ACT Aquatic Industry Awards recognise achievements of individuals and organisations

A wide range of individuals and organisations have been saluted at the ACT Aquatic Industry and Water Safety Awards, with the Gungahlin Leisure Centre securing two trophies, the Gold Star Aquatic Facility Safety Award and its Young Guns winning the ACT Lifeguard Cup.

Presented in Canberra last Thursday (7th September), Cherry Bailey, Chief Executive of the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia in the ACT, commented “it was a very important event to hold because it recognises individuals, schools, organisations and community groups.

“The simple reality is that so much work that goes into ensuring Australians can safely enjoy water based activities is sometimes undervalued. Our Awards are there to value the many heroes across the industry.

“We salute the hundreds of lifesaving trainers, swim teachers, coaches, lifeguards, pool managers, coordinators, school teachers, activity leaders and volunteers who all dedicate themselves to the safety of others.”

“The winners were all very excited with their victories and we congratulate everyone involved. I also want to reiterate that it is time for increased participation in swimming and lifesaving programs for children in the ACT aged five to 16.

“We need much more of this.

“Also, we need improved backyard pool swimming pool legislation in the ACT that is then applied retrospectively with appropriate monitoring systems in place. The current system just isn’t good enough.

“Aquatic recreation is obviously a favourite pastime for many Australians. We work, rest and play in and around water. That is why these Awards are so important.”

Royal Life Saving’s National Chief Executive, Justin Scarr, was part of the event.

2017 Award Categories and Recipients List

WATER SAFETY AWARDS
Outstanding Contribution to Water Safety by an Individual: Bill Caddey – Belconnen Community Services
Outstanding Contribution to Water Safety by an Organisation: YMCA NSW
Outstanding Commitment to Water Safety By an ACT School: Telopea Park School
Aquatic Initiative of the Year: CISAC – Structured School Carnival program
Keep Watch @ Public Pools – Pool of the Year: Dickson Aquatic Centre
Gold Star Aquatic Facility Safety Award: Gungahlin Leisure Centre
ACT Lifeguard Cup: Gungahlin Leisure Centre – Young Guns
ACT Lifeguard of the Year: Alex Mackie
Ngadyung Award: Marshall Family
Ken (Chuck) Evans Award: Sally Duncan
 
AUSTRALIAN AWARDS
RLSSA Australian Resuscitation Club: Sam Murphy
RLSSA Australian Resuscitation Club: Brook Smyth
RLSSA Australian Resuscitation Club: Alex Mackie
RLSSA Australian Rescue Medal: Kevin Nash
RLSSA Australian Rescue Medal: William Nash
RLSSA ACT President’s Commendation: Sam Murphy
RLSSA ACT President’s Commendation: Brook Smyth
RLSSA ACT President’s Commendation: Alex Mackie
RLSSA ACT President’s Commendation: Kevin Nash
RLSSA ACT President’s Commendation: William Nash

AUSTSWIM AWARDS 
ACT AUSTSWIM Recognised Swim School of the Year: Canberra International Sports and Aquatic Centre
ACT AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming & Water Safety: Joel Malouf
ACT AUSTSWIM Teacher of Infant & Preschool Aquatics: Celia Hunt
ACT AUSTSWIM Teacher of Access and Inclusion: Lisa Jones
Outstanding Contribution to AUSTSWIM: Ben Cuttriss 

Image: Gungahlin Leisure Centre

10th September 2017 - NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY - AUSTRALIA BOARD POSITIONS

30th June 2017 - ROYAL LIFE SAVING REPORT REVEALS NON-FATAL DROWNING INCIDENTS ARE ON THE RISE

21st April 2017 - ROYAL LIFE SAVING LAUNCHES NATIONAL AQUATIC INDUSTRY SAFETY AWARDS

15th September 2016 - NEW REPORT SHOWS NO IMPROVEMENT IN ANNUAL DROWNING FIGURES

18th December 2015 - ACT PARKS HIGHLIGHTS BEST LOCAL SWIMMING SPOTS

2nd December 2015 - ACT ORGANISATIONS BACK ROYAL LIFE SAVING ACT FOR INAUGURAL CANBERRA ‘A DAY AT THE LAKE’ EVENT

19th March 2015 - GUNGAHLIN LEISURE CENTRE APPOINTS NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE SWIM SQUAD COACH SHANNON ROLLASON

28th June 2014 - 30 YEARS OF NAMADGI NATIONAL PARK AND 100 YEARS OF THE COTTER CATCHMENT 

17th May 2014 - GUNGAHLIN LEISURE CENTRE TO LAUNCH WITH OPEN DAY ON 24TH MAY

14th May 2014 - 10-YEAR REVIEW IDENTIFIES DROWNING DANGERS OF INLAND WATERWAYS