The prevention of incidents and injuries in aquatic facilities is paramount to ensuring safe and fun recreation opportunity for all Western Australians.
Royal Life Saving WA’s 2021-2022 WA Aquatic Industry Report shows the highest safety assessment scores in recent years, indicating that less injuries occurred. Most injuries were minor, with 22 injuries per 100,000 visits and 0 fatal drownings in the 41 pools that provided data.
Patrons aged 0-4 and 5-14 sustained the highest injury rate, highlighting the need to ensure all children have access to swimming and water safety programs, and to continue to educate parents around supervision at the pool.
The report also found that patrons aged 55 and over were at the highest risk of major injuries. Aquatic centre staff should be encouraged to become familiar with regular patrons’ medical conditions, illnesses and skill levels. It is also important that staff maintain up-to-date skills by attending regular training that includes practical CPR, first aid and emergency response components.