Royal Life Saving Society NSW links with Statewide Mutual to advance pool water quality

Mindful that pool water quality is one of the most underrated exposures for council operated swimming pools, the Royal Life Saving Society NSW, backed by insurers Statewide Mutual, has been offering the Statewide Mutual Water Quality Initiative to provide free training and professional development workshops for senior swimming pool staff and environmental health officers at Statewide Mutual member councils.

Introducing the inititiative, a statement from Royal Life Saving NSW reads "council employees often lack knowledge and experience in the techniques of collection, testing or analysing water samples, which presents an ongoing risk management issue for local councils.

"The recognition of increasing community pressure and expectations for councils to continue to provide access to safe and clean swimming pools and spas highlights the need for demonstrable competence in management of water quality and records of site management to mitigate risk."

Aimed at staff responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of water quality at public swimming pools and spa pools, and backed by the Aquatic and Recreation Institute and the Country Pool Managers Association, the initiative consists of a four hour face-to-face workshop, followed by a blended assessment of online training and workbook activities.

Candidates receive three units of competency from the Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package upon successful completion of the program:

• SISCAQU201A Monitor pool water quality

• SISCAQU304A Maintain water quality

• SISRSK301A Undertake risk analysis of activities

Training programs commenced in December 2012 and, to date, over 60 workshops have been held in NSW.

Candidates have provided positive feedback, indicating it has been beneficial to refresh their skills and participate in the course alongside their Council environmental health officers. Royal Life Saving NSW is continuing this initiative over the coming months, with workshops being scheduled at various locations around the state.

For more information, go to the Royal Life Saving NSW website at http://www.royallifesaving.com.au/training/pool-operations