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Annual Report 2020/21 A water-loving nation free from drowning.

RoyalLifeSaving.com.au

OUR VISION

A water-loving nation free from drowning. OUR PURPOSE

To lead efforts to reduce drowning and increase swimming, water safety and lifesaving skills. OUR VALUES

• Leadership, Collaboration and Integrity • Humanitarianism and Social Entrepreneurship • Quality and Innovation • Diversity, Equality and Respect

CONTENTS 04 Message from the President 05 Message from the Chief Executive Officer 06 Royal Life Saving Strategic Framework OUR IMPACT 08 Drowning Prevention Leadership 14 Research, Policy and Advocacy 24 Community Awareness and Action 34 Swimming, Lifesaving, Water Safety Pathway 48 Safer Aquatic Locations 56 Drowning Prevention Leadership Abroad 62 Organisational Cohesion and Growth 70 People and Culture 74 Honours and Awards 76 Governance 78 Financial Summary 79 Our Partners

In the spirit of reconciliation, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia acknowledges the Land our National office is based on has deep connections to peoples and cultures across the Eora Nation. As such we respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this area, the Gadigal Peoples, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. As an organisation with national reach, we extend our respect to all Elders and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia and recognise their continued connection to land, waters and communities.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

This year’s Royal Life Saving Society – Australia Annual Report, my last as National President, acknowledges and celebrates the commitment and adaptability of Royal Life Saving Members, volunteers, and staff across the country, as they work toward our vision of a nation free from drowning in these challenging times. The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown up many challenges. At times communities have been locked out of their local swimming pools, children out of lessons, and instructors out of swim schools. While this has been felt most acutely in the eastern states, all our members have been impacted in some way. Rather than dwell on the challenges, this report outlines how we have regrouped to find new ways to advocate, to educate and to reach communities with lifesaving skills. Some examples include the shift of more lifesaving courses online, delivering highly engaging webinars and shifting meetings to zoom.

Message from Her Majesty The Queen Highlights of the past year included Her Majesty The Queen, Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Patron, appearing online to present Dr Stephen Beerman (Canada) with the King Edward VII Cup, awarded every two years in recognition of outstanding contributions to drowning prevention. Her Majesty reflected on her memories of completing the RLSS Junior Respiration Award in 1941. “I was very proud to wear the badge on the front of my swimming suit.” This was a bright moment in an otherwise sad year, and we again express our deepest sympathy on the passing of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Lifesaving Skills For Royal Life Saving - lifesaving, swimming and resuscitation have always gone hand in hand. I was pleased to see the redevelopment of our longstanding Swim and Survive program. Swim and Survive is fantastic balance of swimming development and skills that may one day save a life and prevent drowning. Lifesaving skills have always been critical to youth development. I continue to champion efforts to promote leadership and career pathways for young people through programs like Talent Pool in Western Australia. Our work in drowning prevention and water safety is only made possible by the passion and professionalism of our volunteers, employees, board members, casual trainers, officials and other key stakeholders across all States and Territories.

Campaigns Last summer was particularly bad in terms of drowning, with our National Drowning Report noting a 20% increase in fatal drowning. Royal Life Saving campaigns, such as Keep Watch, Make the Right Call and Respect the River continue to be critical to community safety. With COVID-19 resulting in longer lockdowns, increased domestic tourism and gaps in swimming skills, these campaigns will be even more essential this coming summer. The Keep Watch campaign focussed on empowering parents of children aged 0-4 years old and led with the message: “Kids can’t help themselves around water. You need to.” The four key actions are: Supervise; Restrict; Teach; and Respond. Royal Life Saving’s Make the Right Call campaign encourages all Australians – especially males – to look after their mates to keep each other safe when enjoying the country’s beautiful inland waterways. Men aged 25-45 years old are over-represented in the drowning statistics and this campaign seeks to raise awareness of the issues and educate them about the risks and consequences of their actions when recreating in, on and around water.

A quarter of all drowning deaths occur in rivers and creeks, so the Respect the River campaign highlights key safety tips. Currents, undertows or submerged objects – even in seemingly tranquil waterways – can prove to be very dangerous. It’s important to be aware of the dangers and always take care around water.

Thanks I’d like to extend my appreciation to the Finance and Audit Committee who helped the Board and staff navigate the organisation through the pandemic. I also wish to thank my fellow national board directors for their insight, guidance, and support. Thank you to the national office team, including our Chief Executive Officer Justin Scarr, and Marketing and Events Manager Monique Sharp for compiling this report. I also wish to acknowledge our Finance Manager Rhonda Groneman, who after 29 years is retiring after this Annual General Meeting. Rhonda’s service to Royal Life Saving has been exemplary, and I know that many will miss her financial stewardship, guidance, and friendship. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as President over the past three years. I look forward to continuing to support our mission and to ensure that we all recover from this past year stronger and with greater impact. Drowning is preventable and we must work together to ensure no one dies or is injured unnecessarily.

CAMERON EGLINGTON National President Royal Life Saving Society – Australia

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The past year has seen significant advances in our drowning prevention mission, in Australia and worldwide. A new Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030, the United Nations Declaration on Drowning Prevention and World Drowning Prevention Day have punctuated a year dominated by disruptions due to COVID-19. Getting the country swimming again Royal Life Saving has been acutely aware of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the community and our members. We have worked tirelessly to find new and innovative ways to reach communities with lifesaving and water safety programs, to support the aquatic industry navigate the challenges of lockdowns, and work with Governments at all levels to prevent the impacts of COVID on drowning, swimming lessons, industry, and schools. Our greatest challenge will be to ensure that the pandemic does not create a generation of nonswimmers who may never be safe around water. Falling enrolments, missed lessons, and fears that some children may not return are gaps that require an extensive, coordinated and long-term response. The redeveloped Swim and Survive, research into barriers to swimming in migrant communities, and our continued collective advocacy efforts will all contribute to this response.

Australian Water Safety Strategy In March 2021, we launched the new Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 with Australian Water Safety Council and colleagues including Surf Life Saving. The Strategy, facilitated by our national research and policy team, provides a detailed, evidenceinformed framework to guide prevention efforts and promote safe aquatic recreation. The impact will be measured by the number of organisations, Governments, councils, and communities who align and contribute to the goal of reducing drowning rates by a further 50% by 2030.

UN Resolution on Drowning Prevention The United Nations passed its first ever Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention (A/75/L.76) during the seventy-fifth session of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday 28th April 2021. This historic resolution is inspirational in setting an agenda for countries, UN agencies including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, and NGOs like Royal Life Saving to work together to address drowning as an under-recognised public health threat. The first World Drowning Prevention Day followed on 25th July, with Royal Life Saving contributing to op-eds on The Lancet, hosting webinars, and a local activation for members across Australia.

Partnerships Much of our work would not be possible without the support of the Australian Government and our corporate partners, for which we are extremely grateful. I would like to thank Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck, Minister for Sport for the Government’s strong commitment to our work.

Protector Aluminium and The Architects Choice, a valued corporate partner, supports our Keep Watch campaign to keep young children safe around water by highlighting the importance of erecting barriers to water as one of the key elements of drowning prevention, and helping to fund some of our child drowning research.

Thank you I’d like to thank Royal Life Saving colleagues, especially those in the national team for their very substantial achievements throughout the year. I wish to make a special note of gratitude to Rhonda Groneman, National Manager Finance, who retires this year after 29 years. Rhonda is well respected and much loved by so many staff and volunteers across the organisation. Thank you also to our national advisors, Prof John Pearn AO RFD (Medical/Research), Dr Shayne Baker OAM (Education and Training) and David Macallister (Sport), who continue to advise and mentor staff and volunteers. I wish to thank our outgoing President, Cameron Eglington for his support, and leadership throughout his three-year term in the role. As always, we are very grateful to the RLSSA Board, Deputy President, Pene Snashall, the Finance and Audit Committee, Honours Committee, and the CEOs and staff of our members for their ongoing guidance and support.

JUSTIN SCARR Chief Executive Officer Royal Life Saving Society - Australia

Strategic Framework Over the past century our vision has remained the same. We have always sought to reduce drowning, increase physical activity, especially in and around the water, and contribute to the creation of more resilient communities, Australia wide. Achieving these long term goals requires a deliberate effort to promote change. This change is best identified as:

We focus on eight priority areas:

Shifts in our knowledge and advances in the evidence base

Drowning prevention leadership

Newly developed and adjusted policies that impact drowning prevention or that promote water safety

Community awareness and action

Research, policy and advocacy

Increases in community water safety awareness and education Increased adoption of the risk management systems that make aquatic environments safer

Swimming, lifesaving, water safety pathway Safer aquatic locations Drowning prevention leadership abroad

Shifts in individual and community behaviours, particularly among those at greatest risk

Organisational cohesion and growth People and culture

Research Policy & Advocacy Community Awareness & Action

Organisational Cohesion & Growth

Drowning Prevention Leadership Royal Life Saving has a resolute focus to do its bit - and encourage others to do theirs - to achieve the Australian Water Safety Council’s goal of reducing drowning deaths in Australia.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS Provide effective stewardship of the Australian Water Safety Council Managing the Secretariat of the Australian Water Safety Council. Project Management and Launch of the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030. Align actions to the Australian Water Safety Strategy (AWSS) Working with Governments at all levels to prevent the impacts of COVID-19 on drowning, swimming lessons, industry, and schools. Facilitating the National Aquatic Industry Committee to strengthen the health, safety and viability of aquatic facility operations across Australia. Further, supporting the aquatic industry navigating the challenges of COVID-19. Aligning the Royal Life Saving Strategic Framework and Workplans to the AWSS. Support State and Territory coordinated efforts Guiding Royal Life Saving State and Territory Water Safety Strategies, Strategic Frameworks and Workplans to the AWSS. Supporting Royal Life Saving State and Territory offices while they navigate and respond to COVID-19. 8

Facilitate high-value workshops, symposiums, conferences Webinar Series: Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 - Session 1: Priority Area: People and Populations - Session 2: Priority Area: Places and Activities - Session 3: Implementation of the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 – Challenges and Opportunities Webinar: 2021 National Drowning Report and National Coastal Safety Findings Webinar Webinar Series: Aquatic Industry - 30 Years of the GSPO and 25 Years of Aquatic Facility Safety Assessments - Employment Law, National Reform to Law Relating to Casual Workers - COVID-19 Vaccinations Webinar Series: International Leadership - 10 Year Anniversary – World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2011 - WHO World Drowning Prevention Day 2021: Global, national and local reflections

Commitment To The Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030

Royal Life Saving Society – Australia manages the secretariat of the Australian Water Safety Council (AWSC) with the support of the Australian Government and works closely with foundation members Surf Life Saving Australia and AUSTSWIM. Royal Life Saving directs significant resources towards the implementation of the Australia Water Safety Strategy and project managed the development and release of the new Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030. The new Strategy was launched by the Hon Mark Coulton, Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government on behalf of Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck, Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Minister for Sport in conjunction with the Australian Water Safety Council (AWSC) at Parliament House, Canberra on Thursday 25 March 2021. The Australian Water Safety Strategy (AWSS) plays an essential role in National, State and Territory, and community approaches to preventing drowning and promoting safe use of waterways and swimming pools.

Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said there was more work to be done to ensure all Australians are safe in the water. “I applaud the Australian Water Safety Council for its commitment to reducing drowning by 50 per cent by 2030,” Minister Colbeck says. “Every drowning prevented or avoided is another family which doesn’t have to face the heartbreak of losing a loved one.” The new Australian Water Safety Strategy seeks to raise awareness about non-fatal drowning incidents, encourage communities to create local water safety plans and promote access to swimming and water safety skills for all Australians, including refugees, migrants and those living in regional areas.

Being

able to swim for fun, fitness or health is a great Australian pastime and is a skill that is essential for drowning prevention. The Australian Water Safety Strategy seeks to help all Australians to learn swimming and water safety skills, irrespective of where they live.

Justin Scarr Convenor, Australian Water Safety Council Chief Executive Officer, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia

The Strategy 2030 sets out a tenyear plan to reduce drowning. Key activities across research, policy, advocacy, collaboration, education, safe environments and workforce are linked to medium-term outcomes and long-term targets. It also outlines a plan for ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

Photo: Graham Ford AM, President, Surf Life Saving Australia; the Hon Mark Coulton, Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government; Justin Scarr, Convenor Australian Water Safety Council, CEO Royal Life Saving Society – Australia 10

Supporting the release of the Strategy - Royal Life Saving Society – Australia facilitated the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 Webinar Series engaging industry stakeholders. Sessions covered the Strategy priority areas and included panel discussions with subject matter experts. 24 speakers were involved across the three sessions with more than 230 unique participants from across Australia. Session 1 - Priority Area: People And Populations. Session 2 - Priority Area: Places And Activities. Session 3 - Implementation of The Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030: Challenges and Opportunities

READ THE STRATEGY royallifesaving.com.au/AWSS2030

AUSTRALIAN WATER SAFETY STRATEGY 2030

Inclusion

Safe participation Inclusion

Safe participation

Targeted advocacy

Targeted advocacy Taking action Taking action

Empowering communities Empowering communities

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

R & ivers lak es tic ua s Aq ilitie fac

CE S

Boating & watercraft

TIES

Towards a nation free from drowning

TIVI

Beache s, ocean & rocks

people Older ars) (65+ ye

PL A

ION

Fish rock ing & fishin g

FA C T O R S

Risk

g min Swim water and ty skills safe

RIS K

Alcohol and drugs

l& ina it s ig tra le or s S op Ab orre r pe T de an Isl

takin

ural icult Mult unities m com

P EO

P O P U L AT

Regional & remote communities

s ale m rs) g ea un y Yo -29 (15

C (0- hildr 4 y en ea rs)

sn Divi or ng ke & llin g

ENABLERS Research Education

ResearchPolicy Policy Advocacy Advocacy Collaboration Education Safe environments Workforce

Safe environments

Collaboration Workforce

Watch the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 Seminar Series Online at: youtube.com/RoyalLifeSavingAust 11

Reports Released Into Drowning Prevention, Lifesaving and Water Safety

Royal Life Saving Society – Australia together with Surf Life Saving Australia released their annual reports outlining the impacts of fatal and non-fatal drowning deaths. There were 294 drowning deaths in the past 12 months across Australia’s coastline, inland waterways and pools, which is 20% higher than last year. The reports revealed a spike in drowning deaths, with unfamiliar locations, exhaustion, and interruptions to regular swimming during the COVID-19 pandemic considered key factors. Two key trends emerged - spikes in drowning deaths immediately following large-scale lockdowns; and more Australians holidaying domestically and swimming in unfamiliar (and often unpatrolled) locations. Alarmingly men were once again overrepresented in the drowning statistics, accounting for 80% of drowning deaths, with alcohol and drugs, risk taking behaviour and overestimating their ability considered key factors. Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said despite the enormous work to prevent drownings, ultimately keeping people safe was everybody’s responsibility. “Drowning deaths are more than just numbers on a page,” Minister Colbeck said. “Every death is a tragedy that impacts families for years to come. “We each have a responsibility to make wise decisions around water, to look out for ourselves and each other.

Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison said the Government was determined to support organisations like Royal Life Saving Society - Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia to raise water safety awareness and to make our pools, waterways and beaches safer. “This summer, more than ever, Australians will want to get outdoors and enjoy summer. We are a waterorientated nation, and it’s part of who we are. “Whether it’s at the beach and the pool, in rivers and dams, or indeed, the family home, we all need to be mindful of how dangerous and unforgiving the water can be. “The report brings together the learning of past years to remind us of what we can do to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. “Australia has some of the best volunteers and experts helping to keep us safe, but it’s the responsibility of us all that we do our part to listen and practice the messages around water safety. “Keep between the flags, be cautious when swimming in new surroundings, and wear a life jacket when you should. “I thank Royal Life Saving Society - Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia for these reports and their important contribution to saving lives on our waters.”

“It is more important than ever to recognise the inherent dangers around water, particularly as the weather starts to warm up.”

We each have a responsibility to make wise decisions around water, to look out for ourselves and each other. Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison 12

Supporting the release of the reports, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia hosted a webinar to reflect and discuss the drowning statistics and key drowning trends from the last 12 months. The webinar was facilitated by Stacey Pidgeon, National Manager – Research and Policy, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia and was attended by 383 attendees from across Australia. Featured speakers included: Justin Scarr, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia Adam Weir, Chief Executive Officer, Surf Life Saving Australia Alison Mahony, National Manager – Research and Policy, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia (Report Author) Surf Life Saving Australia Coastal Safety Report Authors Peter Hopkins, MAST, Tasmania Omar Mahmoud and Feroz Sattar, Founders of Swim Brothers, NSW Floss Roberts, Executive Director, Royal Life Saving Society - Northern Territory

READ THE REPORT royallifesaving.com.au/NDR2021

FATAL AND NON-FATAL DROWNING IN AUSTRALIA

294

and an

This is a

20%

people drowned in Australian waterways in 2020/21

increase on the 10-year average

increase on 2019/20

Unintentional drowning deaths and death rates from 2010/11 to 2020/21 and the 10-year average 1.29

1.32 1.25

1.26 1.16

1.14

1.19

1.14 1.06

285

301 279

300 269

0.97

0.96

289

273

245

235

1.16

294

264

267

When fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents are combined, a total of 968 drowning incidents occurred in Australia, representing a crude drowning rate of 3.77 drowning incidents per 100,000 population.

294

674

non-fatal

fatal

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

2013/14

2014/15

2015/16

2016/17

2017/18

2018/19

2019/20

Drowning deaths

Crude rate

10-year average drowning deaths

10-year average crude rate

2020/21

Comparison of fatal and non-fatal incidents and crude rate of drowning incidents from 2010/11 to 2020/21 and the 10-year average 3.89 3.64 3.45

3.25

3.53

3.77

3.63

3.53

3.31

627 474

526 447

548

561

3.42

2.93

3.02

279

564

534

499

509

301

269

300

267

total drowning incidents

674 589

273 285

968

289

235

264

245

294

2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 Non-fatal

Fatal

Crude rate

10-year average non-fatal

10-year average fatal

10-year average crude rate

Watch the webinar to learn more about the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report at: youtube.com/RoyalLifeSavingAust 13

Research, Policy and Advocacy We are bringing science and advocacy to lifesaving. Striving to know exactly who was at risk of drowning – where, when and why. Seeking and testing answers about how to eliminate it. Advocating for change, and collaborative effort to reduce the impact of drowning on the community.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS Utilise the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Database to inform policy and practice The Royal Life Saving National Fatal Drowning Database has detailed variables on the circumstances of all unintentional fatal drowning deaths in Australia. More than 5000 cases are currently managed within the database. Reports Published: - Drowning deaths among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A 10-year analysis 2008/09 to 2017/18 - Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 - Summer Drowning Toll Report 2020/2021 - Summer Drowning Media Analysis 2020/2021 - Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2021

Expand and communicate evidence-based approaches Academic publications: - Epidemiology of unintentional fatal drowning among migrants in Australia. - Reducing inequities among adult female migrants at higher risk for drowning in Australia: The value of swimming and water safety programs. - Analysis of fatal unintentional drowning in Australia 2008–2020: Implications for the Australian Water Safety Strategy. - Comparing rivers to lakes: Implications for drowning prevention. - Exploring a Hidden Epidemic: Drowning Among Adults Aged 65 Years and Older. - Drowning prevention: turning the tide on a leading killer. - Drowning Prevention: priorities to accelerate multisectoral action. - Global Drowning Prevention Day 2021: The start of a new era? - Mapping Trends in Drowning Research: A Bibliometric Analysis 1995–2020. - Case Study: Blended Learning Approach in Pool Lifeguard Training.

Influence improvements in policy, legislation, regulation, program support Analysis of COVID-19 impacts on Aquatic Centres and Swim Schools including falling enrolments and employment patterns to inform a range of National, State and Territory policy advocacy Evaluate initiatives to improve policy and practice Developing an evaluation framework for the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 Evaluated Swimming Skills for an Active Life funded by the Move It AUS program

Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2021

The Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2021 highlights our research and analysis of fatal and non-fatal drowning across Australia between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021. During this time, 294 people lost their lives to drowning and we estimate a further 674 people experienced a non-fatal drowning incident.

This year’s findings show that: Drowning deaths increased by 20% on the previous year. 80% of drowning deaths were males. People aged 25 to 34 years accounted for 17% of the total number of deaths, the most of any age group. Rivers and creeks were the leading location for drowning (26%), followed by beaches (22%) and ocean/harbour locations (15%). There were 75 drowning deaths in rivers and creeks; this is a 53% increase on last year and a 3% increase on the 10-year average. Swimming and recreating was the leading activity prior to drowning (25%), followed by boating (15%) and falls into water (14%). Tragically, there were 25 drowning deaths among children aged 0-4 years; this is a 108% increase on last year and a 9% increase on the 10-year average.

The increase in drowning among children under five years is devastating. Young children are at high risk of drowning, particularly as they become more mobile and curious about their surroundings. Prolonged periods of stay-at-home directives while working and schooling from home is challenging for parents and carers, increasing the likelihood of distractions around the home environment and lapses in child supervision.

While further research is needed, the findings from the National Drowning Report indicate that the effects of COVID-19 on increases in drowning deaths is largely attributable to: 1. Increased drowning risk among Australians visiting unfamiliar locations. COVID-19 has seen more people seeking out remote places to escape crowds, swimming outside of patrolled hours, taking more day trips to isolated beaches, rivers or lakes, and holidaying domestically at unfamiliar locations. 2. Increased drowning risk around the home. Complacency can often seep in when people are exhausted from working from home, home schooling, and restricted time in confined spaces, sometimes resulting in distractions or unsupervised children around water. 3. Australians lack the swimming skills necessary to enjoy the water safely. COVID-19 has seen children missing out on swimming lessons, adults and teenagers with reduced pool access who are no longer swim fit and/or lack confidence in the water, leading to increased drowning incidents in open waterways.

Justin Scarr Chief Executive Officer, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia

READ THE REPORT royallifesaving.com.au/NDR2021

Learn more about the Report at: youtube.com/RoyalLifeSavingAust

294

QLD

39 WA

PEOPLE DROWNED IN AUSTRALIAN WATERWAYS IN 2020/21

NSW

ACT

VIC

This is a 20% increase on 2019/20 and an 8% increase on the 10-year average

TAS

80% of all drowning deaths were males

Top 3 age groups

17%

13%

25-34 years

Top 3 locations

65-74 years

13%

55-64 years

Top 3 activities

26%

25%

River/creek

Swimming & recreating

22%

15%

Beach

Boating

15%

14%

Ocean/harbour

Fall 17

Summer Drowning Toll 2020/2021

Summer Drowning Deaths Royal Life Saving monitors and reports on the Summer Drowning Toll annually to assist media in coverage of drowning and water safety over the summer period. The summer drowning toll tracks fatal drowning incidents, recording key demographics, as well as geographic and circumstantial information. There was significant media interest in the Summer Drowning Toll with 6,878 page views.

There were 101 drowning deaths over summer in 2020/21. This is a 2% decrease on the 10-year average of 103 deaths. In 2020/21, more than half of all rock-related drowning deaths occurred during summer (52%). Similarly, 50% of all deaths while diving or rock fishing occurred during the summer months.

Drowning deaths in summer from 2010/11 to 2020/21

2011/12

Alison Mahony National Manager – Research and Policy, Fatal and Non-fatal Drowning, Policy and Planning

90 105

2012/13

2013/14 2014/15

Royal Life Saving research has shown an increased risk of drowning during public holidays and school holidays. During summer there are three national public holidays (Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Australia Day), as well as individual State/ Territory public holidays and school holiday periods.

118

2010/11

86 110

2015/16

113

2016/17 2017/18

99 116

2018/19 2019/20 2020/21

94 101

Summer Drowning Toll Media Analysis An analysis of media stories over the 2020/21 summer period was conducted by UNSW Masters student Dr Megha Yalamanchili during a placement with Royal Life Saving. Dr Yalamanchili analysed more than 160 separate media articles and television news reports on drowning deaths over the summer months. Her research found that the media stories reporting drowning largely focused on the rescue and search response, and the way individuals and communities tried to assist. Beyond getting an overall picture of the way drowning deaths were discussed in the media, Dr Yalamanchili also sought out specific contextual factors. These included cultural background, alcohol involvement, lifejacket wear, swimming ability, whether the person was alone at the time, and whether more than one person perished.

Key findings from the analysis of media stories over the summer found that: Around one quarter of people were reported to be from a multicultural background. Alcohol involvement was rarely mentioned. Only two media stories reported that the person was wearing a lifejacket when boating or fishing. Very few stories included messages about staying safe around water and preventing drowning. As a result of this research, Dr Yalamanchili had two key recommendations: 1. Community targeted programs and safety messages for multicultural / migrant populations about water awareness and risks around water, including: - Be aware of your own abilities and skills - Know how to get help - Learn basic water safety and lifesaving skills - Read the safety signs before going into the water 2. Media should incorporate drowning prevention messages when reporting on drowning incidents.

Drowning numbers soar, prompting plea for water safety

VICTORIA’S WORST DROWNING YEAR ON RECORD AS TOLL CLIMBS WITH TWO MORE DEATHS

Drowning deaths among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

This report presented an analysis of fatal drowning among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2018. During this time, 152 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people lost their lives to drowning. We recognise that every drowning is a tragedy that has far reaching impacts on families and communities.

Key findings of the report include: Males accounted for 75% of all drowning deaths. People aged 45-54 years were most at risk of drowning, followed by young children aged 0-4 years. 68% occurred in outer regional, remote and very remote locations. Rivers were the leading location for drowning among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The 47% decrease in drowning deaths among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities shows very real progress. This large reduction in drowning was most marked in school-aged children aged 5 to 14 years. However, we know more needs to be done in partnership with Aboriginal communities to build on what has been achieved so far and reduce the drowning toll even further. Stacey Pidgeon National Manager - Research and Policy, Vulnerable populations, Activities and Water Safety Royal Life Saving Society - Australia 20

The report also highlighted the organisation’s work with partners and communities to address drowning in Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples through the development of programs specifically tailored for these communities. These programs take a broader health, wellbeing, social and economic approach for people of all ages. Many of these programs aim to create role models and train community members as swimming teachers, lifeguards and pool managers to provide employment and career pathways. One example of this is the Talent Pool Program in Western Australia, an innovative training program that provides skills development and employment opportunities for young Aboriginal people within the aquatic industry. Since the program commenced in 2017, 63 people have been supported into first-time employment. Such programs have a positive impact on communities, particularly in regional and remote locations. Royal Life Saving’s approach is to build partnerships and involve local communities right from the start to develop culturally appropriate programs and resources, which means people are very invested. This has a huge bearing on the success of these programs.

READ THE REPORT royallifesaving.com.au/ DrowningDeathsAboriginalReport2020

47%

152

reduction

People who identified as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander drowned in Australia 1 July 2008 To 30 June 2018

In drowning rates over the past ten years

5% of all drowning deaths are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

17%

11%

15%

14%

15%

17%

11%

0-4yrs

5-14yrs

15-24yrs

25-34yr

35-44yrs

45-54yrs

55yrs+

State/Territory breakdown (per cent and rates per 100,000 pop)

26% 5.60

28% 2.07

14% 2.20

QLD

5% 1.75

21% 1.33

3% 0.91

NSW

0.00

ACT

VIC

2% 1.12

TAS 21

Feature: Academic Publications

Epidemiology of unintentional fatal drowning among migrants in Australia Researchers from Royal Life Saving and James Cook University explored unintentional fatal drowning among migrants – that is people who were born overseas and are now living in Australia. This study did not include international students or overseas tourists. Between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2019, there were 572 migrant deaths, accounting for 29% of total drowning deaths in Australia during this period. The majority (83%) were male, 21% were aged 25-34 years and 41% had lived in Australia for 20 years or more. Drowning deaths most frequently occurred in summer (43%) and on a Sunday (22%). Almost half (49%) occurred in the afternoon. Overall, the highest proportion of migrant deaths occurred in New South Wales (41%), followed by Queensland (20%) and Western Australia (16%), however the rates of migrant deaths were highest in Tasmania and Northern Territory (2.5 and 2.3/ 100,000 overseas-born population). Migrant adults (18+ years) most frequently drowned at rivers (22%) or beaches (22%). Swimming was the most common activity being undertaken immediately prior to drowning (29%). More than one-quarter (27%) of adults recorded alcohol present, of which 60% recorded a BAC ≥0.05%. A pre-existing medical condition was recorded in 40% of cases, most commonly cardiac conditions. This study found consistent trends for drowning among both migrants and Australian-born people, including over-representation of males, alcohol, drowning in the summer months and in the afternoon. Migrants were more likely to drown when swimming or rock fishing at beaches and around rocks, in comparison with those born in Australia, who were more likely to drown while boating or diving at river or ocean locations. Unique trends for drowning were found among migrants based on length of time in Australia and country of birth. Beaches were the most common location of drowning for residents who had been in Australia for up to 5 years and for 6-10 years. In comparison, more than 60% of those who had lived in Australia for between 15-20 years drowned at rock locations. Long-term residents for 20+ years were equally likely to drown at beaches and rivers. Migrants from the United Kingdom, China, New Zealand, India and South Korea recorded the highest numbers of drowning deaths.

