ARV water safety award success for Western Leisure Services

The ongoing commitment to the principles and promotion of the Watch Around Water initiative by the AquaPulse facility in Hoppers Crossing seen it secure Aquatics and Recreation Victoria’s (ARV) top award for water safety for the fourth consecutive year.

Presented last week, the Watch Around Water award was one of three collected by Western Leisure Services, which manages a range of leisure and recreation facilities for Wyndham City Council under the WynActive banner.

Barry Harrison, General Manager AquaPulse and Werribee Outdoor Pool said that the profile of Watch Around Water messaging is continually raised and enhanced by staff and management at AquaPulse.

Noting that his has resulted in a heavy public focus to harness and actively promote this message across the local and broader community, Harrison stated “safety is our single most important priority.

“Prior to entry, colour-coded wristbands are applied to children within the target age and the Watch Around Water policy and expectations are explained to the child and the parents. When they enter the centre they will see clear and prominent signage, strategically placed throughout.”

Signage includes Pool Safety signage, Watch Around Water specific signage, Changing Room entry signage, additional educational messages on electronic signage and ‘Your Child, Your Focus’ messaging on Lifeguard uniforms.

The Watch Around Water initiative is also promoted trough related WynActive social media channels, with the messaging reaching the broader audience.

Explaining that the recognition was a fitting reward for local centre staff whose training and commitment to water safety is unparalleled, Harrison added “this award endorses one of our key aims to raise the profile of aquatic recreation and encourage local children of all ages to enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle in a safe and welcoming environment.”

Two WynActive staff members also won individual ARV awards.

AquaPulse Member Relations team member, Sarah Chadwick, took out the Victorian Member Sales Award, while Eagle Stadium staff member, Shelby Rae, beat a 10-strong nomination field to win the award for Most Valuable Employee.

Harrison concluded “Sarah and Shelby are outstanding examples of emerging young leaders in our industry. Their award success is acknowledgement of their dedication and ability to remain positive and productive over what has been an extremely testing period.”

All WynActive centres have reopened after Victoria’s lengthy COVID-19 lockdown.

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Images: AquaPulse won the Watch Around Water award for the fourth consecutive year (top) and the aquatic play at the facility (below).