2021 South Australian Aquatics State Conference less than a week away

After what organisers describe as “arguably the most difficult and challenging year in decades”, the Life Saving SA 2021 South Australian Aquatics State Conference is set to be staged on Thursday 2nd September as an in-person industry event.

Presented by Life Saving SA/Surf Life Saving SA with the support of Business SA and The Y (South Australia) and being staged Surf Life Saving SA headquarters in Adelaide’s West Beach, the conference theme and its primary focus is ‘Resilience’ and the impact and learnings from COVID-19 that was experienced in 2020.

The conference will also touch on the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 - Let’s Be Active and the South Australian Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing - Game On Project and Grants Review.

The conference aims at exploring how physical activity, mental strength and ‘Resilience’ can be adopted in many different ways to provide health benefits and safety around water.

Organisers explain “the aquatic industry of South Australia offers a diverse range of activities and programs designed for people of all ages, interests, backgrounds and fitness and swimming levels. The conference offers a fantastic opportunity to explore ways in which these programs and activities can be promoted and supported by people actively working in the industry.

Conference Topics and speakers
Leading speakers from across the national aquatic industry will provide practical advice, information, opportunities through aquatics programs and raising the awareness and importance of water safety.

Keynote Speakers
Jessica Stenson (née Trengove)
Australian marathon runner and Olympian - opening speaker

Anthony Hart
Invigor Wellbeing - social entrepreneur and advocate for mind health

Simon Weatherill
With over 40 years’ experience leading teams and organisations in the business, he will address Embracing the uncertainty in the Sport, Recreation and Aquatic Industries.

Conference Speakers
Dr Jeff Walkley - National Disability & Diversity Manager Belgravia Leisure
Joel Perricone - Blue Fit, Elizabeth Aquadome.
Adam Luscombe - General Manager, SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
Donna Wilmott - Parafield Gardens Swim School 

Life Saving SA 2021 Awards of Excellence
The event also features the presentation or awards recognising the achievements of individuals and organisations making an outstanding contribution to the South Australian aquatic industry.

Kicking off the Conference, the Awards Breakfast will be an opportunity for delegates to be inspired by outstanding events, projects and high-performing individuals in the industry and will be opened by South Australian Minister for Recreation and Sport Corey Wingard.

Four Awards Will Be Presented:
2021 - Watch Around Water Innovation award: This award celebrates the achievements of a committed and dedicated facility that implements and innovates the Watch Around Water program better than any other pool or centre in South Australia. The award serves to encourage registered Watch Around Water centres to promote the program’s water safety messages beyond the marketing tools provided by Life Saving SA.

2021 - Pool Lifeguard of the year: This award celebrates the achievements and accomplishments of a pool lifeguard and their commitment to the preservation of life within our pools and the industry.

2021 - Pool Employee of the year: This award celebrates the achievements and accomplishments of a pool operator, manager, staff member, volunteer and/or other worker that has demonstrated significant dedication to the industry and their facility.

2021 - Community Aquatic Program of the year: This award celebrates a specialised and tailored program that has been facilitated and delivered within the Aquatic Industry to achieve a specific outcome.

All awards are proudly sponsored by Clubs SA and the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing and Lifesaving SA Awards.

Held under COVIDSafe conditions, attendees just need to wear masks unless eating or drinking. 

In Western Australia, LIWA Aquatics held its annual conference as an in-person event last week.

Click here for more information in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Main image courtesy of SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre.