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A N N U A L R E P O R T
04 .05
� ANNUAL REPORT 04.05 �ANNUAL REPORT04.05
missiON statement
PROGRAms
PREsiDENTs messaGe
CEO messaGe
NATiONAL aCtIVItIes
BRANCH RePORts
sPORT RePORt
iNTERNATiONAL RePORt
AWARDs
CONTACTs AND sPOnsORs
02
03
05
06
08
12
15
16
18
22
COntentsnatIOnal COunCIl & staff
Patron:
Governor General of Australia,
His Excellency major General
michael Jeffery, AC, CVO, mC
(Retd)
Vice Patron:
Neville Bayfield OAm
President:
shayne Baker
Deputy President:
Alison mcintyre
Councillors:
The Hon. Chief Justice
Terence Higgins ACT
Peter Castle ACT
Peter Wiebe NsW
David macallister NsW
maja Van Bruggen NT
Natasha Fyles NT
John mcClelland QLD
Les mole QLD
Kevin Burrowes sA
Aileen milazzo sA
Alison mcintyre TAs
Jamie mcintyre TAs
David Grant ViC
Norman Farmer ViC
Ross Peters WA
Alex mcKenzie WA
national Directors:
finance - Anthony Bandle
sport - Gray Parkes
International Development
liaison Officer:
The Hon Chief Justice
Terence Higgins
national medical adviser:
Professor John Pearn Am RFD
natIOnal OffICe:
Chief executive Officer:
Rob Bradley
Operations manager:
Justin scarr
finance manager:
Rhonda Groneman
Health & Research
Promotion manager:
Richard Franklin
sport Development Officer:
Penny Hodgers
education & training manager:
Penny Flint
Communications manager:
Julia Bowyer
administration &
finance Officer:
susan minos
fundraising assistant:
Natalie de Ronde
administration assistant:
Betty Girma
Immediate Past President:
The Hon Chief Justice
Terence Higgins
InteRnatIOnal lIfe saVInG ORGanIsatIOns
International life saving
federation (Ils)
President:
Alan B. Whelpton Am
(Australia)
secretary General:
Dr Harald Vervaecke PhD
(Belgium)
COmmOnwealtH ROyal lIfe
saVInG sOCIety
President:
H.R.H Prince michael of Kent
Deputy President:
Neville Bayfield OAm
(Australia)
secretary General:
John Long
Cover Photo: Participants enjoy the water at the inaugural Active Family Fun Day, Blacktown Leisure Centre stanhope NsW, November 7, �004.
4 ANNUAL REPORT 04.05 �ANNUAL REPORT04.05
tHe sOCIety’s Mission
To prevent loss of life and injury in the community with an emphasis on the aquatic environment.
Our mission is achieved through the education of individuals and by dramatically increasing public awareness.
Royal Life Saving is the leading water safety, swimming and lifesaving education organisation in Australia. Royal Life Saving is a nationwide charitable organisation, which has been serving Australia for over 100 years.
water safety Programs providing water safety, swimming and personal survival programs to over one million Australians annually.
Rescue and lifeguarding Programs providing education and training in rescue, resuscitation and the provision of lifeguard services for inland waterways, pools and beaches.
aquatic safety audits and Risk management services for commercial and community aquatic facilities and for home swimming pools.
advocacy and Public awareness advocacy of water safety issues with government, industry and corporate Australia. Promoting awareness of water safety issues through targeted national public awareness campaigns.
� ANNUAL REPORT 04.05 7ANNUAL REPORT04.05
Swim and Survive is a national
swimming and water safety
program that has been educating
5-14 year olds for over 20 years. It
aims to ensure that children have
a sound knowledge of how to be
safe when in, on or around water,
as well as skills in swimming,
personal survival and basic rescue.
Swim and Survive is delivered by
qualified instructors in schools
and pools throughout Australia.
The skills learnt in Swim and
Survive give each child the
building blocks to enjoy a lifetime
of safe activity in the water. Some
examples include sailing, body
boarding, snorkelling and rowing.
Such activities are all enhanced
by having basic Swim and
Survive skills.
Swim and Survive develops:
• Swimming technique
• Water safety knowledge
• Water confidence
• Survival skills
• Endurance
Junior Lifeguard Club offers a
unique alternative for those who
love the water and who want
more than swimming lessons.
