IFSTA's David Speechley suggests pool lifeguards are failing in aquatic safety

The International Federation of Swimming Teachers' Associations (IFSTA) President David Speechley has revealed that across the globe, lifeguards are under trained and overworked.

Speaking to Mike Hosking on New Zealand's Newstalk ZB today (9th August), Speechley went on to advocate for automatic drowning detection systems to be introduced at public pools in New Zealand need.

The IFSTA President told Hosking that the systems are camera-based and when someone isn't moving in the water, an alarm goes off.

He explained "there is 33 documented cases throughout the world now, where these systems have actually saved peoples’ lives."

Damningly, Speechley continued “there’s plenty of evidence now showing that lifeguards just often don’t see people in the water who are drowning, who are motionless.”

Speechley said when people go to public pools, they have an expectation lifeguards will keep them safe, adding "I've asked around a fair bit with patrons at polls and they are quite happy to pay an extra 10, 20, 30 cents to have that extra layer of protection by the pool."

Speechley's claims come in the week that the New Zealand Recreation Association is holding its annual Just Add Water Seminar - JAWS 2017 Aquatics Conference and with Royal Life Saving Society - Australia presenting its National Aquatic Industry Safety Awards.

Speechley was the long time Chief Executive of the Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA) until he departed the role earlier this year.

Click here to listen to David Speechley’s Newstalk ZB interview.

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