Qualification extensions for lifeguards and swim instructors

With WA moving into Stage Three of the State Government's easing of COVID-19 restrictions this weekend many of the state's public aquatic facilities and swim schools will soon be re-opening for business. While this is fantastic news for these facilities and members of the community who have been missing the important services they provide, there has been some concern from those working in the aquatic industry who've been unable to requalify their pool lifeguard, first aid and CPR qualifications due to COVID-19 restrictions over recent months.

In order to assist these facilities in reactivating while their staff await the availabilty of requalification courses Royal Life Saving WA has extended qualifications for all Swimming and Water Safety Teachers, Pool Lifeguards and Aquatic Program Instructors whose reaccreditation is due for renewal between the 20th March 2020 and 30th June 2020. These staff will have until the 1st July 2020 to complete their reaccreditation. This position was formed following consultation with the National Aquatic Industry Safety Committee (NAISC) and was first communicated by our National CEO on 3 April 2020. 

Subsequently Royal Life Saving WA communicated with the WA Department of Health to confirm these extension arrangements would be used in the application of the Code of Practice for the design, construction, operation, management and maintenance of aquatic facilities - January 2020.

The NAISC will meet on the 11th June 2020 to review the 1st July 2020 extension date. If there is a change proposed, Royal Life Saving WA will consult with the Leisure Institute of WA and Department of Health on the arrangements for public pools in Western Australia.

Royal Life Saving WA has reactivated all face-to-face First Aid and CPR courses in recent weeks, and is currently working with public pools to arrange for the resumption of Pool Lifeguard and other in-water training in coming weeks. Once these courses are confirmed they will be made available at the following link.

To assist with the re-opening of Group 1 facilities the Leisure Institute of WA and Royal Life Saving WA have released a checklist for the management of COVID-19 in Aquatic Facilities.