Aquatics and Recreation Victoria launches resources to help facilities bounce back from COVID-19

Aiming to future-proof facilities in the post COVID-19 environment, Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) last week staged an industry networking breakfast forum - Future-proofing our Industry: Bouncing back from COVID-19 - showcasing the outcomes of the Victorian Government’s Working for Victoria Initiative. 

To support the industry’s recovery from the impacts of COVID-19, a suite of industry resources was developed by six industry organisations (Aligned Leisure, ARV, Belgravia Leisure, Bluefit, Clublinks and YMCA), collaborating to deliver critical industry projects that responded to - and addressed - key issues emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The eight key projects include:

• COVID-19 Impacts & Recovery Survey Report - A comprehensive report quantifying the impacts of COVID-19 on Victorian Aquatic & Recreation facilities and their local communities. Underpinned by quantitative and qualitative data provided to ARV by Victorian LGAs, this report also highlights future considerations for rebuilding the industry.

• ARV’s Industry Hub - ARV’s ‘one stop shop’ for key industry research, data and resources designed to support experienced stakeholders and new entrants alike.

• Access & Inclusion Guide - This interactive guide was noted to be the first of its kind and is a significant step towards promoting access and inclusion throughout the sector. Provides best practices and case studies specific to the Victorian Aquatics & Recreation industry to support implementation.

• Digital Strategy - Provides case studies outlining best practices for digital communication and advice on how to drive efficiencies and capitalise on the online shift that has resulted from COVID-19.

• Swim Teacher Recruitment Strategy - Provides six practical strategies to support the recruitment and retention of swim teachers. This guide documents the outcomes of Bluefit’s recruitment efforts to support the wider industry.

• Covid Safe Guide - An overview of best practices relating to the implementation of COVIDSafe plans within Aquatic & Recreation facilities. Designed to reduce transmission within facilities, improve operations, protect staff and review existing practices.

• Communication Strategy - A summary of articles/stories shared by the YMCA promoting the social, health and wellbeing benefits of Aquatic & Recreation facilities. This guide is designed to help increase awareness and build consumer confidence amongst the Victorian community

• Environmental Action Strategy - A strategic resource providing practical examples and a step-by-step, action-based approach to support the minimisation of the industry’s carbon footprint and reduce operational costs.

These resources, which can all be accessed via’s ARV website, have been welcomed by the Victorian aquatics and recreation industry and acknowledged as a valuable step forward its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Click here to visit the ARV website.

Images: Delegates at ARV's industry networking breakfast forum - Future-proofing our Industry: Bouncing back from COVID-19 - held at the Danny Frawley Centre for Health and Wellbeing last week.