Training to address pool manager shortage in the Pilbara and Kimberley

Lifeguards in Western Australia's Pilbara and Kimberley regions are being encouraged to undertake a qualification in the operation and management of public pools.

The Pool Operations Training Course will be held in Port Hedland for the first time in eight years thanks to a partnership between the YMCA, the Town Of Port Hedland and the Royal Life Saving Society (Western Australia).

Port Hedland Leisure Facilities Area Manager Daniel Murphy said the course, which will be held at the All Seasons Hotel in Port Hedland from 27th to 31st August, will allow lifeguards to up-skill in order to help alleviate skill shortages in the region.

Murphy stated "it's fantastic that the Royal Life Saving Society, in partnership with the Town of Port Hedland and YMCA Perth, has brought the training course back to Port Hedland as it means candidates from throughout the Pilbara and Kimberley can complete the course locally instead of having to travel to Perth.

"The course includes both off-the-job and on-the-job assessments, which will provide participants with theknow-how to operate swimming pool plant and equipment and move from the role of a lifeguard into a Duty Manager position.

"The program has been developed to meet the requirements set by industry and complies with Western Australian Department of Health Regulations and Code of Practice, giving participantsaccess to the skills, knowledge and current industry standardsrequired tooperate a public swimming pool."

The course will cover 13 units of competence from the National Community Recreation Industry Training Package includingmonitoring and maintaining pool water quality, responding to emergency situations and following Occupational Health and Safety policies. Successful course participants will receive their Leisure Institute of WA Aquatics (LIWA Aquatics) Pool Operations Certificate, which is fully endorsed by the WA Department of Health, as well as a certificate in operating SCUBA equipment in an aquatic facility.

Enrolments for the course are now open for pool lifeguards aged 18 years or older who hold their Senior First Aid certificate.

The course costs $750 and includes professional instruction, course materials and a 12 month LIWA Aquatics membership.

To enrol go to www.lifesavingwa.com.au/training/course/?id=27.

13th July 2012 - TOWN OF PORT HEDLAND AND YMCA PARTNERSHIP INITIATES PORT HEDLAND LEISURE