New incidence of pool deck violence at City of Casey aquatic centre

Weeks after the assault of a lifeguard at the Casey ARC, a brawl is understood to have occurred on the pool desk at the weekend at another of the City of Casey’s aquatic centres.

Media reports have indicated that Victoria Police responded to reports of a physical altercation at Casey RACE in Melbourne’s Cranbourne East on Sunday after a group of teenagers were seen fighting on the pool deck.

It is alleged that the brawl led to an evacuation with all parties involved having left the scene by the time Police arrived.

A video circulated on social media has shown that about 10 people were involved in the brawl. Some involved were punching and pushing each other. A girl was observed to stop the fight.

The brawl stirred up a wide social media concern over youth crime and safety concerns in the community, as only two weeks ago, a group of eight youths assaulted a 19-year-old lifeguard at Casey ARC, another aquatic centre in the City of Casey.

As reported by Star News, Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce President Ian Wood said the incidents were very disturbing.

Wood, who has long been advocating for the formation of a community forum of all politicians, police, and social workers to work through the problem of juvenile crimes in the community, stated “the new councillors that are in this area need to look at this and see what we can do.”

City of Casey’s former young citizen of the year Jessica Vidic said the brawl was proof there was a growing issue with “youth crime and a lack of respect for authority”.

Vidic added “it’s alarming to see young people resorting to aggression in public spaces, creating an unsafe environment for both workers and the community.

“The increase of property damage and car theft, which I have personally encountered, has left many residents, myself included, feeling uneasy.”

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said officers were unable to speak with anyone at Casey ARC to determine whether Sunday’s brawl was linked to last month’s violent attack on a lifeguard.

Both Casey RACE and Casey ARC are managed by Aligned Leisure.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Image: Casey RACE.