Published 19 July 2023
The Australian aquatic industry continues to lead the way in recognising the skills and experience of older workers and women, with the National Aquatic Industry Workforce Report 2023 also revealing improvements in Indigenous employment rates.
The report, which was compiled by Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, presents demographic information and analysis on the key roles and make-up of the workforce across Australia and builds on research previously undertaken in 2019. More than 2000 workers completed the detailed survey which informed the report.
Compared with 2019, there were more older people working in the industry, with 45 per cent of swimming and water safety teachers aged over 45. Almost 60 per cent of the workforce are women.
Encouragingly, four per cent of the workforce identify as Indigenous, higher than the 3.2 per cent of the Australian population overall who identify as Indigenous.
Royal Life Saving National Manager - Training and Workforce Development, Shaun Jackson said the passion people in the industry have for ensuring everyone can access the water safely shone through in the responses to the survey.
“Most workers reported drawing satisfaction from making a positive impact on people’s lives and the community,” Mr Jackson said.
“Workers who are often overlooked by other industries – older workers, people looking for their first job, people who need flexibility because of caring responsibilities – are valued in the aquatic industry.
“A lot of the skills people gain in the aquatic industry are highly transferable. Many young people in their first job as a lifeguard or swim teacher gain the communication, risk management, decision making, problem solving, teamwork, and customer service skills that they will use throughout their career.
“Many people don’t realise there is a huge variety of roles available, from swimming and water safety teachers, lifeguards, aqua exercise instructors and aquatic technical operators right through to coordinators, managers, customer service, and a wide range of critical office roles.
“The report also showed that the workforce was badly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. We can’t be sure how many workers never returned to the industry.
“However we do know that almost half the workforce were stood down at some point during that period and more than a quarter of all those stood down found work in another industry. We’re still seeing the ripple effects of that with ongoing staff shortages.”
Belgravia Leisure Chief Executive Officer Nick Cox welcomed the report.
"It is encouraging to hear that our people working in roles like Pool Lifeguards and Swimming and Water Safety Teachers know that they make a positive impact on people’s lives and their community," Mr Cox said.
"While the social value these roles and their facilities provide is well established, it is vital that our people feel connected to the broader positive impact of the sector.
"With what looks to be a busy and hot summer ahead, now is a great time to become a Pool Lifeguard or Swimming and Water Safety Teacher and not just make a positive impact, but join a terrific industry."
The survey also identified areas the workforce would like to see improved in the industry, including more clear and accessible career pathways and opportunities for professional development.
The demographic results showed the industry needs to continue actively seeking employees from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
To access a full copy of the report go to: https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/Aquatic-Risk-and-Guidelines/aquatic-research/Workforce-Research
Royal Life Saving Society - Australia would like to thank its State and Territory Member Organisations and the member organisations of the National Aquatic Industry Committee for their support of this vital workforce research and advocacy.
