School Award Sarah Chadwick Sustainability Award Aquapulse, Western & Facility Management Sunshine Leisure Leisure Services Centre Award – All Year Large Brimbank City Council Eltham Leisure Centre Most Valuable Aligned Leisure Employee Award Emerging Leader Shelby Rae Sam Kane Aquapulse, Western Golden Square Facility Management Leisure Services Pool Award – All Year Medium Brimbank Leisure Centres Group Exercise Instructor Marketing and Award Communications Award Louise Craig Queens Park Peninsula Aquatic and Belgravia Leisure Facility Management Recreation Centre Award – All Year Small Deakin Active Swim Teacher of the Year Clublinks Community Impact Award Frog Peck Brighter Futures Facility Management Kyneton Toyota Sports Outer East and Aquatic Centre, Kilsyth Centenary Pool, Award – Seasonal Belgravia Leisure Belgrave Outdoor Macedon Ranges Shire Council Pool Belgravia Leisure 32 2019/20 Victorian Victorian Public PublicPools: Pools:State Stateofofthe theSector SectorReport Report
LSV INDUSTRY AWARDS News and LSV Public Training events Licensee of the Year Western Victoria First Aid Training Real life rescue during training course Services A Pool Lifeguard update course at Ascot Vale Leisure Centre LSV Public Training took an unexpected turn, leaving course trainer Stewart Nicoll Trainer of the Year and candidates Brad Norton and Robin Sadler with a real life David Nankervis rescue on their hands. When fellow participant Trevor Mildenhall collapsed poolside and stopped LSV Education Instructor breathing just after the of the Year 200m timed swim, Stewart, Brad and Robin initiated Tui Griffin resuscitation efforts, and a defibrillator and oxygen equipment was supplied by centre staff. The group worked on Trevor until the emergency services arrived, and following further resuscitation and advanced life support LSV Public Training medication, Trevor thankfully began to breathe again unaided. Service Member of the Year The paramedics commended both the centre staff and course candidates on their resuscitation efforts, and suggested Trevor had Marcus Maher a ‘long life prognosis’. This incident highlights the importance of early access, early CPR and early defibrillation, as well as fast access to advanced life support medication, for saving lives. LSV Swim and Survive Licensee of the Year Eltham Leisure Pool Lifeguard Challenge Centre Aligned Leisure Kingston Active were crowned the 2019 LSV Pool Lifeguard Challenge champions, in recognition of an impressive display of lifeguarding skills and teamwork. Held at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, 18 teams representing ARV and LSV 36 aquatic facilities would like to competed in a variety of simulated scenarios. acknowledge and Scenarios ranged from congratulate all aquatic spinal injury management, to major first aids. Finally, a series of race events challenged teams’ physical lifeguarding 2019-20 industry rescue abilities. award winners. The LSV Pool Lifeguard Challenge is supported by Laerdal Medical. 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report 33
New facility developments Kew Recreation Centre Kew Recreation Centre is about to undergo an exciting redevelopment to provide the community with a modern, state-of-the-art facility catering to all ages and abilities. The centre is now closed St Albans Leisure Centre and will remain closed until the redevelopment works are completed in late 2022 Construction has commenced on the $55.1 million rebuild of St Albans Leisure Centre and The new venue will include: state-of-the-art health and wellbeing hub. • Increased parking on-site, making the centre The venue will have: more accessible. • A dedicated learn to swim pool for • Two water slides. swimming lessons. • A 50-metre, ten-lane competition pool with • A secluded, warm water pool for gentle access ramp. exercise and rehabilitation. • Leisure water and learn-to-swim program • An aqua play area for young people to play pool. and explore. • Warm Water program pool with adjoining • A crèche to support families’ health and spas. wellbeing needs. • Water play unit and splash pad. • Bigger change rooms that cater for • Sauna and steam room. individuals, groups and families. • A large gym with 24-hour access. • Two indoor sports courts providing • Group fitness studios. much-needed space for a range of local • Meeting and function rooms. participants. • A wellness centre. • Allied health suites to support your health • Community program room. and wellness goals. • Other features will include a café, multiple • Divided health and fitness areas for both wet and dry change rooms (including a ‘noisy’ and ‘quiet’ group exercise classes. family change room), and crèche. • Landscaped forecourt and café to meet, gather and socialise. More information: www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/ council/about-brimbank-council-and-community/ More information: www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/ developments/st-albans-leisure-centre- about-council/projects-and-major-works/new-kew- redevelopment recreation-centre 34 2019/20 Victorian Public Pools: State of the Sector Report
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