However, the highest rates of drowning by population in Australia were recorded among those born in South Korea (2.63/100,000 population), Taiwan (2.29/100,000 population) and Nepal (2.15/100,000 population). These results suggest that both recent and long-term migrants may be at higher risk of drowning. Longer-term migrants were more likely to be aged 55 years and over and from English-speaking countries and are more likely to have been exposed to water safety messages and campaigns since living in Australia. In contrast, new rivals were more likely to be younger and come from nonEnglish-speaking countries.

This study found that, on average, 57 migrants drown in Australia each year, with nearly one-quarter having lived in Australia for less than five years. Additionally, certain sub-populations recorded a greater drowning rate than the Australian-born population. These findings provide new insights that may reduce the impact of drowning among Australia’s migrant communities. This study builds on our understanding of who is drowning in Australia and acknowledges that not all migrant populations may experience the same risk factors. These findings support the need for tailored drowning prevention strategies and health promotion programs for populations identified as being at higher risk.

Comparing rivers to lakes: Implications for drowning prevention

Academic Publications for 2020-2021

Researchers from Royal Life Saving, UNSW Sydney and James Cook University compared drowning deaths in lakes with rivers nationally, over a fiveyear period between 1 July 2013 and 30 June 2018, to inform targeted water safety measures.

Willcox-Pidgeon SM, Franklin RC, Leggat P, Devine S. (2021) Epidemiology of unintentional fatal drowning among migrants in Australia. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 45: 255-262 https:// doi.org/10.1111/1753-6405.13102

The study found that 342 children and adults drowned in a river or lake during the study period. One in five (n=61) people drowned in a lake, 90% were males. Children under 18 years and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were more likely to drown in lakes than in rivers, and when swimming or boating. In comparison, adults were more likely to drown at rivers, and drowning in a river was more likely to occur after a fall into water and involve alcohol. The study found that swimming and boating at lakes represent significant dangers. The recreational nature of lakes where multiple activities are taking place like swimming, powered boats and unpowered watercraft means that people need to be cautious, especially with children about. These findings tell us that drowning prevention programs for lakes and rivers need to be different. For river safety, a specific focus on adults and alcohol should be considered, whereas lake safety interventions should focus on children aged 0 to 17 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recreational users.

This study highlighted that water authorities, tourism operators, local councils and parks and wildlife authorities all have a role to play in promoting water safety around lakes and rivers.

Willcox-Pidgeon SM, Franklin RC, Devine S, Leggat PA, Scarr J. (2021) Reducing inequities among adult female migrants at higher risk for drowning in Australia: The value of swimming and water safety programs. Health Promotion Journal of Australia 32: 49-60 https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.407 Peden AE, Scarr JP, Mahony A. (2021). Analysis of fatal unintentional drowning in Australia 2008–2020: implications for the Australian Water Safety Strategy. Aust NZ J Public Health. 2021; doi: https://doi. org/10.1111/1753-6405.13124 Peden AE, Willcox-Pidgeon SM, Franklin RC, Scarr, JP. (2020) Comparing rivers to lakes: Implications for drowning prevention. Australian Journal of Rural Health 28: 568-578 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ doi/10.1111/ajr.12679 Clemens T, Peden AE, Franklin RC. (2021) Exploring a Hidden Epidemic: Drowning Among Adults Aged 65 Years and Older. Journal of Aging and Health. https://journals.sagepub.com/ doi/10.1177/08982643211014770 Meddings D, Scarr JP, Larson K, Vaughn J & Krug E. (2021) Drowning prevention: turning the tide on a leading killer. Lancet Public Health https://www. thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS24682667(21)00165-1/fulltext Jagnoor J, Kobusingye O, Scarr JP. (2021) Drowning Prevention: priorities to accelerate multisectoral action. Lancet Public Health https://www.thelancet. com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)016019/fulltext Peden AE, Franklin RC. (2021). Global Drowning Prevention Day 2021: The start of a new era? Injury Prevention Blog https://blogs.bmj.com/injuryprevention/2021/07/22/global-drowning-preventionday-2021-the-start-of-a-new-era/ Scarr JP, Jagnoor J. (2021). Mapping Trends in Drowning Research: A Bibliometric Analysis 1995– 2020. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 4234; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084234 Jackson SD. (2020) Case Study: Blended Learning Approach in Pool Lifeguard Training. International Journal of Advanced Corporate Learning 13(3) https:// doi.org/10.3991/ijac.v13i3.17511

Community Awareness and Action While we talk about its perils, we actually love the water, and we want you and your family to love it too. With just a little advice, and a few key skills it can bring a lifetime of good health, fitness and family fun.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS Campaign to increase community awareness and action We delivered community awareness campaigns across Australia to prevent drowning:

Reach key audiences with innovation, perseverance, and presence Launched new Royal Life Saving website Dedicated social media strategy

Keep Watch Make the Right Call Respect the River Make Safe Decisions Around Water Portable Pools – Don’t Duck Out Summer Drowning Toll Promote the benefits of safe aquatic pursuits We have actively promoted safe aquatic recreation to prevent drowning deaths in inland waterways, aquatic centres, and home swimming pools with programs including: Respect the River Swim Ready Keep Watch @ Public Pools Swim and Survive 24

Build stakeholder and community awareness of Royal Life Saving vision and impacts Refreshed Royal Life Saving Brand Guideline and Communications Strategy

Royal Life Saving reminds parents to prepare for the unexpected. Always Keep Watch.

Royal Life Saving’s Keep Watch campaign has made significant inroads in helping to reduce drowning in children aged 0-4 since it was launched nearly 30 years ago. Drowning deaths however remain the leading cause of preventable death in this age group. Royal Life Saving launched its new creative campaign for Keep Watch in November in time for summer to remind parents and carers about the risks of child drowning. Research figures showed that, over the past 18 years, 507 children aged zero to four years drowned. Of these, 207 (41%) children aged one year drowned. For every fatal drowning in this age group, a further eight children are admitted to hospital following a non-fatal drowning. Some children sustain lifelong brain injuries. The majority of deaths in children aged zero to four occurred in backyard swimming pools (53%), with 39% occurring during the summer months. Accidental falls into water was the leading activity prior to drowning in this age group, accounting for 78% of all deaths. Almost all of these deaths were due to a lack of active adult supervision.

The risk of drowning triples as soon as a child starts to crawl, peaking shortly after a child’s first birthday, just as they start to become more mobile. At this age, they are curious and unpredictable. It is vital you keep constant watch. We are reminding parents that ‘Kids can’t help themselves around water, you need to. Keep Watch’. Drowning deaths in young children are wholly preventable and have a huge impact on a family. We also know that children who survive a drowning incident often experience lifelong health issues, which in some cases, may lead to premature death. The emotional toll this has on children, their parents and carers is terribly sad. Justin Scarr Chief Executive Officer, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia

Social Media Tiles

Always Keep Watch: Supervise. Actively supervise children around water. Restrict. Restrict children’s access to water. Teach. Teach children water safety skills. Respond. Learn how to respond in the case of an emergency.

Keep Watch is proudly supported by

Campaign Media Snapshot

246

Print and Broadcast Items

As part of the new Campaign a range of resources were developed and deployed across multiple media channels (Including TV and social) to support the campaign: 30 Second – Community Service Announcement Video – Keep Watch to keep your child safe.

$641,533

Print and Broadcast Advertising Value Equivalent

Kids will be kids. And we love them all. Cute, funny, quiet, wild, angelic, studious, all of them with their own unique personalities, all of them curious and unpredictable. One day avid explorers and princesses the next, with everything in between. Which is why we love them even more!

Community Service Announcement Support

But they have one thing in common: Kids can’t help themselves around water, you need to. Keep Watch.

Includes Seven Network (7, 7plus, 7Two, 7mate, 7flix), NBN TV Network, Channel 31

645,500 Social Media Influencer Outreach 35 Influencers / 1,791 comments 8,506 likes/video view

141,179 REACH

Mamamia Native Content

15 Second Community Service Announcement Video - Supervise. Restrict. Teach. Respond. Distractions are dangerous. Remain ever vigilant and always watching. Royal Life Saving urges all parents to Supervise, Restrict, Teach and Respond. Supervision is the single most important thing you can do to keep your children safe around water. Any distraction is dangerous and puts young children at risk around water. Whether it is a phone or social media use, or carrying out everyday tasks, such as leaving a child unsupervised momentarily to cook, take the rubbish out or collect the washing, no task is worth your child’s life.

Media Assets include social media tiles: The Wild One – Little Water, Lotta Trouble The Quiet One – Good as gold…until you stop watching The Bolter – Gone in a Splash

Watch the 30 second Keep Watch Community Service Announcement at: youtube.com/RoyalLifeSavingAust

Watch the 15 second Keep Watch Community Service Announcement at: youtube.com/RoyalLifeSavingAust 27

Men Alerted to the Dangers of Risk Taking Around Aquatic Enviroments. Make the Right Call Campaign.

Royal Life Saving’s Make the Right Call Campaign for 2020/2021 was launched on 9 December 2020. Make the Right Call, now in its second year, follows on from previous campaigns, including Respect the River and Don’t Let Your Mates Drink and Drown, all of which highlighted the dangers of risk-taking behaviour around aquatic environments. Men taking risks and overestimating their abilities continues to be our greatest challenge in drowning prevention, with males continuing to account for over 80% of drowning deaths in Australia. Recent data showed that men aged 25 to 44 years are especially prone to drowning; in the 2019/2020, over 90% of those who drowned in this age group were males. Make the Right Call highlights a common-sense approach to educate men on the risks and the consequences of their actions when recreating in, on and around the water. It advocates simple safety tips to prevent drowning by urging men to look out for your mates while holidaying, camping and boating on rivers and lakes.

As part of the Make the Right Call Campaign a variety of resources were deployed to support the campaign including: TV and Radio Community Service Announcements promoting: • Combined Campaign Message Make the Right Call - to keep your mates safe. • Make the Right Call – Avoid alcohol around water • Make the Right Call – Wear a lifejacket when on the water • Make the Right Call – Around the water avoid going alone

Campaign Activation: A comprehensive media strategy was built around the key target group of males aged 25-45 with 3.54 million males total (2.2 million who drink alcohol). The objectives for the campaign were: • Demand accountability and action from our target group. • Mass reach and engagement with the ‘Make The Right Call’ messaging.

Campaign activity included: 1. Broad media outreach (TV, Radio, Print, Online News) 2. Media partnership with Southern Cross Austereo and Triple M 3. Online digital media with Facebook, YouTube, KAYO BVOD and Tribe

Social Media Tiles

The campaign asks men to know their limitations and focuses on three key messages: Avoid alcohol around water Wear a lifejacket when boating or using watercraft Avoid swimming or recreating alone

Campaign Media Snapshot 1. Broad Media Outreach (TV, Radio, Print, Online News) Launch – 9 December 2020. Mate! Swim sober and don’t be a statistic. Royal Life Saving urges Australian men to Make the Right Call to prevent drowning this summer Australia Day – 21 January 2021. Swim Safe and Swim Sober this Australia Day weekend. Royal Life Saving is strongly warning men not to take risks around water this Australia Day. Easter – 31 March 2021. Royal Life Saving urges men to Make the Right Call this Easter

2. Media Partnership with Southern Cross Austereo and Triple M Royal Life Saving partnered with Southern Cross Austereo – Triple M Regional Networks to deliver a multi-media solution.

Delivery Report Summary 2020-21

Impressions Delivered Nationally

Instream – Digital Audio

1,599,157

Online Display and Retargeting

1,546,705

TV CSAs

59,392

Radio CSAs

7,891

Added Value/Station Support/Native Editorial

271,513

Total

3,484,658

3. Online Digital Partnership with Facebook, YouTube, KAYO BVOD and Tribe

Watch the Make the Right Call Community Service Announcements at: youtube.com/RoyalLifeSavingAust

Digital Ad

Delivery Report Summary 2020-21

Impressions Delivered Nationally

Facebook and Instagram

1,356,446

YouTube

484,999

KAYO - BVOD

340,197

Tribe - Male Influencers

141,800

Total

2,323,442

5,808,100+

Total Overall Campaign Impressions

New Campaign to Increase Water Safety Awareness Among Multicultural Communities

Royal Life Saving is committed to supporting our diverse communities with water safety and swimming education that is culturally appropriate and accessible. Royal Life Saving research showed that 99 people drowned in NSW in 2020/21. Of those people who drowned in NSW, one-third were known to be from multicultural backgrounds, the majority adult men. People drowned in all environments, including beaches, rivers, lakes, swimming pools and off rocks. Royal Life Saving’s ‘Make Safe Decisions Around Water’ campaign was launched in NSW in April and aimed at increasing awareness of water safety among our multicultural communities, promoting simple safety tips to prevent drowning when swimming, boating, and fishing.

Campaign Resources

Messages were based on the ‘Make the Right Call’ campaign but tailored to communities to reflect their language, their family and collective practices. The languages chosen were prioritised by drowning statistics, top languages spoken in NSW, and the communities and their leaders that Royal Life Saving had strong relationships with to assist to share messages. Messages were also available in Easy English to reach other multicultural communities. As part of the campaign a range of resources were developed and deployed across multiple media channels including social media tiles, DLs, posters, photos and videos. These were distributed across NSW and Australia through multicultural networks. The campaign received significant media coverage including a 90 sec segment on SBS World News.

This campaign included the following messages in Arabic, Nepali, Simplified Chinese, and easy English: Don’t go alone Always Wear a lifejacket when boating and fishing Don’t drink alcohol Learn swimming and water safety skills

Royal Life Saving Society – Australia is a member of many water safety multicultural committees and has been developing strong connections with both multicultural stakeholders and communities. These individuals and groups were consulted around the key messages, method of delivery and images that were developed. The campaign and resources were well received by multicultural communities and stakeholders with requests for more languages for the next campaign activation.

Multicultural Communities Committee This year Royal Life Saving Society – Australia established its first National Multicultural Communities Committee. The purpose of the committee is to come together to continue to strategically build on the work, sharing learning and expertise. Engagement strategies have been developed for some State and Territory Member Organisations (STMOs) and each STMO has identified key areas of support required. The committee has shared resources for community education, provided input into a multicultural professional development course for swim teachers, building capacity around applying for grants, identified key language resources that will benefit all members, and developed pool orientation videos.

Watch the Make Safe Decisions Around Water Campaign videos at: youtube.com/RoyalLifeSavingAust

Strong Community focus for new Royal Life Saving Website

The new Royal Life Saving website was launched on Wednesday 17 March 2021. With a strong focus on community and the website user’s journey, the new features of the website include:

BOOKING

ENGAGEMENT

MULTICULTURAL

Search functionality getting users to the information they need quickly and easily.

A simple booking function for Training Courses with the ability to filter based upon region, category and accredited training type.

Engaging pages with data insights, interactive media, and user generated relevant resources.

Multicultural resources, with main menu language navigation.

