Geelong Leisurelink’s staff development initiatives awarded by Royal Life Saving

Geelong’s Leisurelink facility has been recognised by Royal Life Saving Society - Australia as one of six individuals and organisations recognised in their National Aquatic Industry Safety Awards for their significant contribution to aquatic safety within their community.

Leisurelink were awarded Excellence in Staff Development for their comprehensive lifeguard training program.

Wanting to do more in depth training for lifeguards, the City of Greater Geelong developed a range of interactive training sessions across their six facilities which mimicked real life scenarios.

Scott Schefferle, Leisurelink’s Aquatic Team Leader advised that the team has strived to create new and engaging initiatives to educate facility lifeguards, explaining “the training is all hands on, and uses a range of specialised equipment including an advanced digital CPR manikin. Peter, our Aquatic Coordinator has even created life like props for first aid including artifical wounds and burns.

“We’re elated to see that the training has made our facility safer for our staff and community. It is great to observe when our staff do have to respond to incidents that they do so with a high level of confidence and professionalism.”

The awards are an initiative of the National Aquatic Industry Safety Committee to acknowledge the achievements of aquatic facilities and individuals towards improving health and safety outcomes.

Schefferle said winning Excellence in Staff Development is a fantastic recognition of their dedication to their staff and community, adding “our staff are absolutely thrilled with the national recognition of such a great award which places a lot of value into our sessions.”

Welcoming the award, Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood stated “we’re extremely proud to see the dedication and commitment of the City’s aquatic and leisure staff recognised nationally by Royal Life Saving.

“Our lifeguard training program is hands on and uses a range of specialised equipment, including a digital CPR manikin and life-like props to simulate wounds and burns.

“The City’s commitment to staff training and development means we can provide the safest possible environment for everyone who uses any of our aquatic and leisure centres.”

Image courtesy of Royal Life Saving Society - Australia.