Brimbank’s Sunshine Leisure Centre achieves Life Saving Victoria Platinum Pool accreditation

In recognition of its outstanding safety levels, Brimbank’s Sunshine Leisure Centre has been accredited with Life Saving Victoria’s prized Platinum Pool award – becoming one of just 40 pools across the state to achieve the award.  

Brimbank Mayor Ranka Rasic said Sunshine Leisure Centre undertook a rigorous series of assessments to ensure it met all of Life Saving Victoria’s criteria for the accreditation.

Mayor Rasic advises “Platinum Pool status is awarded to aquatic centres that provide outstanding levels of safety, including the best possible standard of supervision by lifeguards and other staff.

“Safety is an important part of everything we do at Brimbank. We’re proud to be recognised as industry leaders in water safety, so that our community can visit Sunshine Leisure Centre knowing they will receive the best possible standard of supervision.”

Mayor Rasic said Sunshine Leisure Centre had also recently transformed its swimming lesson program, mapping it to the new National swimming and water safety framework.

“Many people have missed out on swim lessons due to COVID-19. While it’s important to always observe children in water, teaching them to be safe around the water is a vital skill.

“I encourage Brimbank residents to take advantage of the opportunity to get back into swimming lessons as COVID-19 restrictions ease.”

Life Saving Victoria General Manager Public Training and Pool Safety, Andy Dennis said the award recognised facilities that have attained the highest level of safety requirements and standards.  

Dennis notes “the award is similar to accrediting a lifesaver, and therefore facilities must undergo a thorough assessment of their skills and performance and attain a high standard throughout.

“We are very selective when awarding Platinum Pool accreditation. Life Saving Victoria must be satisfied that exemplary levels of aquatic safety are being achieved and constantly maintained before the award is issued.”

Included in the award is an industry leading Pool Safety Assessment, a six-monthly assessment on implementation, Mystery Guest Visits and adherence to the best practice ‘Watch Around Water’ child supervision program.

Facilities who have qualified for the Platinum Pool award are certified and provided with internal materials within the facility. The accreditation is valid for twelve months and forms an important component of the overall safety planning and continual improvement strategy.

For more information go to leisurecentres.brimbank.vic.gov.au/aquatics/swimming-lessons