313,590

INDEX

RESPONSIVE

CONSOLIDATION

Indexed information – for example the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operation are fully indexed and searchable making it easier to reference particular guidelines.

Responsive design across all devices.

Combining National, Swim and Survive and Aquatic Hub websites provides a consistent web experience to users whilst streamlining content publishing and maintenance activities.

The website builds upon the Royal Life Saving Brand and is driven by clear outcomes: Advocacy/public awareness page views/downloads; Promotion / engagement program registration; Relationship-building partnerships-aquatic centres, swim and survive partners, schools and supporters; Business activation training course enrolments /product sales.

Check out the new website at: RoyalLifeSaving.com.au 32

Website Users

946,149 Website Page Views

Social media channels increasing awareness and educating the community about drowning prevention and water safety

With a dedicated social media strategy, Royal Life Saving regularly communicates to and engages with audiences on a range of issues. Key campaigns driven through social media for 2020-2021 include: Keep Watch Make the Right Call Making Safe Decisions Around Water Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 National Drowning Report 2021

8,631,247

27,102

Facebook Impressions

Linkedin Impressions

357,334

Engagement

1,931

Engagement

358

Number of posts

2,809,644

166,000

instagram Impressions

Total viewers

3,202

Engagement

135

Number of posts

5,800

Total Watch Time (Hours)

CONNECT WITH US

240,965 twitter Impressions

RoyalLifeSaving RoyalLifeSaving RoyalLifeSaving

6,379

Engagement

165

Number of posts

RoyalLifeSavingAust RoyalLifeSaving.com.au 33

Swimming, Lifesaving, Water Safety Pathway While we talk about its perils, we actually love the water, and we want you and your family to love it too. With just a little advice, and a few key skills it can bring a lifetime of good health, fitness and family fun.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS Champion the case for Swim and Survive skills for all children National review, development and update of the Swim and Survive Program including program resources, teacher tools and marketing resources. Project management, launch and promotion of the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework. Provide online learning resources through the Water Smart and Bronze e-lifesaving program for at-home learning during COVID-19 lockdown periods. Advocate on behalf of those who miss out on swimming and water safety skills Advocacy activities on the importance of swimming. No child should miss out on learning to swim. Provided access to swimming lessons to those that would have otherwise missed out via the Move It AUS and Swim My Way Programs. 34

Promote community resilience through rescue, lifesaving and emergency care skills Facilitate the Royal Life Saving National Training and Workforce Development and National Swimming and Water Safety Committees. Delivered 794,388 education and training awards across Australia providing swimming, rescue, lifesaving and emergency care skills. Delivering ‘In an Emergency’ interactive mini-learning modules and making these available on the new website. Foster pool lifesaving sport as vehicle for skills and leadership development Promotion and management of Athlete, Coaching and Officials courses via the Royal Life Saving Sport Hub.

The Joy of Swimming and The Strength of Water Safety

Swim and Survive Program Launches with New Program Resources, Teacher Tools and Marketing Resources Swim and Survive is a fun and dynamic swimming and water safety program that focuses on the development of swimming, personal survival, basic rescue and lifesaving skills. Swim and Survive aims to provide the required skills to lead safe and active lives in, on and around water. Over the past year, a comprehensive review of the Swim and Survive program was undertaken. This included a review of the brand, the curriculum and associated teaching and marketing resources. Various working groups were organised to manage the review process and comprised of representatives from State and Territory offices as a collaborative and consultative approach. Refreshing the Swim and Survive Brand involved new logo development to reflect the ‘joy of swimming’ and the ‘strength of water safety’. A fresh colour palette, typography and visuals support the new look and feel of the Swim and Survive brand. The Swim and Survive Curriculum was extensively reviewed using research findings from previous benchmarking reports, feedback from industry and the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework as a guide. The new curriculum provides a clear progression pathway of participation. More than 300 Swim Schools and Schools are delivering the Swim and Survive program across Australia.

Program Pathway of Progression

Key changes include: Alignment to the revised National Swimming and Water Safety Framework and achievement of the National Benchmarks. Converting to a 15-level program culminating in the Bronze Star as the graduation level. Incorporating the preschool levels into the main level structure to provide better alignment and transition as children progress into the primary school years. Providing a more evident transition level from inwater parent participation with child to independent participation with teacher. Skill progressions in the infant program to give flexibility in developing ability within developmental ages. Simplifying language of skill competencies.

For further program information visit: SwimAndSurvive.com.au

A comprehensive range of teaching and marketing resources were developed to support the implementation, management, teaching and promotion of Swim and Survive. These are all housed in the new Swim and Survive Resource Hub with exclusive access to the Swim and Survive Partners. Implementation resources:

Teaching resources:

• Program curriculum charts

• Assessment checklists

• Old to new curriculum chart

• ‘Must see’ assessment guidelines

• Pathway progression

• Lesson plans

Management resources: • Customer enquiry form

• Skill progression sheets • Activity cards

• Certificate overprint template & instructions

Marketing resources:

• Retention and acquisition tips

• Social media assets

• Staff management information

• Banners

• Marketing guidelines • Posters • Promotional video

Swim and Survive is a quality program ready for the next generation of children learning about swimming and water safety and will continue to evolve over the coming years. Penny Larsen National Manager Education We would like to acknowledge the many people that contributed to the Swim and Survive review with special thanks to Life Saving Victoria and Royal Life Saving Australia education teams.

Education Awards and Key Achievements

348,659

Swim And Survive

308,949

11,837

Water Safety Education

Bronze Community

3,825 Rescue Strand

121 1,622

Junior Lifeguard Club

Grey Medallion

Commitment to the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework The National Swimming and Water Safety Framework was launched in August 2020. Key industry organisations including Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, Swimming Australia, AUSTSWIM, Surf Life Saving Australia, ASCTA, ASSA, YMCA, Belgravia Leisure and Kids Alive Do the Five have endorsed the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework. The Framework aims to inform government, the education sector, aquatic industry, swim schools, swimming and water safety teachers, parents and individuals of the essential skills, knowledge, understanding, attitudes and behaviours for quality water safety education and to guide the development, provision and selection of holistic and balanced swimming and water safety programs. To increase awareness and understanding of the Framework, Royal Life Saving has presented to the Tasmanian Department of Education Swimming and Water Safety Program Staff Workshops, Australian Swim School Association’s Conference, and conducted Royal Life Saving webinars.

Learn more about the key research findings that underpin the Framework: youtube.com/RoyalLifeSavingAust

NATIONAL SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY FRAMEWORK SUPPORTED BY

Framework resources include fact sheets for parents, schools and industry, an Assessment Guide for the National Benchmarks, and an Implementation Checklist.

READ MORE ABOUT THE FRAMEWORK royallifesaving.com.au/NationalSwimming AndWaterSafetyframework

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

We want to bring a love of swimming and water safety education to more people in the community, especially those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate. 39

Water Smart Provided Schools with Valuable at Home Learning Resources

Teacher of Lifesaving Increasing Lifesaving Participation in Schools

Bronze E-Lifesaving Intereactive Online Course

Water Smart and a range of activity sheets mainly for primary school children have provided a remote learning option for schools and swim schools during COVID-19. These freely available classroom resources have provided water safety education during pool and school closures.

The Teacher of Lifesaving professional development course was ready for implementation by State and Territory Member Organisations in August 2020 with the completion of the SCORM files for each of the four modules as well as marketing and communication resources to assist with promotion of the course.

The Bronze e-Lifesaving online course has been successful as a remote learning option for schools during periods of lockdown or restricted access to swimming pools for practical lessons.

Royal Life Saving Western Australia has been the first to implement the Teacher of Lifesaving course. The Teacher of Lifesaving is an e-learning course that consists of four modules: 1. How to Teach Lifesaving 2. Personal Survival Skills 3. Teaching Rescue 4. Teaching Basic Resuscitation The course duration is approximately 90-120 minutes (20-30 minutes per module). The Teacher of Lifesaving course aims to support the strategy to increase lifesaving participation in schools, pools and community. It upskills teachers to not only teach lifesaving awards but to ensure they have the underpinning knowledge to teach water safety and lifesaving skills within swimming lessons.

Bronze e-Lifesaving is an interactive e-learning program that challenges and engages youth on issues such as risktaking behaviour, peer influences and alcohol consumption when recreating in and around water. Using aquatic themes, students explore personal attitudes, beliefs and personal relationships and develop skills in making informed decisions, refusal tactics and leadership. Bronze e-Lifesaving teaches students survival skills, rescue techniques and basic emergency and first aid care for managing situations where their own or others’ wellbeing and safety may be at risk.

9,810

Unit 1

9,918

Unit 2

Move It AUS Participation Grant Wraps Up

Royal Life Saving’s Swimming Skills for an Active Life project was completed in June 2021 as part of the Sport Australia Move It AUS Participation Grant - delivering 19 programs to 1,401 participants across Australia. Vital swimming and water safety skills were provided to participants who would otherwise miss out. The program supported at-risk groups, including Indigenous families, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and children from remote or low-income households. Learn to swim lessons for both children and adults were funded and helped to remove practical barriers to participation, such as transport to and from often very remote locations, and the cost of lessons, pool entry and equipment such as goggles and caps. Move it AUS is a national awareness campaign encouraging every Australian child and adult to get active. For adults it is 30 minutes and for children at least 60 minutes of physical activity, each day.

Key learnings from the grant program included: Location allocation There is significant demand for these programs so it is important to prioritise locations against key risk populations. Aquatic partnerships To work closely with aquatic partners to manage pool and teacher costs to optimise budgets facilitating increased participant numbers. Program customisation With the need to customise programs to location and audience (children vs adults) we revised program delivery with session allocations (for example 10 sessions over two weeks vs 10 weeks).

Royal Life Saving’s ‘Swimming Skills for an Active Life’ project provided an opportunity for participants to gain a greater understanding of the importance of being active, encouraging them to embrace swimming and aquatic activity as a regular, enjoyable part of a healthy lifestyle. Monique Sharp National Manager Marketing and Events Royal Life Saving Society - Australia

Swim My Way Program Delivers Over 30,000 Swim Lessons

Since its launch in February 2018, the UNCLE TOBYS Swim My Way program has delivered 40 programs with over 33,000 free swimming lessons for children and adults, thanks to Royal Life Saving and UNCLE TOBYS. The Swim My Way program has made swimming more accessible for people of all ages, backgrounds and, while encouraging them to embrace an active, healthy lifestyle and experience the joys and benefits of learning to swim. The program supported at-risk groups, including Indigenous families, culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities, and children from remote or low-income households. During the past year the impact of COVID-19 meant many programs had been placed on hold. However as restrictions lifted and pools began to re-open, programs were reinstated recording just over 13,000 Swim Lessons. Some of the Remote and Regional and CaLD program highlights are featured.

Tingha, Inverell NSW The program provided lessons to all students from Kindergarten to Year 6 from Tingha Public School. The program was hosted at the Inverell Swimming Pool and facilitated an additional two staff members for special needs students, enhancing the aquatic experience.

Reaching Culturally and Linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities across Victoria Close to 100 CaLD participants enjoyed the Swim my Way Program with groups including: • Bright Afghan Youth Community Group • CaLD women in Bendigo • Youth in Horsham & Mildura

Strelley Remote Community School, WA Recent statistics show that those in regional Western Australia are 3.7 times more likely to drown than those in the metropolitan area. Swimming and water safety lessons literally can be the difference between life and death in these communities.

• Additional groups from Thailand Phillipines, Myanmar, Rwanda, Vietnamese, Pakistani, Burundi, Malaysian, Afghan communities.

Strelley Remote Community School is located in a small Aboriginal community about a 50-minute drive inland from Port Hedland. Every Thursday morning during the first part of Term One school teachers Anne and Paul Westerink drove the school bus to the Gratwick Aquatic Centre in Port Hedland and back, so their students could access vital swimming lessons. The local RLSSWA instructors were also able to incorporate the community’s indigenous language into the session to help the participants feel at ease.

The Swim My Way program has been a great source of pride and we would like to thank UNCLE TOBYS for being such a valuable partner over the past three years and helping us in our mission to achieve a nation free from drowning. The UNCLE TOBYS Swim My Way program has helped communities who may not have been exposed to swimming and water safety education to find their love of swimming so that they can be safe and confident in the water. Justin Scarr Chief Executive Officer, Royal Life Saving Society – Australia 42

Watch the journey of the Swim My Way program at: youtube.com/RoyalLifeSavingAust

Training Awards Issued

34,885 59,059

Resuscitation

First Aid

3,535 Bronze Medallion

18,497

Pool Lifeguard

606 2,724

Swim Teacher

Aquatic Technical Operator

Strong Commitment to Training and Workforce Development Across Australia

The Training and Workforce Development Committee (TWD) continued to demonstrate their agility and work collaboratively in managing change and disruption in response to COVID-19 and movement in and out of lockdowns. Several State and Territory Member Organisations (STMOs) have continued to deliver CPR and first aid training in a fully remote format, making use of eLearning, teleconferencing and video assessment, while other STMOs have successfully transitioned to a blended learning delivery model for key training products. This has played a vital role in helping to keep aquatic facilities, workplaces and community organisations, including schools and childcare centres, open and safe. It has also led to business opportunities and stronger working partnerships. With the launch of the new national website in March, the TWD Committee provided considerable input at a content and technical level for the training and professional development sections of the site. The committee met on several occasions to work through the technical changes required at the STMO level (within local websites and Training Management Systems) in order that visitors to the national website could navigate seamlessly to STMO websites to gain specific course information and enrol. The committee also worked collaboratively in designing the ‘In an Emergency’ interactive mini-learning modules that are located on the new website. An example of one of these modules is ‘First Aid for Drowning’. The committee updated and added new content to the Pool Lifeguarding online modules. This included an additional full module on aquatic rescue and adding theory-based assessment tasks at the end of each module. Additional versions have also been developed for professional development training and for reaccreditation purposes.

South Australia and Northern Territory have moved into the online learning space over 2020-21, offering online pre-course learning for a range of courses and clients on CPR and first aid. These STMOs, along with Queensland, are well-positioned to add other products such as pool lifeguard, aquatic technical operator and swim teaching training courses to their suite of online delivery products over 2021-22. New South Wales, along with Life Saving Victoria, Western Australia and the TWD Committee structure played a key role in facilitating this through sharing of resources and expertise. The committee again worked collaboratively to update the First Aid Manual and Lifeguarding Manual, the latter resulting in the publication of a 6th edition, which incorporates Royal Life Saving’s new branding along with new content and updates to technical practices. The Lifeguarding Manual continues to function as the key industry publication for technical guidance and best practice for pool lifeguarding. In keeping with our important industry advisory role, Royal Life Saving National Office has been an active member on the Sport and Recreation Industry Reference Committee and the First Aid Industry Reference Committee. Royal Life Saving TWD committee members played an active role in providing guidance and technical advice as part of a project to update the fitness training products within the Sport and Recreation training package, which included updates to the Pool Lifeguard skill set and release of a new Aqua Exercise Instruction skill set. The committee also offered feedback to the First Aid Industry Reference Committee as part of the project to update the suite of first aid units, which resulted in publication of the new units in October 2020.