Junior Lifeguard Club keeps
children interested and active
in aquatics, especially quick
learners and those between levels
or programs. It is perfect for
those who thrive in an energetic
learning environment.
Junior Lifeguard Club members
work to develop and improve
swimming and other aquatic skills
with an emphasis on:
• Swimming and lifesaving skills
• Fitness
• Lifesaving knowledge and education
• Community service
• Leadership and teamwork
• Lifesaving competition
Bronze Rescue is a program
which includes the six lifesaving
awards that make up the rescue
and bronze strands. The most
recognisable of these is Bronze
Medallion which is seen as an
international benchmark for
lifesavers. The program aims
to build knowledge and skills
in rescue, personal survival and
emergency care. These skills are
highly regarded in the wider
community; they may even lead
to or enhance a lifesaver’s chance
of starting a career in aquatic
recreation.
The Bronze Rescue awards include:
• Dry Rescue
• Wade Rescue
• Accompanied Rescue
• Bronze Star
• Bronze Medallion
• Bronze Cross
swIm anD suRVIVewww.swimandsurvive.com.au
JunIOR lIfeGuaRD Clubwww.juniorlifeguard.com.au
bROnze ResCuewww.bronzerescue.com.au
wateR safety anD
HealtH PROmOtIOn
Infant Aquatics is a water
familiarisation program for
infants under three years of age
and their parents and carers.
Together, the infant and parent
explore the key components
of water familiarisation, water
safety, early buoyancy and
swimming development, whilst
being supported by a qualified
instructor.
Infant Aquatics provides and
promotes positive movement
experiences which will influence
your child’s outlook on physical
activity for the rest of their
life. This all takes place in a fun
environment in which you and
your child play together.
Infant Aquatics has six key
strands:
1. Getting wet
2. Keeping balance
3. Breathing
4. Basic kick and arm action
5. Going underwater
6. Staying afloat
Keep Watch is a public awareness
and education campaign aimed
at arresting the toddler drowning
rate in Australia. Targeting the
parents and carers of children
in the 0-5 year age bracket, the
program focuses on four key
safety points, which when used
in conjunction, can effectively
prevent toddler drowning.
The four key points for Keep
Watch are:
sUPERVisE YOUR CHiLD
Be within arms reach of the your
child at all times when they are
in or around water
REsTRiCTiNG ACCEss
Create a barrier between the water
and your child. Check the barrier
on a regular basis to ensure it is
functioning properly
WATER FAmiLiARisTAiON
Familiarise your child with water.
Enrol in an Infant Aquatics class.
Check out the water with your
child when you first arrive and
familiarise yourselves with the
environment
LEARN REsUsCiTATiON
Enrol in a resuscitation course.
Update your resuscitation skills
annually.
PROGRAm DEsCRiPTiONs
Infant aquatICswww.royallifesaving.com.au
keeP watCHwww.keepwatch.com.au
� ANNUAL REPORT 04.05 �ANNUAL REPORT04.05
at a state and national level
choose to cease working for the
organisation to pursue other
prospects – all the best to
mr Les mole.
This Annual Report provides an
insight into the collective energy
and commitment of staff and
volunteers throughout the nation
who continue to assist Royal Life
saving position itself as the premier
provider of water safety education
and research in Australia.
The achievements highlighted
throughout the report
demonstrate the strong
commitment of our staff,
supporters, state and Federal
Governments to reduce the
drowning toll, improve safety
in and around the water and to
encourage Australians to enjoy the
many activities that are on offer
throughout our wonderful country.
shayne bakerNational President
This Annual Report provides an insight into the collective energy and commitment of staff and volunteers throughout the nation who continue to assist Royal Life Saving position itself as the premier provider of water safety education and research in Australia.
On behalf of the National Council of the Royal Life Saving Society Australia it is my pleasure to present the Annual Report for 2004 - 2005. Royal Life Saving continues to experience growth, development and achievement of targets across all programs and activities.
