Published 23 December 2022

As temperatures are set to soar, the aquatic industry braces for a uniquely challenging holiday season

The forecast heatwave headed for South Australia, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales has prompted Royal Life Saving to issue an urgent water safety warning ahead of the Christmas – New Year holiday period. 

High temperatures make swimming at the pool much more attractive than Boxing Day sales. Huge numbers are expected to flock to public swimming pools, making water safety critical over the coming week.

Last summer 145 people drowned, making it the worst summer in over 20 years. As of 22 December, Royal Life Saving Summer Drowning Toll reports 9 drowning deaths compared to 33 this time last year.

Royal Life Saving urges against complacency around the water.

Industry preparedness

While many industries are taking a break after a busy 2022, the aquatic industry gears up to meet community needs during heatwaves.

Unlike in previous years, the aquatic industry approaches this period under uniquely challenging circumstances.

In a typical year, aquatic facility managers would pull on their casual talent pool to fill additional hot rosters and more experienced staff would mentor newer less experienced staff on how to manage the unique challenges associated with up to a thousand patrons in a body of water which up until the heatwave would typically have only a dozen or so patrons.

The ‘hot roster’ would be established with trigger points for additional lifeguards and support staff to accommodate the extra patronage.

Children would attend with their families having participated all-year in swimming and water safety education and with newer parents knowing and understanding the risks associated with a lack of supervision of their children around water, having themselves participated in the education process all year.

Not so this summer.

This summer is different.

Staffing shortages persist

There are currently 303 adverts on seek.com.au for pool lifeguards. Each advert seeks multiple roles. Experienced staff attract a premium.

Belgravia Leisure manage over 120 aquatic facilities across Australia and are calling on a collaborative approach from the community to help address staff shortages.

Belgravia Leisure’s General Manager – Programs - Grant Connors says they are still seeking lifeguards at most venues to meet demand across Australia.

“We are strongly encouraging of community members who want to give back to their communities and to live a more active lifestyle to get in touch with their local aquatic facility and to become a lifeguard,” said Mr Connors.

“It’s a great way to give back, a great industry to work in and a good way to make a little bit of extra money in the current economic circumstances.

“There’s no need to hold a qualification, Belgravia Leisure will train you through relevant industry bodies to become a fully qualified lifeguard, so please don’t let a lack of a qualification put you off.”

Children’s swimming and water safety skills

After several years of missed swimming lessons, children of all ages are at increased risk of drowning this year.

Distractions are dangerous

After early near misses and incidents at aquatic venues, lifesavers are issuing a warning on the danger of distractions.

Royal Life Saving Society – Australia’s General Manager – Capability and Industry RJ Houston says that any distraction around water has the potential to be fatal.

“Lifeguards are not babysitters, it is really vital when attending any aquatic environment that parents keep watch of their children and keep young children within arm’s reach,” said Mr Houston.

“Lifeguards are responsible for up to 100 patrons each and it is impossible for them to see everything.

“Parents: please put away your phone at the pool. Keep watch of your kids. Any distraction could be fatal.”

Heat-related illness and stress

Heat-related illnesses are responsible for more fatalities than any other natural disaster according to the ABC.

It is likely that community members seeking relief from the heat will attend aquatic environments. They may be showing signs and symptoms of heat-related stress, exhaustion or confusion. This can lead to risk taking behaviour, irritability at staff or being less likely to supervise children.

Importantly, the heat also affects staff, particularly those performing supervision who may not get the opportunity to cool off in the water.

Aquatic venue managers can prepare for this by:

• Reviewing the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website about heatwaves
• Downloading the BOM app
• Downloading local emergency management applications and ensuring a daily check of relevant websites
• Ensuring lifeguard rosters incorporate rotations through air-conditioned areas and plenty of breaks
• Ensuring plenty of fluids and electrolytes are on hand for staff
• Ensuring lifeguards are provided with shade, cold water and icy poles to mitigate the impact of heat and support alertness

Enjoy the water safely this summer

To support aquatic facilities and community organisations preparing for the heat wave, Royal Life Saving has prepared a community-facing water safety campaign where resources are available to download and share for free.

“Royal Life Saving wants everyone enjoying the water safely this summer,” says Mr Houston.

For more information visit the Royal Life Saving website https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/about/campaigns-and-programs/Water-Safety

Royal Life Saving Summer Drowning Toll

Royal Life Saving’s Summer Drowning Toll is updated regularly over the summer (1 Dec 2022 to 28 Feb 2023). The website includes an analysis of fatal drowning, including a comparison of ‘this time’ last summer, as well as location and activity information. The website can be found at https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/research-and-policy/drowning-research/summer-drowning-toll

Royal Life Saving Society – Australia’s research, education and advocacy work in drowning prevention and water safety is supported by the Australian Government.