Several of the STMOs transitioned to an independent delivery model for swimming and water safety teacher courses over 2020-21. Life Saving Victoria (LSV) played a key role in development and sharing of courseware with other STMOs.

Lifeguarding 6th Edition

National Aquatic Industry Workforce Report Guiding Action

The Development and Release of the Aquatic Industry Employment Video

The National Aquatic Workforce Report, published in July 2020, analysed employee insights relating to working life, professional development and future needs of those working in the aquatic industry.

A video “Why work in aquatics?” was developed and shared via online media including website, email and social media, promoting the roles, opportunities and skills the aquatic industry offers.

This report found that:

Video Snapshot: With the industry projected to grow into the future, it is a great industry to get involved in with lots of opportunities to grow your career and make a meaningful impact in your community.

• A positive and collegiate work atmosphere was valued most highly by workers, slightly above improved pay and work conditions. • Almost three-quarters of workers had experienced a moderate degree of change in their role. • Two in every three workers believed that the greatest change has been in safety, compliance and legal requirements. • Most workers believed people leave the industry because of a lack of available work hours, poor remuneration and the seasonal nature of the work. • Most professional development activities across industry consist of face-to-face sessions. • Most workers valued face-to-face professional development sessions over online. • Most workers found that improved skills and performance resulted from day-to-day experience in the role and initial on-the-job training. • Most workers did two or fewer professional development activities a year. • Not all employee professional development activities were funded by employers.

These findings guide and support industry stakeholders to make decisions and take action to ensure the workforce has the capabilities, opportunities, resources and systems to enable it to best meet client, community and business needs, and respond to ongoing change.

Entry level courses to become a swim teacher, pool lifeguard or one of the many support and office-based roles are relatively quick and won’t break the bank, and you may even be able access government support. Aquatic industry roles help to make a positive impact on people’s lives. They allow you to work all over Australia calling on the many soft skills you may already have from previous jobs, or teaching you skills if it is your first job. For example, communication, teamwork, customer service, problem solving have an important role to play in the aquatic industry.

You too can make a big impact in a meaningful role in this industry. Join 67,000 new colleagues in the aquatic industry today.

Shaun Jackson National Manager Training and Workforce Development

Watch the “Why work in aquatics?” video at: youtube.com/RoyalLifeSavingAust 45

Sport The National Sport Committee (NSC), led by Royal Life Saving Society – Australia (RLSSA) volunteers, has continued to provide guidance and support to the National Office. With domestic and international events cancelled, community sport restricted and aquatic facilities closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee looked at revitalising the pool lifesaving sport calendar, and supporting State and Territory activities. The National Sport Committee looks forward to welcoming back our sport members to the pool in 2021/22.

National Sport Committee David Macallister National Sport Advisor, Committee Chair Ben Fishburn - NSW Anne-Maree Gardiner AM - VIC/ILS Ben Jimmieson – QLD Kelly Maidment – SA Andrew Ridley – WA Laura Withers – NT

A comprehensive review of the Competition Handbook was completed in line with amendments to the ILS Competition Rulebook, ensuring RLSSA competitions could be sanctioned and conducted in a COVID safe manner. Thanks to the Review Panel including Roz Grey, Joanne Teagle and Kelly Maidment, for their ongoing work on this important resource.

Jake Smith – Athlete Representative Jeannie Baxter-Reid – Coach Representative Roz Grey OAM – Official Representative

Sport Events While COVID-19 provided many hurdles for the sporting community in 2020-21, Royal Life Saving States and Territories offices with support from volunteers facilitated a number of successful pool lifesaving events, providing opportunities for members to stay engaged and in the pool around the country. In Western Australia, the 6th annual Pilbara Spirit Carnival was held in November 2020 with more than 180 children from 12 schools participating in a variety of aquatic activities including pool lifesaving development sessions, showing the skills they’d learnt throughout the year. West Life Saving Club continued to conduct regular Sunday training sessions, facilitated by State Team and RLSSA Assistant Coach Andrew Ridley, with the annual Pool Lifesaving Carnival series conducted over two weekends in September and October seeing participants from Royal Life Saving, Surf Life Saving and the Junior Lifeguard Club program diving in to put their lifesaving skills to the test.

RLSSWA Pool Lifesaving Carnival Series, November 2020

Royal Life Saving NSW Pool Lifesavers were able to dip their tows back in the water at the Enfield Pool Lifesaving Carnival in February, with participants from Under 8 years to Masters diving in for some fun and friendly competition prior to COVID restrictions impacting the remainder of the 2021 season. Royal Life Saving Northern Territory facilitated Wednesday night pool lifesaving training in Darwin and Alice Springs across the 2020/21 summer season and dry season training in winter, closing out the season in April with a Pool Lifesaving Carnival at Tennant Creek as part of the Active Family Fun Day. 46

Active Family Fun Day - Pool Lifesaving Carnival. Tennant Creek, April 2021

Sport Hub

International Sport Leadership

In addition to the new Royal Life Saving website, the Sport Hub continues to provide a portal for volunteers and members to access online learning and sport resources to support their participation in pool lifesaving.

Royal Life Saving Society - Australia continues to have a strong leadership presence in the international sporting community with representation across International Life Saving, Commonwealth and Australian Lifesaving Team Committees.

The Sport Hub resource library has continued to grow with collective input from our State and Territory sport administrators and staff, with additional resources aimed at supporting grass roots and junior sport and online learning including guidelines for modified competition, coaching tips, equipment guides and event management resources.

With disruptions to lifesaving sport in Australia and abroad due to COVID-19, these working groups have utilised time off pool deck to collaborate and progress work on key international projects ensuring sport members can return to competition as soon as possible and safely.

Representation includes: ILS Sport Commission ILS Sport Development Committee Anne-Maree Gardiner AM, LSV - Secretary Jonnine Rowe, RLSSWA ILS Sport Education and Sport For All Committees Caitlin Turner, RLSSA ILS Athletes Commission Jake Smith, RLSSWA Commonwealth Sport Development Committee Anne-Maree Gardiner AM, LSV Caitlin Turner, RLSSA Roz Grey OAM, RLSNSW Mary Veal, LSV Australian Lifesaving Team Penny Hodgers, RLSNSW – Collaborative Panel Shayne Baker, RLSSQ – Chair of Selectors Andrew Bowden, RLSNSW – Pool Coach Rachel King, RLSNSW – Assistant Pool Coach

More than just a sport. Pool lifesaving builds confidence, teaches teamwork, and is perfect for those who want to add an extra dimension to their swimming. It tests a lifesaver’s skills in rescue, accident prevention and emergency care, teaching skills that will save lives and last a lifetime. 47

Safer Aquatic Locations We are championing safety in all aquatic environments through risk management, industry development and training initiatives.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS Strengthen safety and risk management in all aquatic venues Facilitate the National Aquatic Industry Committee to strengthen the health, safety and viability of the aquatic facility operations across Australia, and supporting the aquatic industry navigating the challenges of COVID-19. Launch of the updated Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations online portal. Report commissioned for The Social, Health and Economic Value of the Australian National Aquatic Industry. Support industry development initiatives Development and release of the Aquatic Industry Employment Video. Facilitated high-value webinars supporting the aquatic industry with sessions including: - 30 Years of the GSPO and 25 Years of Aquatic Facility Safety Assessments. - Employment Law: National Reform to Law Relating to Casual Workers. - COVID-19 Vaccinations. 48

Deliver quality, innovative, customer and safety focused training Delivered the Conflict Management Course for the aquatic industry. Developed the Communications Skills Course for the aquatic industry - ready for Launch in November 2021. Reduce risk at known inland waterways black spots Delivery of the Respect the River program across Australia. promoting safe aquatic recreation around inland waterways. Draft Inland Waterway Guidelines ready to be finalised and launched in November 2021.

National Aquatic Industry Committee

The National Aquatic Industry Committee (NAIC) has the goal of strengthening the health, safety and viability of aquatic facility ownership and operations across Australia. In 2021, the committee grew from 16 people to 22 members to involve a more diverse network of stakeholders while remaining effective and responsive. The new committee for the 2021-2023 period was announced in March 2021. This year has been particularly challenging for the NAIC as it has grappled with the significant challenges across the industry resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. At various stages through the first half of 2021, nearly all jurisdictions have experienced some form of lockdown mandating the closure of aquatic facilities. This has had the effect of cancelling re-accreditation training for pool lifeguards in many cases and/or has impacted the income of staff members up for payment of re-licensing. The committee at various stages has issued a series of position statements that give effect to overriding the applicable sections of the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations (GSPO) and apply grace periods following lockdowns to enable staff to re-license and/or re-accredit as well as work when facilities are able to reopen. These extensions have been applied as a national industry standard intended to satisfy the ‘reasonable and practicable’ provisions of applicable Work Health and Safety legislation as well as risk management policy given the extenuating circumstances of the pandemic.

National Aquatic Industry Committee 2021-23 Membership Royal Life Saving Society – Australia RJ Houston (Chair) Representatives from national swimming-based organisations Kym McMahon, Swimming Australia Australian Council for Swimming and Water Safety Teachers (AUSTSWIM) Gary Toner, Australian Swim Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA) Wayne Pollock, Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) Representatives of state entities with a focus on aquatic facility management Kathy Parton, Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) Andrew Beamer, Aquatic Recreation Institute NSW (ARI) Steve Good, Leisure Institute of Western Australia Aquatics (LIWA) Representatives of aquatic facility builders and maintenance groups Lindsay McGrath, Swimming Pool and Spa Association Australia (SPASA) Representatives of local government Amanda Locke, City of Greater Geelong, VIC Jake Boerema, City of Norwood, SA Brad Page, Moreton Bay Regional Council, QLD Matt Howes, Sunshine Coast Council, QLD Representatives of facility managers Liam O’Brien, Aligned Leisure Todd McHardy, Bluefit Trent O’Hara, Belgravia Leisure Sean Hodges, VIVA Leisure Mel Rahtz, YMCA NSW Alexandra Ash, YMCA VIC Representatives of RLS State and Territory member organisations Alek Olszewski, Life Saving Victoria Les Mole, Royal Life Saving Queensland Nick Au, Royal Life Saving New South Wales Stephen Gazzola, Royal Life Saving Northern Territory

Updated Online Portal - making it easier than ever to search the Guidelines

Aquatic Webinar Series supporting the Aquatics Industry

As part of the new Royal Life Saving website, an upgraded online portal for the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations (GSPO) was launched, making it easier to find critical information within the guidelines.

Facilitating panel discussions with subject matter experts, three webinars have been hosted so far with more than 1250 registrations. The aquatic webinar series will continue to support and address the key issues facing industry for 2021 and beyond.

Under a variety of legal standards and frameworks, facility designers, owners and operators are charged with the responsibility of ensuring public and worker health and safety arising from the business and/or undertaking of aquatic facilities and their activities.

Webinar Topics:

This latest iteration, although not a change to the content of the guidelines, makes accessing key information easier than ever. It allows users to search the guidelines based on keywords to find references to requirements from across multiple guidelines.

Under the oversight and guidance of the National Aquatic Industry Committee, the guidelines are as relevant as ever considering the COVID-19 pandemic and an increasingly complex operating environment. The webinar reflected on and discussed the history and development of these industry-wide safety initiatives.

In addition to the guidelines, an extensive library of templates, forms and key business management documents are available in the GSPO portal that can assist aquatic facility operators in running their businesses efficiently and effectively.

Employment Law: National Reform to Law Relating to Casual Workers

30 Years of the GSPO and 25 Years of Aquatic Facility Safety Assessments

Considering significant reforms to workplace laws, Royal Life Saving facilitated a virtual workshop on how aquatic facilities can understand and prepare for the changes.

COVID-19 Vaccinations Both federal and state governments have signalled a roadmap to an Australia which could be free from lockdowns with policy makers signalling that this scenario hinges on the levels of COVID-19 vaccination in the population.

For 30 years, Royal Life Saving has written the GSPO, which compiles and contextualises these standards and frameworks, making them easier to understand and apply to aquatic facilities. 51

Report commissioned by Royal Life Saving values the Social, Health and Economic Value of the Australian National Aquatic Industry at more than $9 billion

The social, health and economic benefits of the aquatic industry to Australia are worth more than $9.1 billion, a new report by Pricewaterhouse Coopers and Royal Life Saving found.

Supporting the release of the report - Royal Life Saving hosted an online launch event and webinar with 276 attendees, joined by practitioners, advocates and experts in the field including:

The report looked at the 2,113 publicly accessible aquatic facilities across the country, finding almost 90 percent of Australians live within a 20-minute drive of their nearest pool. The report found the sector employs more than 67,000 employees, with women making up almost three-quarters of the workforce.

Jessica Yu, Director, Integrated Infrastructure, Economics, PWC Australia

Pricewaterhouse Coopers found the industry provided a social return on investment of $4.87 for every dollar spent operating an aquatic facility in a capital city or $2.18 in regional Australia.

We know that the headline figure is in many ways conservative. Putting a dollar value on the role of the community pool to rural and remote communities is very difficult. Beyond preventing drowning deaths, the aquatic industry has been shown to boost health by reducing the burden of disease, improving mental health outcomes and reducing absenteeism. The social benefit is where the aquatic industry has traditionally been under-recognised. Bringing people together, supporting marginalised groups and supporting early learning are some of the critical ways these public pools support their local communities.

James Ellender, Chief Executive Officer, ActiveXchange Professor Emma Sherry, Chair, Management and Marketing and Sport Innovation Research Group, Swinburne University Dr John Tower, Honorary Research Fellow, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University Peter Leaversuch, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Life Saving Society - Western Australia Justin Scarr, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia RJ Houston, National Manager – Aquatics, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia (Facilitator)

VIEW REPORT SNAPSHOT ONLINE AT royallifesaving.com.au/ SocialHealthAndEconomicValue

RJ Houston National Manager - Aquatics Royal Life Saving Society - Australia

The Social, Health and Economic Value of the Australian National Aquatic Industry July 2021

Watch the Report Highlights Online at: youtube.com/RoyalLifeSavingAust 52

Report Snapshot: The Social, Health and Economic Value of the Australian National Aquatic Industry

SOCIAL - $3.8 Billion

HEALTH - $2.5 Billion

ECONOMIC - $2.8 Billion

The aquatic industry is a key driver of social benefit for Australians annually in benefits from increased happiness and connection across society

The aquatic industry benefits the health and wellbeing of Australians annually in reduced burden of disease in Australia

The aquatic industry supports $2.8bn of economic activity annually to gross domestic product

89% of Australians live within 20 minute’s drive of one of Australia’s 2,113 aquatic facilities

89%

of the population live within

Min drive

The aquatic industry provides a social return on investment of $4.87 for every $1 spend on aquatic facility operations in capital cities

$4.87

of an aquatic facility

for $2.18 for every $1 spend on aquatic facility operations in regional Australia

$2.18

Respect the River

Royal Life Saving, with the support of the Australian Government is educating the public about inland waterway safety through the Respect the River program and is working across Australia to prevent drowning and promote safe Aquatic Recreation in Australian Inland Waterways. Royal Life Saving currently has projects operating in all Australian States and Territories.