ROYAL LiFE sAViNG sOCiETY OF AUsTRALiA natIOnal PResIDent
sHAYnE BAKER
the year began with
the celebration of 100 years of
lifesaving through the Victorian
Branch of Royal Life saving at
the Centenary Ball hosted by
murray Thompson mLA. The
night showcased the fantastic
contribution of the volunteers in
clubs, as well as
the dedication
of members to
educate and
train the wider
community on
safety in and
around the
water.
many observers
are interested
in the next 100 years of Life
saving Victoria, with the alliance
between surf Life saving and
Royal Life saving to form Life
saving Victoria. Whatever
the outcome, it will be done
without Norman Farmer at the
helm. Following a long and
memorable career with the
Victoria Branch, National Council
and the international Life saving
Federation, Norm has decided
to pursue fresh challenges and
we wish him every success for
the future.
in January the Australian Pool
Lifesaving Championships moved
to Brisbane and all competitions,
officials and
spectators
were able to
experience the
warm hospitality
on offer in the
sunshine state.
The weather was
warm, the food
was great and the
competition was
hot. Congratulations to the NsW
team on taking out the Teams
championships. Congratulations
also to the President of Royal
Life saving Queensland, mr John
mcClelland, on the wonderful way
that the event was managed and
for providing outstanding support
and recognition for the army of
officials involved in the event.
The event also represented the
first activity in a series of events
planned in �00� to celebrate
the Centenary of Lifesaving
in Queensland.
To date we have seen the launch
of an outstanding testimony
to the past 100 years with the
book launch, the Australian
Pool Lifesaving Championships
and the announcement of the
‘Queensland Lifesaver of the
Century’, an award shared by
ms Gwen Welford and mr Bruce
Campbell. This award was
presented by the Queensland
Governor, ms Quentin Bryce.
To conclude the year, Queensland
will host an international
Lifeguard Conference and
Resuscitation symposium in
October �00� followed by the
Centenary Ball (in conjunction
with the Royal Life saving Annual
General meeting)
Coincidently, the Centenary
in QLD has also seen another
character from Royal Life saving
The year began with the celebration of 100 years of lifesaving
10 ANNUAL REPORT 04.05 11ANNUAL REPORT04.05
the generous support of Royal life
saving ambassadors sam Riley, Elka
Graham, michael Klim (and mum
Ewa) in this year’s campaigns and
promotions.
the active family fun Day
promotions conducted in several
states during the
summer have
also allowed us
to work closely in
partnership with
a number of key
aquatic centres.
Royal life
saving has
succeeded in
diversifying our
income stream
through the
establishment of
successful sponsorship, licensing
and fundraising programs. We
also work closely in partnership
with the Commonwealth
Government, particularly with
the support of the Department of
Communications, iT and the Arts
and the Department of Health
and Ageing.
The support of sponsors
and partners is gratefully
acknowledged – sony Computer
Entertainment, the Coca Cola
Australia Foundation, Pfizer
Australia, Qantas, Nivea sun,
Harcourt Publishing, James
maxwell (Peter
maxwell &
Associates),
Hasbro, Zoggs
and Laerdal.
The National
Branch Team
has never been
stronger and
the quality
of the work
and successful
collaboration
with Branches
is being widely recognised.
Among a number of tributes to
Royal life saving throughout the
country was the awarding of our
website www.swimandsurvive.
com.au with the Australian
sport “information Technology”
Award for the third time in
four years.
my personal thanks to our
dedicated and talented staff of
Justin scarr, Rhonda Groneman,
Richard Franklin, Julia Bowyer,
Penny Flint, susie minos, Penny
Hodgers, Natalie de Ronde and
to trainee Betty Girma and Brad
morris (honours student).
The past twelve months have
been notable as significant
milestones for Royal life saving
being the Centenaries of Victoria
(�004) and Queensland (�00�)
and as the Golden Jubilee for the
Hong Kong Life saving society
(�00�) and ten years since the
formation of the international
Life saving Federation (iLs).
in closing a very successful year
i would like to thank my state/
Territory Executive Director
colleagues and President shayne
Baker and the National Council
for their guidance and support
during a very exciting time for
Royal life saving.
Rob bradleyChief Executive Officer
The new RLSSA National Strategic Plan “Collectively Stronger - 2005-08” was approved at the October National Council meeting
It may have escaped some but 2004-05 marked 110 years of Royal Life Saving in Australia. During that time with our help many millions of Australians have enjoyed the aquatic environment safely and productively.
