GESAC Crowned Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard Champions

Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC) has been named the 2022 Life Saving Victoria - Pool Lifeguard Challenge Champions, just edging out AquaPulse in an impressive display of lifeguarding skills and teamwork at the new Brimbank Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre on Friday 2nd December.

Commenting on the success, Elyse Murray GESAC’s Team Manager and Operations Coordinator, stated “we are very proud of our lifeguard team … and this event showcases the exceptional skill and talent lifeguards can achieve.

“The win is a great return for the safety culture instilled in our lifeguards and the ongoing investment and priority we place on the training and standards of our staff.”

Samara Kelfer, a member of the winning team member and a  GESC Lifeguard, added “this was a fantastic opportunity to put our training into use.

“Lifeguarding is about teamwork and working cohesively. We were able to work well as a team today, which put us in good stead.”

Eight teams representing aquatic facilities from around Victoria were challenged in a variety of simulated scenarios, such as managing spinal injury situations, major first aids, lost children and distressed patrons, as well as race events in the pool including obstacle, tube rescue tows, line throws and manikin relays.

Event Manager and LSV Aquatic Industry Services Manager, Alek Olszewski noted “the scenarios were designed not only to test the technical skills of the individual team members, but also their overall teamwork, communication and incident response capabilities.

“The scenarios they faced were difficult, but realistic, and could easily occur at the participants’ own facilities. A variety of twists and complications were also introduced into the scenarios to make the situations even more challenging.”

The event, the biggest of its kind in the country, was delivered with the generous support of Laerdal, and LifeTech using the latest rescue and resuscitation equipment. Following a two-year COVID-19 hiatus, the event was prioritised by both LSV and the attending teams, despite ongoing staff shortages impacting aquatic industry front line staff. AquaPulse team manager, Hayley Burke, whose team placed second overall, stated that “It was critical for us to be here today and provide our lifeguards with the opportunity to learn through what is arguably the best professional development anywhere in the industry.”

Overall Results:

1. - Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre, Glen Eira Leisure = 245 points

2. - AquaPulse, WynActive = 239 points

3. - Splashdown, City of Greater Geelong = 232 points

4. - Werribee Outdoor Pool, WynActive = 224 points

There is a big season ahead for Victoria’s 6,000 Pool Lifeguards who continue to keep swimming safe all-year round but face a heightened challenge during the busy summer season.

GESAC Lifeguard and winning team member, Max Putamosi, concluded “water safety is everybody’s responsibility”, reminding all visitors to Victoria’s public pools to play it safe by the water.

LSV acknowledges the support of Brimbank Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre and Brimbank City Council for providing the event venue.

Image: GESAC's winning team at the 2022 Life Saving Victoria - Pool Lifeguard Challenge. Credit: Life Saving Victoria.