Key activities in the community include: Engaging with local stakeholders to develop drowning prevention strategies Delivering swimming and water safety programs in key communities Conducting risk assessments of river blackspots and developing a targeted action plan Participating in local events to educate the community

Highlights for 2020-2021 Northern Territory

Victoria

Royal Life Saving Northern Territory continues to work closely with the community, engaging stakeholders through Water Safety Picnics, Pop Up Events and Regional and Remote Swim and Survive. Overall engagement decreased due to COVID-19 restrictions however a total of 887 Territorians were engaged throughout 2020-21.

School Programs Delivered Life Saving Victoria continues to deliver water safety programs as part of the Respect the River campaign despite ongoing challenges with COVID-19.

• Water Safety Picnics were a huge hit across the Northern Territory with 8 held across the year. • Pop up events were held across Darwin and Palmerston. • Swim and Survive program included 16 students and teachers from Kalkarindji travelling over 400Kms to Katherine to complete the Program. It was 3 action packed days of intensive swimming and water safety lessons, Pool Lifesaving Events, CPR awareness, First Aid skills and more.

12,718 participants from 96 schools undertook both virtual and in-person Sink or Swim and Open Water Learning Experience (OWLE) programs. Public Awareness Outreach to the Campaspe Shire The Make the Right Call media push was made over the Labour Day Long Weekend, targeting the Campaspe Shire. With key messages to: • Boaters, jet skiers and fishers urged to make safety their priority over Easter • River-goers urged not to cruise and booze over Easter • Water goers to remain vigilant over the long weekend

Lake Mary Ann, NT

Outreach included collateral distribution to local pubs, tourism centre, council, accommodation providers and boat hire venues reaching 10,150+. Print advertisements in the local newspaper with supporting editorial reaching 20,000. Paid, targeted social media campaign reachong 568,200. Print media pieces = 46 Radio and TV Pieces = 34 Total reach = 2,985,651 54

Western Australia

New South Wales

Old4New Lifejacket programs The Old4New Lifejacket program continued throughout the year with 6 Lifejacket exchange events with a total of 445 lifejackets exchanged. These events were hosted at: Leeuwin Boat Ramp, Point Walter, Hillary’s (November and February), Mindarie Boat Ramp and South Perth Foreshore Caravan & Camping Show.

Wagga Wagga sees first outback lifesavers The Outback Lifesavers program was developed to provide children in and across our regional and remote communities with basic water safety and lifesaving skills. The program is aimed at children aged 8 to 13 years and will be conducted in local pools and inland waterways.

Warmun Children Learn To Respect The River 12 children from the Warmun Community in the Kimberley region enjoyed learning how to stay safe around inland waterways during a ‘River Ready’ workshop held in December 2020. River Ready is part of the Respect the River initiative and is a water safety education course that focuses on the challenges and conditions of inland waterways such as rivers, lakes and dams. The program aims to equip people with the skills and knowledge to safely enjoy Western Australia’s extensive network of beautiful inland waterways. The course was delivered by Warmun Remote Aboriginal Swimming Pool Manager Stephen Waterman, who wanted to run the program for the local kids during the school holidays to help prepare them for Warmun’s wet season. The course took place at local spot Winnepa Springs, which offered a practical, realworld environment for the kids to work on their newly acquired skills.

The initiative was launched in partnership with Wagga Wagga City Council and is the state’s first Outback Lifesaver program, with 100 participants across a 10week program. The Murrumbidgee River, which flows through the Wagga city area remains one of Australia’s top ten drowning locations in Australia. The Outback Lifesavers program is really specific to the river environment here, so it’s very different to the nippers program which runs on the coast. Every inland waterways environment will be different which is why we‘ve chosen a different way of doing things, progressing from the standard swimming teaching ways. We’re hoping what we teach becomes a snowball effect where the kids will start to talk to their friends and even their parents about what they’ve learnt.

For the Warmun children the program was very timely, as a local boy, 14-year-old Frank, was swept away by the fast-flowing Turkey Creek on the first day of rain the previous year. Thankfully he managed to grab onto a tree branch, where he clung for dear life until his uncle, who got word of what happened, found Frank, and pulled him out of the water.

Stephen Waterman says it would have been an incredibly difficult experience. “I don’t know if you could imagine the sheer terror this young man would have felt,” said Steve. “Believing he was going to die, all alone, and no one was going to find him. I had to make sure these kids learnt skills to stay safe should any of them face a similar situation again!” The Kimberley region has one of the highest inland waterway drowning rates in the state. Programs such as River Ready help to provide vital water safety skills to people in our most at-risk communities, particularly in regional and remote Western Australia.

Drowning Prevention Leadership Abroad We are adding our energy, expertise and support to save lives across the world.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS Facilitate efforts to reduce drowning in the Asia-Pacific region Hosted 10 Year Anniversary Webinar World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2011 Harness the energy, skills and commitment of the Australian community Celebrated the first World Drowning Prevention Day with Royal Life Saving members joining in the social media campaign titled “We can all take action to end drowning” Partner with the Australian Government, UN Agencies, NGOs and donors Joined advocacy efforts aimed at achieving a UN Resolution on Drowning Prevention Contributed drowning prevention content to the World Health Organization Western Pacific Regional Status Report for Drowning Prevention 56

10 Year Anniversary – World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2011

More than 300 people from 52 countries celebrated 10 years since the World Conference on Drowning Prevention in Da Nang, Vietnam. The webinar featured discussion about the historic first United Nations Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention and was facilitated by Justin Scarr, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia. Guest speakers included: Dr David Meddings FRCP(C), MHSc, Department of the Social Determinants of Health, World Health Organization. Gemma May, International Advocacy Manager, Royal National Lifeboat Institution, UK. MPH. Doan Thi Thu Huyen, Country Director, Vietnam, Global Health Advocacy Incubator. Dr Aminur Rahman, CIPRB – Bangladesh. Ambassador Pete Peterson, The Alliance for Safe Children (TASC)

You can view this 10 Year Anniversary webinar online at: youtube.com/RoyalLifeSavingAust

Royal Life Saving contributes to Global Drowning Prevention

The Lancet Public Health: Drowning prevention: turning the tide on a leading killer

The Lancet: Drowning prevention: priorities to accelerate multisectoral action

Regional status report on drowning in the Western Pacific

Dr David R Meddings, MD, Justin-Paul Scarr, MBA, Kelly Larson, MPH, James Vaughan, Dr Etienne G Krug, MD

Dr Jagnoor Jagnoor, Prof Olive Kobusingye, Justin-Paul Scarr

The launch of the World Health Organization’s Regional status report on drowning in the Western Pacific was held on 22 July 2021. The report included data on the burden and impact of drowning in 20 Western Pacific countries, summarised existing water safety legislation and shared examples of best practices for drowning prevention from the regions.

Royal Life Saving joined colleagues from World Health Organisation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Royal National Lifeboat Institute to publish a piece highlighting that drowning is a leading killer, particularly of children and young adults, yet has been greatly neglected. The article notes that the UN General Assembly’s adoption of a historic first resolution on global drowning prevention provides a comprehensive framework and a practical roadmap to address the challenge of drowning prevention.

Royal Life Saving joined colleagues from The George Institute for Global Health to mark the first World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, 2021, by calling on the global community to build strong partnerships and global governance to foster multisectoral and intersectoral action for drowning prevention.

The article makes the following recommendations to accelerate action including: sourcing local data for global advances; co-developing sustainable solutions; intersections between drowning and sustainable development; the need for multisectoral action; and

The report was funded by UK charity RNLI and aims to accelerate advocacy and action to minimize the 74 000 preventable drowning deaths that occur each year in the Western Pacific. It sets out seven key recommendations, which correspond to its key findings, and acts as a baseline to measure future regional progress in drowning prevention. The report incorporated significant Australian data and case studies provided by Royal Life Saving.

the need for a global strategy and global partnership.

United Nations Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention

The United Nations passed its first ever Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention (A/75/L.76) during the seventy-fifth session of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday 28th April 2021.

The Resolution

The Resolution was brought to the United Nations by Ireland and Bangladesh, and co-sponsored by 79 countries including Australia. UK charity Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RLNI) have provided tireless support to the process. The Resolution has been warmly welcomed by the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, and the hundreds of thousands of people who work or volunteer as lifeguards, lifesavers, and swimming instructors in communities across Australia. We thank the Australian Government for its support.

• Notes that more than 90% of deaths occur in lowand middle-income countries, with Asia carrying the highest burden of drowning deaths by number

We are most proud of Hosting the World Conference on Drowning Prevention a decade ago in Vietnam, bringing together more than 435 individuals from 52 countries under the theme of building a global platform to reduce drowning. Supported by the Australian Government, the conference shone light on a previously hidden public health threat. The conference helped the Government of Vietnam build capacity including through SwimSafe Danang and published a declaration. Supporting the establishment of the International Drowning Research Centre – Bangladesh and working together to research and develop key interventions. Supporting WHO in various projects including advising on the publication Global Report on Drowning (2014), producing a launch video, and advising on the publication Preventing Drowning: An Implementation Guide (2017).

• Is in response to deep concern that drowning has been the cause of over 2.5 million preventable deaths in the past decade but has been largely under-recognised relative to its impact

• Notes that drowning disproportionately affects children and adolescents in rural areas, with many countries reporting drowning as the leading cause of childhood mortality • Clarifies that the official global estimate of 235,000 deaths per annum excludes drownings attributable to flood-related climatic events and water transport incidents, resulting in drowning deaths being underestimated by up to 50% in some countries • Declares that the 25th July every year will be World Drowning Prevention Day and calls on all nations to develop drowning prevention plans

Australia is well placed to achieve all (and more) of the voluntary actions that the Resolution encourages Members States to adopt. • Australia has well-developed national peak bodies for lifesaving and drowning prevention. • The Resolution aligns almost perfectly to the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 which was launched in Canberra in March 2021. • All the key WHO recommended interventions are welladdressed across Australia. • Our academic institutions and their approaches to global themes in drowning research are world leading, including teams at The George Institute for Global Health, the School of Population Health, UNSW, and James Cook University.

Australia is well placed to support international cooperation by sharing lessons learned, and best practices, within and among regions. In fact, our leadership has already contributed through partnerships with the WHO, International Life Saving Federation, and in Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Drowning prevention and lifesaving is well recognised and supported by the Australian community. Our nearest neighbours will likely benefit most from a UN elevation of this issue. 60

World Drowning Prevention Day

Following the United Nations adoption of the historic first Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention, the inaugural World Drowning Prevention Day was announced. The World Health Organization (WHO) invited all stakeholders to commemorate the day by highlighting the need for urgent, coordinated and multi-sectorial action to reduce drowning. On 25 July 2021, people across the world marked the first World Drowning Prevention Day. In addition to resources developed and shared by the WHO, Royal Life Saving created additional resources and promoted the importance of the day across the Australian media landscape. Royal Life Saving helped facilitate a WHO webinar ‘Global, national and local reflections on World Drowning Prevention Day 2021’. With over 500 attendees, speakers from around the globe.

On World Drowning Prevention Day, we encouraged people to join us in taking action to end drowning. Give your child the skills to enjoy the water safely. Keep Watch to keep your child safe around water. Check your pool fence and make sure the latch closes. Make the right call and avoid alcohol and drugs around water. Wear a lifejacket when you are fishing or boating. Check the weather forecast and water conditions before boating. Challenge yourself to do your Bronze Medallion. Start a career as a pool lifeguard or swimming and water safety teacher. Enrol in a First Aid course and learn CPR skills. Avoid driving through floodwaters.

Every small step we individually take can help save lives.

Watch the Call to Action for the World Drowning Prevention Day 2021 at: youtube.com/RoyalLifeSavingAust

Organisational Cohesion and Growth Royal Life Saving is continually building upon our 127-year history, our national network and our collective commitment to the Australian community.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS State and Territory Member Organisations identified their most important contributions to the community during 2020-2021 Continuing to build strong community relationships ensuring courses, programs and drowning prevention strategies are delivered to communities whether they are in urban, regional, rural or remote areas. Working with our high-risk and multicultural communities to provide accessible water safety education and support. Taking every step necessary to offer the community the critical social, health, wellbeing and economic benefits associated with aquatic activities. Adapting to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 to ensure the education sector and aquatic industry are supported, and the community continues to receive vital water safety education and training.

In Western Australia no primary school aged child drowned in 2020/21. Training continues to be the core focus of our day-to-day operations – from a young child taking their first Swim and Survive lesson, to an experienced Pool Lifeguard participating in their annual re-accreditation test, Royal Life Saving continues to play an important role in water safety. Commitment to Increasing Equity and Access to All Communities

With COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions our team persisted behind the scenes to re-adjust protocols and parameters for participation ensuring our programs and courses could return and continue as soon as possible.

Royal Life Saving is committed to reducing drowning and increasing equity and access to swimming and water safety education for all communities. To strengthen our work in this space at a national level, and to work more closely with communities, we appointed a dedicated staff member in November 2020 to oversee this area of work.

Our people adapted quickly to the changing needs of our communities and ensured a continuation of high-quality service and support.

Commitment to developing a Royal Life Saving Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which will set the foundation for our journey to reconciliation.

State And Territory Member Organisations: Community Engagement

Australian Capital Territory WaterAbilities delivering swimming and water safety for children with autism in the ACT Royal Life Saving ACT is committed to expanding community partnerships with local organisations that contribute to our drowning prevention goals. We were delighted to pair up with CycleAbilities ACT this year to assist with their amazing pilot program “WaterAbilities”, a dedicated swimming and water safety program for children with autism in the ACT. The program launched in late 2020 and continued to receive an overwhelming response in early 2021 when the pilot was extended to include water safety components. We will continue to support and promote the program to ensure this vital service is accessible and available to all who need it.

Swim 4 Life returns after COVID-19 shutdowns Swim 4 Life received 202 enrolments this year from families with children aged 4-14 from diverse backgrounds. Participants enjoyed pool sessions to develop their skills as well as outdoor sessions at their local lake or river to learn about water safety.

ACT Swim School Network established The ACT Swim School Network was established in March 2021 with the view to provide a regular forum for Swim School Managers and Coordinators to share, collaborate, learn, and develop. Royal Life Saving hosts and facilitates network meetings, events and forums that offer members the opportunity to have direct input into future program/ course developments, It also offers tangible benefits such as advanced introductions to new industry products, services and standards, and exclusive professional development opportunities for those in leadership roles.