CEO annual RePORt 2004 -05
Royal life saving continues to show the way in
water safety and is the architect
and lead agency in delivering the
majority of objectives within the
new National Water safety Plan
�004-07 launched by minister for
the Arts and sport, senator Rod
Kemp last December.
minister Rod
Kemp has
proven to
be a great
supporter of
water safety
and was
instrumental in
the Coalition
�004 Water
safety Policy
which will
provide an
additional $10
million for water safety over
the next four years.
The additional Government
support will assist Royal life
saving make a major contribution
to the continuing reduction
in the drowning rate and to
maintaining a high standard of
water safety program and service
delivery. Two exciting initiatives
being implemented currently are
the Remote indigenous Pools
Program, being undertaken with
our Northern Territory Branch and
the Culturally and Linguistically
Diverse (CALD) programs
targeting
Chinese,
Vietnamese
and Arabic
communities
being
implemented
in Victoria,
south Australia,
Queensland
and NsW.
From the
National Branch
perspective the
groundwork undertaken during
the past five years in developing
operational, strategic and
financial platforms has certainly
allowed Royal life saving to
move forward confidently into
the future. The new Royal
life saving National strategic
Plan “Collectively stronger
- 2005-08” was approved at
the October National Council
meeting and now provides
direction during this important
phase of our development. it is
no accident that the drowning
and injury rates of the “at risk”
demographic groups targeted by
Royal life saving programs and
services are at historical lows.
Over recent times Royal life
saving has been wonderfully
supported by our sponsors.
This year marked the sixth year
in our partnerships with Pfizer
Australia in promoting the keep
watch program and with sony
Computer Entertainment whose
colourful characters Jak and
Daxter have made the swim
and survive program come alive
for over 700,000 of our young
participants.
increased media exposure,
advertising and publicity have
been a key in successfully raising
public awareness of Water safety
issues and we are very grateful for
The Coalition 2004 Water Safety Policy will provide an additional $10 million for water safety over the next four years.
1� ANNUAL REPORT 04.05 1�ANNUAL REPORT04.05
Media coverage of Royal
Life Saving and our
programs has continued
to grow over the past
12 months, marking the
third successive year of
increased coverage in
print, radio and TV.
meDIa COVeRaGe Of RoYAL
LiFE sAVinG
Royal life saving society of australia has
enjoyed a 41% increase on print media coverage over the
past three years, and a �0% increase in radio and TV coverage
over the same period.
Going into the �004-�00� year our goal was to increase the
previous years coverage total by 10%, which would have
equated to coverage valued at $�,1��,��4.�0. We have
surpassed this to gain a figure of $4,1��,7��.�� worth
of coverage.
There has also been a significant increase with our radio
and TV coverage. The �004-0� financial year period saw an
increase of 7� radio and TV items from the previous year
figure of 7�7.
Royal life saving has built strong relationships with the media
which has seen over 70% of all national media releases distributed
being picked up by various media outlets. We are committed to
working toward an ongoing increase of coverage of Royal life
saving and our programs across print, radio and television.
OPeRatIOns busIness UniT
The past year has seen many achievements across the operations portfolio, particularly in the areas of water safety education, aquatic risk management and research and health promotions. The operations business unit has again focused on project planning, teamwork and developing effective Royal life saving networks across all operational areas.
swim and survive promotion this year focused on the concept of ‘active family fun
Day’s’. seven of these activities were conducted throughout Australia, with the inaugural
event held at Blacktown Leisure Centre, stanhope with an estimated attendance of over �000
people. The swim and survive ‘active family fun Days’ are a series of promotions conducted
at Royal life saving Endorsed Aquatic Facilities and the focus is on promoting swim and
survive in order to drive registrations into the program, encouraging healthy, active, and
fun participation of families in aquatic activities.
in April, the Water safety Program Coordinators from Royal life saving Branches attended
a two day workshop which included a professional development session on project
management, in addition to insightful discussions on each of the Water safety programs.
much of the discussion focused on further development and improvement on the programs
and promotional strategies.
The Infant aquatic program is gaining pace and continuing to be adopted by aquatic venues,
particularly by those that already conduct swim and survive. With the support from Nivea
sun, the Junior lifeguard Club program received promotional product support to encourage
new clubs to start up. As a result, many of the Branches have new programs starting for the
upcoming summer.