Northern Territory

45,337 people

14,227 children

1,268 children

received a community benefit/service from Royal Life Saving across the Northern Territory, achieving Royal Life Saving NTs strategic goal of reaching over 20% of their population.

participated in the Swim and Survive program from 79 schools, with 1,109 achieving the national benchmark of level 4.

from 27 remote schools participated in the Remote Swim, Survive and Strive project and 86 students achieved the national swimming and water safety benchmark of a level four and above, 4 students from Tennant Creek achieved a Level 6.

13,071 training certificates were issued with 40% of this training conducted in regional and remote areas.

To view full Annual Reports from State and Territory Member Organisations visit: RoyalLifeSaving.com.au

New South Wales Royal Life Saving New South Wales opens its newest community hub - the Aquatic Safety Training Academy Denistone East Families from the Ryde area of Sydney will have yearround access to vital water safety and swimming classes with the opening of a new aquatic academy at Denistone East Public School. The new $6.5 million Aquatic Academy is a partnership between Royal Life Saving New South Wales and the Education Department. The state-of-the-art 25m indoor heated program pool offers the comprehensive Swim and Survive program both to children at the school and the broader local community. The pool will give children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds water safety classes that they would otherwise struggle to access. The Academy provides the school and the broader community with a range of swimming, water safety and lifesaving programs and services including: • Learn to swim – children, adults, diverse (cultural) community solutions (25 metre pool). • Disability support programs. • Leadership and industry development – workforce and sector development programs. • Vocational and community training – including CPR and First Aid (2 x training rooms). • Research – benchmarking child aquatic development and behavioural change. The Academy is an example of a “shared-use” model that utilises locations, such as a school to provide multipurpose and intergenerational facilities and services. Community connectivity and access to diverse “shared” space for recreational physical activity are an essential need into the future as active lifestyles provide many social, cultural and health benefits. The Aquatic Safety Training Academy – Denistone East complements the Seven Hills Academy (located on the grounds of the Hills Sports High School) which continues to support our educational and community objectives.

Above: Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, The Hon. Sarah Mitchell MLC and Member for Ryde, The Hon. Victor Dominello MP officially opening the new facility with School Captains.

Operation Swim Teacher As a result of the pandemic and associated mandatory restrictions, there were significant workforce loses across the sector requiring a revised strategy to source and secure future swim teachers. This need led to the establishment of “Operation Swim Teacher” which sought to target 500+ new swim teachers across NSW within a 16-week period. Utilising a rapid built technology solution (online learning model), together with sector partners and the NSW Government, 750 future swim teachers participated, with the vast majority receiving full-fee subsidies. Twenty-two programs were completed across regional NSW.

750

New Swim Teachers

Queensland

South Australia

In the Community and making a difference Royal Life Saving Queensland has delivered more than 50 individual programs to schools and community groups throughout the year. These programs range from community awareness and information sessions through to regular weekly programs focussing on water safety and swimming skills. Program Highlights include:

598

Children participating in the Central West Outreach Program

Partnering with the Foundation for Rural Regional Development, Royal Life Saving Queensland delivered five water safety and CPR clinics in Alpha, Jericho, Barcaldine, Muttaburra and Aramac during January and February 2021. Programs delivered vital learn to swim and swimming instruction skills and focused on the four factors of drowning prevention: water familiarisation; supervision; restricting access (child safe play areas on rural farms); and CPR education (for all children and adults).

Presenters travelled 1,381km to deliver vital water safety and CPR education to bush families Professional development for 14 swim instructors/school teachers Provided Swim Teacher qualifications to 10 individuals 302 parents took part in the program School visits to schools in the region

5,177

Students from Year 7 to Year 10 completed Bronze e-lifesaving

Supporting Schools across Queensland with the Bronze e-lifesaving Program. This program challenges and engages youth on issues such as risk-taking behaviour, peer influences and alcohol consumption when recreating in and around water, along with personal survival and basic rescue skills. 66

Royal Life Saving South Australia’s is committed to ensuring that every child in South Australia has access to lifesaving swimming and water safety skills. Part of that commitment was our involvement in VACSWIM, which is funded by the South Australian Government. This year was challenging, with COVID-19 conditions making it difficult to predict whether the VASWIM season could go ahead and, if so, in what form. We took this challenge and turned it into our most successful program to date. Beyond the attendance and satisfaction, our biggest achievement was the community support. From the 61 pool programs where we delivered VACSWIM in 2020/21, there were three regional locations in the top 10 attended programs – Cummins (237 participants), Port Augusta (224 participants), and Wudinna (208 participants). Coverage of smaller, marginalised communities is part of our commitment to ensure no child misses out on essential water safety and swimming instruction based on where they live. The smallest town we served last year was eight children in Wilmington. To ensure children develop and build on their skills, they need consistent access to lessons which is why we are committed to working with even the most remote communities year after year. Royal Life Saving South Australia is proud that we were able to provide VACSWIM to many more vulnerable children last year, including children in out-of-home care and children with autism, through a partnership with Autism SA. Of the 167 children in out-of-home care who participated in VACSWIM, 125 came to Royal Life Saving SA led programs – that is 75%. We also deliver a range of community programs, funded by all three levels of government. Examples of recent programs include: Autism swimming program, Somali Women’s swimming program, and Indie School swimming and employment pathways program.

Tasmania Supporting families in need Royal Life Saving Tasmania has been working closely with the Department of Communities and Foster and Kinship Carers Association Tasmania, to provide 10 free Learn to Swim lessons to children in care.

These lessons have had a positive effect on foster families.

Since 2019 over 330 young people aged from one year to 21 years have participated in the program.

“My children are autistic and find regular sport too much of a challenge, however these swimming lessons are amazing. The children look forward to Wednesday each week as they know their swimmers will be in the car when I collect them from school.”

Access to lessons state-wide means that carers can enrol their children in a local learn to swim school which is convenient and a great social advantage for both carers and children. They also receive a Water Safety Resource Pack containing a resource gGuide filled with tips on safety, CPR in a Box enabling the whole family to learn CPR, a Keep Watch hat and Keep Watch duck.

“Swimming for them has been so soothing and beneficial on every level. I have found being in the water has a strange calming effect on both children resulting in them to being much more tolerant and thoughtful. As a carer this is one of the best initiatives.”

Victoria Life Saving Victoria’s Diversity and Inclusion Department provides fully funded learn to swim courses to CALD communities. 3,000 lessons across 11 separate programs were delivered via Respect the River, Move it AUS and Swim My Way campaigns to 426 culturally and linguistically diverse children, youth and adults across Victoria. Locations included regional areas of Victoria such as Bendigo, Wodonga, Mildura as well as other key local Government areas across metropolitan Melbourne. The courses increased water safety skills and knowledge, developed community connectivity as well as contributing to physical, mental and social wellbeing. Furthermore, the courses had a positive impact on overall settlement into new towns and suburbs within Victoria for many of the participants of these programs.

240

New Victorian Swim Teachers

Life Saving Victoria (LSV) partnered with Aligned Leisure, Belgravia Leisure and YMCA to provide free accredited swim teacher training in Victoria in 2020-2021. As a result of this initiative, 240 new swim teachers received qualifications, directly addressing the growing demand for both swim teachers and delivery of swimming lessons.

Diversity and Inclusion Swim Program at Altona North Primary School. 67

Western Australia

Royal Life Saving Western Australia hosts Inaugural Kimberley Water Safety Forum Over the past decade, the Kimberley has recorded the second highest drowning rate of any WA region. In total 51 drowning incidents have been recorded in the Kimberley over that period with 20 people losing their lives. The majority of these incidents happened at inland waterways such as rivers and lakes, and men are three times more likely to drown than women.

The day opened with a Welcome to Country smoking ceremony with Dianne Appleby from Nyanja Buru Yawuru, followed by presentations from key organisations including the Department of Education, Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, the Australian Water Safety Council, Garnduwa, Curtin University, and Royal Life Saving.

This presents a unique challenge for water safety authorities in the region. Royal Life Saving WA worked with local community members to discover what more can be done to prevent drowning across the Kimberley through the inaugural Kimberley Water Safety Forum.

Royal Life Saving WA Kimberley Development Officer Glenn Taylor says the forum was an important opportunity to address a significant issue. “WA’s regional areas continue to be over-represented in drowning deaths, with a drowning rate 3.7 times higher than the Perth metro area. Local understanding of this serious and preventable issue is crucial,” Mr Taylor said.

The forum was a chance to bring together more than 30 key stakeholders and community members with an interest in water safety to share their experiences and discuss key local drowning prevention priorities and actions to address the high drowning rates in the region. Those attending also had the opportunity to learn more about trends in drowning within the local community, current challenges facing the Kimberley and to assist in the development of a water safety strategy for the region.

“I’m very heavily involved in the swimming community of the Kimberley, and people up here spend a lot of time in the water, it’s a big part of our life. My goal in working with Royal Life Saving is to decrease the drowning rate in our community, so it was great to hear important local perspectives from Kimberley residents and experts to enable us to begin to develop a solution.”

Joondalup Over 55s Lap Up New Water Safety Skills More than half of those who drowned in Western Australia in 2020-21 were aged 55 and over. As our population continues to age this figure is likely to increase further in the years to come. To tackle this growing issue Royal Life Saving WA launched the Aqua Skills 55+ program, teaching those aged over 55 vital swimming and lifesaving skills to stay safe around the water. The course is structured as a four-week refresher suitable for people of all abilities, and provides skills to deal with emergency situations, personal survival techniques and a thorough understanding of water safety knowledge to reduce the likelihood of drowning. It’s a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and have fun! The new course was held for the first time at the Joondalup Arena in May 2021, with 24 people attending and having a great time. The Aqua Skills 55+ program is run across Perth and is currently free for individuals over 55 years.

Royal Life Saving Commited to Increasing Equity and Access to All Communities

Royal Life Saving is committed to reducing drowning and increasing equity and access to swimming and water safety education for all communities. This is an area of work we have prioritised for many years.

Reconciliation Action Plan

The Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 now recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and those from multicultural communities as two separate priority areas that require tailored strategies developed in consultation with communities.

This year we committed to developing a Royal Life Saving Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which will set the foundation for our journey to reconciliation. This will include spending time scoping and developing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, deciding on our vision for reconciliation and exploring our sphere of influence, to ensure our future reconciliation efforts are meaningful, mutually beneficial and sustainable.

To strengthen our work in this space at a national level, and to work more closely with communities, we appointed a dedicated staff member in November 2020 to oversee this area of work. This role will provide specific support to our State and Territory staff in the areas of cultural awareness and culturally sensitive and respectful protocols, and engagement strategies based on the new and emerging populations (ethnicity, language, religion). They will facilitate the development of long-term relationships between member organisations and communities at the local level.

Royal Life Saving is focussed on ensuring that our work and the work of the aquatics industry includes and empowers Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people.

We believe this will provide our people with deeper social consciousness, improve how we meet community needs and help build a vibrant and socially responsible aquatics sector. Our efforts so far have included the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, Reconciliation Australia’s ‘Share Our Pride’ training for all staff and regular information sharing.

We are currently working on the development of our Reflect RAP and look forward to sharing this next year.

People and Culture Our people are our most essential asset, they bring commitment, energy, skills and reach into communities across the nation. Investing in them, bringing clear purpose, the resources they need, building partnerships and fostering innovation, will all amplify their impact.

Recognising our valued members as part of the Australian and Commonwealth Honours and Awards.

LIFE MEMBERS

NEW LIFE MEMBER

Pam Neenan Awarded Life Membership Recognising 66 Years of Service to Drowning Prevention

Pam Neenan’s volunteer highlights are extensive and include diving to the bottom of Brighton Baths, where a diver waited to share oxygen with Pam before a trainee rescuer dived in and commenced deep water resuscitation. This was not a staged demonstration; there was facial contact and mouthto-mouth breathing. In 1960, a newspaper photo was taken of Brian Colquhoun performing Expired Air Resuscitation (EAR), the precursor to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, on Pam which appeared in every newspaper in Australia and many overseas. The article’s headline ‘Kiss of Life’ entered the lexicon as short-hand for resuscitation. Beyond her volunteering, Pam also worked for both the NSW Branch and for the nascent National Office. Either as a volunteer or in a professional role, Pam worked on the production of every Royal Life Saving Manual since 1956 at NSW until 1993 when she retired. Her technical knowledge is widely respected. In the early 1980s she was one of the key authors of the first edition of “Swimming and Lifesaving - The Manual”. She was also involved in the production and release of promotional materials and press releases.

Jim Whiteside National Board Member, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia and President, Royal Life Saving Society NSW presenting Pam Neenan with Life Membership.

Pam is the patron of two Royal Life Saving Clubs within the Sutherland Shire. Her enthusiasm for Pool Life Saving inspires the athletes of these clubs. “Pam is the epitome of the community lifesaver, passionate about swimming, committed to teaching resuscitation and lifesaving, and she was there during the early days of mouth to mouth.”

“The Australian resuscitation posters were originally drawn by Pam and were used for decades by millions of Australians who have learnt CPR. Those drawings are still the basis of what we use today. Before then, the instructions were just words on a page. Her passion for life saving has never wavered and she remains one of Royal Life Saving’s champions in the community.” Justin Scarr Chief Executive Officer Royal Life Saving Society – Australia

Pam Neenan gifting Royal Life Saving her hand drawn Expired Air Resuscitation and External Cardiac Compression flow chart.

The Queen shares memories of achieving her own Life Saving Award

Her Majesty The Queen, Patron, Royal Life Saving Society- Commonwealth, has shared memories of achieving her own lifesaving qualification as a young girl during a video call with the Royal Life Saving Society. Eighty years ago, as Princess Elizabeth, The Queen became the first young person in the Commonwealth to achieve the Society’s Junior Respiration Award, providing an example to young people and helping to establish lifesaving and resuscitation qualifications across the network of nations. The Queen recalled her memories of receiving the Award in 1941, telling the call participants:

IN MEMORIAM

“I didn’t realise I was the first one - I just did it and had to work very hard for it! It was a great achievement and I was very proud to wear the badge on the front of my swimming suit. It was very grand, I thought.”

HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh 10 June 1921 - 9 April 2021

Her Majesty was hosted on the video call by Clive Holland, Deputy President of the Royal Life Saving Society, and joined by Dr Stephen Beerman in Nanaimo, Canada, recipient of the Society’s 2020 King Edward VII Cup, as well as lifesavers Tanner Gorille from Cape Town, South Africa, and Sarah Downs from Exeter, UK.

Our members have been privileged to attend events hosted by Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh and have fond memories of encouragement expressed by His Royal Highness.

The Queen’s virtual engagement with the Royal Life Saving Society comes as the United Nations have adopted a historic Resolution on Drowning Prevention, representing the formal acknowledgement of drowning as one of the biggest causes of preventable death in the world today.

All Members of the Royal Life Saving Society unite to express deepest sympathy on the passing of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Her Majesty assumed the role of Royal Life Saving Society Patron on 6 February 1952 following the death of her father, King George VI.

The Society is forever grateful to Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh for their unwavering support to the Royal Life Saving Society and the cause of drowning prevention over 69 years.

The Royal Life Saving Society was founded in London in 1891. The Society works across 30 Commonwealth nations with the aim of eliminating preventable death by drowning, promoting water safety, and delivering lifesaving and lifeguarding education.

An edited version of the call can be found at the following link: youtube.com/watch?v=zYCYUwzwN1U 73

HONOURS AND AWARDS

Royal Life Saving Society Australia Life Governors 2015 John McClelland AM (QLD) 2015 Alan B.Swinton OAM QPM (TAS) 2018 Daphne Read AO (NT) Life Members 1995 Neville Bayfield OAM (NSW) 1995 Gerald Brameld OAM (QLD) 1998 Victor John Dennis (WA) 1998 Ian Mackie AM (NAT) 1998 Gwendolyn Welford BEM(C) (QLD) 1999 Alan B. Swinton OAM QPM (TAS) 2000 V.J Forde AM (SA) 2000 John McClelland AM (QLD) 2002 Heather MacGowan OAM (WA) 2004 Theresa Leopold (SA) 2004 Faye Trevor (SA) 2005 Lesley Bartlett (SA) 2005 Professor John Pearn AO RFD (QLD) 2005 Patricia Quick (SA) 2006 Jan Burton (SA) 2006 C Dedman (SA) 2006 David Dewar (SA) 2006 Raymond M Martin OAM (SA) 2006 Vincent McStraw (SA) 2006 Mark Needham (SA) 2006 Ann Price (SA) 2007 John Kew (SA) 2007 Hayden Lamshed (SA) 2007 Faye Milham (SA) 2008 Dorothy E Brown OAM (NSW) 2009 Rod Welford (QLD) 2010 The Hon.Terence Higgins AO QC (ACT) 2010 Dianne Montalto ESM (VIC) 2010 Barbara Morgan OAM (VIC) 2010 Karen Freak (SA) 2011 Robyn Pryce-Jones (TAS) 2013 Anne-Maree Gardiner AM (VIC) 2013 Gary W Kearney (TAS) 2013 Sandra Vander Pal (VIC) 2014 Les Mole JP (QLD) 2014 Daphne Read AO (NT) 2016 Ernita McGrath (NSW) 2016 Glenda Bowen Pain AM (SA) 2017 Dr Shayne Baker OAM (QLD) 2018 Tom Ballantyne (WA) 2019 Randall Cook (NT) 2020 Pam Neenan (NSW)

Royal Life Saving Society – Commonwealth Past Presidents 1934-1951 Sir Thomas W White 1951-1977 Justice Percy Joske 1977-1979 Sir Percy Joske 1979-1987 Sir Basil Osborne CBE 1987-1994 Neville Bayfield OAM 1994-1997 Heather MacGowan OAM 1997-2003 Chief Justice Terence Higgins AO QC 2003-2009 Dr Shayne Baker OAM 2009-2011 Chief Justice Terence Higgins AO QC 2011-2012 Les Mole JP 2012 -2015 Dianne Montalto ESM 2015-2018 Penelope Snashall

Honorary Life Governors 1977 Baden Pattinson (SA) 1981 W Blakeney (NSW) 1981 George Turnbull (NSW) 1984 Francis Henry (NSW) 1999 Kevin Burrowes OAM (SA) 1999 Barry Stanton (SA) 2004 John Kew (SA) 2004 Raymond M Martin OAM (SA) 2004 Ann Price (SA) 2011 Lesley Bartlett (SA) 2011 Theresa Leopold (SA) 2011 Patricia Quick (SA) 2011 Faye Trevor (SA) 2012 Alan B.Swinton OAM QPM (TAS) Honorary Life Members 1977 Francis Henry (NSW) 1977 George Turnbull (NSW) 1983 P Margaret Stevens (VIC) 1988 Stanley Blanks (VIC) 1988 Cam Fitzgerald (VIC) 1990 Jack Farmer (VIC) 1993 James Burrowes (VIC) 1994 Norman Farmer AM ESM (Nat) 1995 Kevin Burrowes OAM (SA) 1995 Phillip Rice (VIC) 1995 Ken Southgate (QLD) 1995 Barry Stanton (SA) 1999 Dr Mervyn Allen (SA) 1999 John Coles (SA) 1999 V J Forde (SA) 1999 Raymond M Martin OAM (SA) 2000 John Kew (SA) 2000 G H Krueger (SA) 2000 Margaret Krueger (SA) 2001 Ann Price (SA) 2003 Gerald Brameld OAM (QLD) 2003 John McClelland AM (QLD) 2004 Bruce Campbell (QLD) 2004 Anita Eifler (WA) 2004 Ross Williams (QLD) 2005 Alan B.Swinton OAM QPM (TAS) 2006 Theresa Leopold (SA) 2006 Faye Trevor (SA) 2007 Lesley Bartlett (SA) 2007 Theresa Leopold (SA) 2007 Patricia Quick (SA) 2007 Faye Trevor (SA) 2008 David Dewar (SA) 2009 Barbara Morgan OAM (VIC) 2011 Faye Milham (SA) 2018 Anne-Maree Gardiner AM (Nat) 2018 Gary Kearney (TAS) 2020 Roz Grey OAM (NSW)

Roz Grey OAM and Geoff Grey

Anne-Maree Gardiner AM

International Honours for Royal Life Saving Volunteers

Queen’s Birthday Honours

Roz Grey OAM and Geoff Grey were formally recognised by The Royal Life Saving Society – Commonwealth for their service in Australia and internationally during National Volunteer Week.

Royal Life Saving was delighted that five people who have given outstanding service to life saving and water safety were recognised in the Queen’s Birthday 2021 Honours List.

Both originally joined the organisation in the 1960s. They are part of a network of volunteers across the country that make local and high-level pool life saving events possible through their extensive behind-the-scenes work. Roz and Geoff Grey are highly regarded across the world for their volunteer work. Their efforts at club, interstate, national and international levels have made an enormous difference beyond their immediate communities.

Anne-Maree Gardiner was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to lifesaving organisations. Her extraordinary contribution includes volunteer service for the International Life Saving Federation, Royal Life Saving Society at a Commonwealth level, across Australia and in Victoria, and the South Melbourne Life Saving Club.

Roz was awarded the Commonwealth Honorary Life Member for her work coaching, mentoring, refereeing, and accrediting both athletes and officials. Geoff received the Commonwealth Service Cross for service which has supported countries seeking to be more involved in lifesaving including The Philippines and China, as well as service to the Royal Life Saving NSW Board and to the NSW State Pool Life Saving team.

“Roz has always been highly considered at all Australian and International Lifesaving events. People understand that she’s a person of integrity, she knows her stuff, and she’s not afraid to stand her ground.

Ann Brett, Joan Lillian Scott and George Scott were all awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Ann has given distinguished service to Royal Life Saving Society Queensland including as Secretary of the Board of Examiners, 1982-1990. Both Joan Lillian Scott and George Scott were recognised for their service to the community of Wonthaggi in Victoria, including to Wonthaggi Life Saving Club. They have both been involved in the club since the 1950s. The Emergency Services Medal (ESM) was awarded to Dinah Boswell for dedication and commitment to Life Saving Victoria, and to the safety of the Victorian community.

“I have sat on a couple of (pool life saving) appeals hearings with Geoff. I know how seriously he takes it, how much effort goes into it. I think it’s a credit to Geoff that he can handle the situation with such calm and a get a good result each time.”

“The tireless service of Anne-Maree, Ann, Joan, George and Dinah has been extraordinary, and we are grateful for their ongoing contributions to keeping our community safe.”

Jim Whiteside National Board Member, Royal Life Saving Society Australia and President, Royal Life Saving Society - NSW

Justin Scarr Chief Executive Officer Royal Life Saving Society – Australia 75

Governance

The National Board is the governing body of Royal Life Saving Society - Australia comprising of the President and Directors. Each State and Territory Member Organisation elects a Director to represent them. The National President and Deputy President are elected from the National Board membership to serve a one year term of office. The National Board is responsible for the transparent, accountable governance of Royal Life Saving and for policy making and setting strategic direction.

Patron His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia National Board of Directors CAMERON EGLINGTON M Ed; B.P.E, Dip. Teach, PE. President Cameron joined the Board in June 2013 representing Royal Life Saving Society Australia, Western Australia. Cameron was confirmed as National President October 2018. PENELOPE SNASHALL B.Bus Deputy President President, Royal Life Saving Society Australia, Tasmania. Pene was appointed as a Director in November 2013. Pene was confirmed as Deputy President in October 2018. PAUL REYNOLDS Paul was appointed as a Director in November 2019 by Royal Life Saving Society Australia, ACT. JIM WHITESIDE President, Royal Life Saving Society Australia, New South Wales. Jim was appointed to the Board in October 2016. ROD WELFORD Deputy President, Royal Life Saving Society Australia, Queensland. Rod was appointed as a Director in December 2019. MARK SCOTT ESM Director, Royal Life Saving Society Australia, Victoria. Mark was appointed as a Director in November 2019.

BELINDA LAWTON BA (Hons); MA Director, Royal Life Saving Society Australia, Northern Territory. Belinda was appointed as a Director October 2018, and resigned in March 2021. PENNY HART President, Royal Life Saving Society Australia, Northern Territory. Penny was appointed to the Board in March 2021. DAVID DEWAR Director, Royal Life Saving Society Australia, South Australia. David was appointed to the Board in November 2019. FRANCINE KINKADE BAcc; LLB (Hons) Francine was appointed as an Independent Director to the Board in February 2018. MITCHELL HARTMAN B Sc; MBBS Mitch was appointed as an Independent Director to the Board in February 2018. JUSTIN SCARR MBA B.Ed Company Secretary Justin has been a senior executive for the past 23 years, and was appointed as Chief Executive Officer, and Company Secretary in January 2013.

National Advisers Education and Training Dr Shayne Baker OAM Sport David Macallister Medical Professor John Pearn AO RFD National ACT NSW QLD

Finance and Audit Committee Anthony Bandle (Chair) Jim Whiteside James McClelland

Executive NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA Honours NSW NT QLD SA VIC NAT

Leadership Team Michael Ilinsky Floss Roberts Paul Barry Jayne Minear Nigel Taylor (Until May 2021) Catherine Greaves (From June 2021) Peter Leaversuch

Committee Roz Grey OAM (Chair) Daphne Read AO James McClelland Brione Rundle Dianne Montalto ESM Rhonda Groneman

International Life Saving Organisations Committee Membership Justin Scarr Drowning Prevention Commissioner, ILS Asia-Pacific Secretary General

National Office Chief Executive Officer Justin Scarr Operations National Manager Operations Craig Roberts (Until September 2020) National Manager – Aquatics RJ Houston (From February 2021) National Manager Events and Marketing Monique Sharp National Communications Executive Kavita Bowry (Until February 2021) Strategic Communications and Partnerships Belinda Lawton (From March 2021) Social Media and Digital Communications Officer Alex McGregor (From July 2021) National Manager Research and Policy Vulnerable populations, activities and water safety Stacey Pidgeon National Manager Research and Policy Fatal and Non-fatal drowning, Policy and Planning, Aquatic Industry Alison Mahony Senior Policy Officer – Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Communities Sahba Clara Delshad (From November 2020) Senior Project Officer – Research and Policy Katrien Pickles, PhD (From April 2021) Senior Research Fellow Professor Richard Franklin Dr Amy Peden Dr John Lippmann OAM

Professor John Pearn AO RFD Medical Committee

National Manager Training and Workforce Development Shaun Jackson

Dr Amy Peden and Stacey Pidgeon Drowning Prevention Commission

National Manager Education and Training Penny Larsen

Dr Shayne Baker OAM Rescue Commission

Senior Project Officer – Aquatic Industry and Education Thea Harrild

Anne-Maree Gardiner AM Sport Commission

Project Officer - IT Chris Groneman

Commonwealth Royal Life Saving Society Committee Membership Pene Snashall Board of Trustees Anne-Maree Gardiner AM Portfolio Director Development through Sport Dr Shayne Baker OAM Portfolio Director Capacity Building

Senior Project Officer – Lifesaving Sport and Development Caitlin Turner Finance and Administration National Manager Finance Rhonda Groneman (Until October 2021) Linda Luu (From June 2021) Administration and Accounts Officer Sunny Fung

James McClelland Heritage Working Group 77

Financial Summary

The National Board of Directors for Royal Life Saving Society – Australia continues to maintain a sound and secure financial position.

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME for the year ended 30 June 2021 Revenue Fundraising Other Income Total Income

2021 3,869,614 124,570 350,065 $4,344,249

2020 4,379,232 103,000 215,560 $4,697,792

Expenses Management and Administration expenses 609,087 613,868 Fundraising 77,254 84,886 Media Meeting and Promotional Expenses 528,326 704,979 Programs and Program Support 3,011,434 3,145,117 Amortisation and Depreciation 71,743 63,442 Total Expenses $4,297,844 $4,612,292 Total Comprehensive income attributable to the Members of RLSSA

$46,405

$85,500

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION as at 30 June 2021

2021

CURRENT ASSETS Cash 3,655,821 Receivables 224,944 Inventories 44,185 Other 32,235 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS $3,957,185 NON-CURRENT ASSETS Property, plant and equipment 1,672,558 TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS $1,672,558 TOTAL ASSETS $5,629,743 CURRENT LIABILITIES Creditors and borrowings 2,672,739 Provisions 863,552 TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES $3,536,291 NON CURRENT LIABILITIES Creditors and borrowings 0 TOTAL NON CURRENT LIABILITIES 0 TOTAL LIABILITIES $3,536,291 NET ASSETS $2,093,452 RETAINED FUNDS Retained surplus 1,557,676 Asset revaluation reserve 535,776 TOTAL RETAINED FUNDS $2,093,452 A copy of the audited financial statements for Royal Life Saving Society – Australia are available upon request.

2020 3,115,777 102,155 88,870 39,761 $3,346,563

1,754,149 $1,754,149 $5,100,712

2,154,149 899,516 $3,053,665

0 0 $3,053,665 $2,047,047

1,511,271 535,776 $2,047,047

Our Partners

Royal Life Saving Society – Australia would like to thank the following organisations for their continued support. Australian Government

Corporate Sponsors

Industry Partners

Media Partners

Other Supporters

FOR MORE INFORMATION Call 02 8217 3111 Email info@rlssa.org.au

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