After months of hard work by the national review
committee, the Swimming and Lifesaving Manual
5th Edition was released in September 2004. The
new manual was well received and features many
innovations, including a Companion Website to
support instructors and candidates through the
Bronze Medallion.
WATER sAFETY PROGRAms
14 ANNUAL REPORT 04.05 1�ANNUAL REPORT04.05
tRaInInG the new Community
Recreation Training Package was
endorsed in November �004 and
will ensure consistently high
standards of aquatic safety related
competency across the industry.
Royal life saving Branches will
continue to provide vocational
education and training outcomes
whilst maintaining the traditional
award structures including Royal
life saving Pool Lifeguard Award
and Bronze medallion.
A pilot course titled Resuscitation
Online was developed and
implemented in partnership
with the NsW branch and the
NsW Department of Education.
Resuscitation Online provides web
based simulation and assessment
activities and is part of the Royal
life saving e-learning strategy.
aquatIC RIsk mANAGEmENT
the aquatic Risk management Working Party
commenced development of
additional Guidelines for safe
Pool Operation in Private,
Body Corporate and Hotel/
motel swimming Pools. These
guidelines will expand the
organisations reach into aquatic
risk management. The working
party was expanded to include
representatives from across
Australia. This group continues
to guide our services in areas
such as swimming pool safety
assessments, industry safety
advice and the provision of
reliable information to Coroners.
meDICal COmmiTTEE
Professor John Pearn ,
the Royal life saving National
medical Advisor chaired the
Royal life saving medical
Advisory Committee meeting and
represented Royal life saving
on the Australian Resuscitation
Council. The medical Committee
consists of Professor John Pearn,
Professor Danny Cass, Dr Gerry
meijer, Dr John Gall and Richard
Franklin, and met on two
occasions to discuss Royal life
saving medical issues and policies.
ReseaRCH & HealtH
PROmOTiON
the keep watch website
(www.keepwatch.com.au) was
revamped and now includes video
clips from the Northern Territory
about water safety, fact sheets for
parents and materials translated
into four languages (Korean,
Vietnamese, Chinese, and Arabic).
in late April a focus group with
the Vietnamese community in
south Australia was held to discuss
water safety issues. This focus
group has led to the development
of a water safety project focusing
on the provision of First Aid
and Resuscitation courses in
Vietnamese, as well as providing
information to parents and older
Vietnamese-Australians.
Richard Franklin undertook
the evaluation of the swim
and survive program. After
over twenty successful years
the evaluation aimed to collect
valuable information from key
customers and set the direction
for future developments. The
evaluation found that more
promotion is required to ensure
that Australians are aware of
and can access the program.
The Royal life saving research
committee funded three
research projects. These grants
were awarded to Branches who
proposed a range of research
activities investigating various
water safety issues.
The 2004 national Drowning
Report showed �77 people
drowned in water related
accidents in the financial year
�00�/�004. This figure represents
an 11% decrease on the five year
average. the national Drowning
Report continues to be an
important tool for identifying
risk factors and communicating
prevention messages to the media
and community.
During the past year Richard
undertook a number of reports
for the Australian Water
safety Council. These included
investigations into water safety
activity in Australia, water safety
issues of importance to health
departments, and rural
water safety issues.
Keep Watch continues to be an important area for health promotion at Royal Life Saving and the past year saw the creation of a number of new resources.
1� ANNUAL REPORT 04.05 17ANNUAL REPORT04.05
new sOutH wales
The New South Wales Branch continued to expand its service provision throughout NSW resulting in a significant increase in participation rates by more than 30% on the previous year.
a staggering 287,679
certificates were issued to
successful candidates, providing
them with valuable lifesaving
knowledge and skills.
At the start of �00�, the NsW
Branch conducted a review of
its regional services to ensure
the entire state had access to
the educational resources of
the society. it became apparent
that injury and drowning within
Aboriginal communities exceeds
that of the non-Aboriginal
population.
The NsW Branch established a
mobile indigenous Training Unit
for the murdi Paaki region to assess
and implement programs specific
to the needs of the indigenous
population. The mobile skills
Centre works in partnership with
government agencies, community
organisations, and the sport and
recreation industry among others
to fulfil its aquatic and safety
activities. special thanks to the
NsW Department of Education and
Training whose capital support saw
this initiative become a reality. The
professional infrastructure of the
Branch now includes a Head Office
in sydney, with Regional Offices
across the state.
�004-�00� has been a busy year
for the NsW Branch. The projects
below are a snapshot of some of
its activities:
• e-Resuscitation – This initiative
accommodates demand for
flexible training options for
teachers by providing access
to an online training and
accreditation system. it is
anticipated that this initiative
will become more widely
available over the next 1�
months.
• Vocational education & training
The advent of the National
Community Recreation Training
Package now provides those
in the industry with an ability
to obtain formal qualifications
that are recognised across
industries and provide
individuals with broader
employment options and the
ability to advance their careers.
• The swim and survive endorsed
swim school – With the support
of sponsors such as the Coca-Cola
Australia Foundation and sony
Computer Entertainment, the
NsW Branch anticipates even
greater participation rates in �00�.
• Cultural and linguistically
Diverse Communities – Along
with the indigenous skills Centre
mentioned earlier, the Branch
conducted specific programs for
the Chinese and Arabic community
so they can enjoy aquatic
recreational activities safely.
There were many other
achievements for the NsW
Branch this year, too numerous to
mention here, and i look forward
to the �00�-�00� year with great
expectation. sincere thanks to
the New south Wales Board of
Directors, Volunteers, staff and the
New south Wales Government for
their support and dedication to
the society’s aims and objectives.
Lastly, i would like to thank the
National branch staff and my
colleagues from the other state
and Territory Branches for their
support over the past 1� months.
David macallister
Chief Executive Officer
BRAnCH REPoRTs
austRalIan CaPItal teRRItORy
The ACT Branch of Royal Life Saving continues to exert its strong influence and leadership in water safety education in the Australian Capital Territory.
the aCt branch enjoys
an extremely close working
relationship with austswIm,
since austswIm’s formation in
1��1. For over �� years it has
provided training programs
for students at the University
of Canberra and the Canberra
institute of Technology. The
Branch has been a strong
advocate of vocational training
in an Aquatic Facilities
management Diploma being
offered by the Canberra institute
of Technology since �00�.
The ACT Branch has worked
closely with NsW, QLD and
National Branches to continue
to deliver a consistent training
and licensing package for all
our VET programs.
Priority for the year was
consolidation; we saw our role
within the ACT to continue to
develop in the areas of drowning
prevention through swim and
survive and keep watch. We
recognise that more can be
done in this area!
Our innovative programs
continue to be highly regarded
by educational institutions, the
aquatics industry and the general
community within the ACT.
• swimming and Lifesaving
• Toddler Drowning Prevention
“Keep Watch”
• Resuscitation and First Aid
• Aquatic Rescue
• Pool Lifeguard Training
• swim Teacher Accreditation
• Backyard and Commercial Pool
safety Audits
These programs make up the core
components of our “drowning
prevention strategy”.
in October �00� the ACT Branch
will hold its inaugural Charity
Ball. it will be a premier event on
the ACT calendar. This has been a
huge exercise and i will take this
opportunity to thank Rod Holt
and all involved in the organising
of this prestigious event!
The support and assistance that
all other state and Territory
Branches have offered the ACT
has been much appreciated
and invaluable.
To Rob and his team at the
National Office, i offer my thanks
for the support shown to me
and the ACT Branch.
Peter Castle
Executive Officer
1� ANNUAL REPORT 04.05 1�ANNUAL REPORT04.05
queenslanD
During 2004-2005, the Royal Life Saving Society Queensland celebrated
100 years of community service
this historical milestone
has been highlighted by a number
of significant events, and the
volunteers and professional staff of
the society in Queensland, must be
congratulated for their continued
commitment to saving lives.
One single outstanding feature
of the past twelve months has
been the highest ever recorded
participation rate in training
programs, with over �0,000
Queenslanders registering for
our activities. since participation
records have been maintained,
almost 1.� million Queenslanders
have now been involved in Royal
Life saving training programs.
Two outstanding volunteers
were recognised during �00�,
with both Bruce Campbell and
Gwen Welford presented with
the award of “lifesavers of
the Century”. The awards were
presented by Her Excellency, the
Governor, ms Quentin Bryce AC,
at Brisbane’s Government House.
The australian Pool lifesaving
Championships were hosted at
the Chandler Aquatic Centre in
January �00� and again the New
south Wales side proved to be
too strong for the opposition
and were the overall pool
champions. The Queensland
sharks will be looking forward
to both the National and World
Championships in melbourne,
Victoria next year.
in February, RLssQ released a 100
year history book and over �000
copies have been published and
distributed at no cost. The history
book is a remarkable document,
which includes the lives and
times of many Queenslanders.
This publication is now utilised
by many schools throughout
the state, as a text with intense
pedagogical value for history
studies and reference. The history
book has also been distributed to
a number of Council libraries.
Our learning and education
centre at The Plantation has been
a key strategy to increasing our
participation numbers, and this
unique facility has crystallised to
be the jewel in the crown for life
saving in Queensland.
As with many modern day
businesses and organisations,
the rate of change continues to
evolve. The society in Queensland
has recorded an exceptionally
successful Centenary birthday and
we look forward to the next 100
years of water safety.
les mole
Acting Executive Director
nORtHeRn teRRItORy
2004-2005 was an exciting year for the Northern Territory Branch. Some major staff
changes, an update to our office and the increase in programs being run meant a very
busy year for all involved
Having run a variety of
programs in every major centre
and most regional centres across
the Territory Royal life saving
- northern territory (Rlssa-
nt) has shown its commitment
to providing water safety
information to all Territorians.
Royal life saving-nt has
continued to operate and
promote the Water safety
Awareness program across the
Northern Territory, which sees
children under � receiving free
water safety sessions. A large
percentage of school children
have also participated in swim
and survive, first aid and bronze
Rescue awards.
Royal life saving-nt held displays
in the community promoting
our programs and water safety.
During water safety week
2004 we visited over �0 schools,
preschools and childcare centres
giving children the opportunity
to learn about water safety. Our
Community Health sessions for
new parents and their babies
have been extremely rewarding
in alerting new parents to the
aquatic dangers that may face
their young children as they grow.
The sport side of our branch has
grown with an increase in the
number of members participating
in Lifesaving as a sport. We also
had strong teams that represented
the Northern Territory
participating in the Australian
Pool Lifesaving Championships
and the Arafura Games.
in early �00� the Northern
Territory Branch started work on
a remote pools project, working
with indigenous communities to
help them run safe self-sufficient
swimming pools. This project has
seen the recruitment of a Darwin
based Remote Pools Officer who
has helped these communities
with the maintaining of their
pools as well as ensuring Royal
Life saving society Australia
programs are being actively run
in these communities.
The Northern Territory
Branch would like to take this
opportunity to acknowledge
the help and support we receive
from all staff at the National
Branch as well as staff from our
other Branches. i would also
like to thank the staff in the
Northern Territory Branch, our
trainers and volunteers for all
their efforts, thank you.
natasha fyles
Executive Director
�0 ANNUAL REPORT 04.05 �1ANNUAL REPORT04.05
sOutH austRalIa
This year has been both busy and productive with the South Australia Branch continuing to focus on Water Safety education and training.
water safety talks to
parent groups and requested
visits to libraries, Vacation Care
Programs and Primary schools
increased due to the concentrated
efforts of the Development
Officers and enabled the Aquacode
to be delivered at a time when
water activities were at their peak.
Infant aquatics, swim and
survive and bronze Rescue all
performed well throughout the
year. swim and survive continues
to lead in popularity and is widely
accessed through the annual
Vacation swimming Program,
Primary schools in metropolitan
and country areas and through
Endorsed swim schools which
have increased in pleasing
numbers this year.
The swim and survive ‘active
family fun Day’ in November
�004 provided a highlight for
community members in the south
at the Noarlunga Leisure Centre.
Over 400 children enjoyed the
opportunity to be involved in
fun aquatic activities and learn
lifesaving and first aid skills.
A positive outcome was the
increased interest in participation
in the swim and survive program.
The ability to ‘save a life’ in an
emergency situation was tested by
a person who gained their bronze
medallion in Vacswim �00�. Karly
Harris provided the ultimate gift in
a rescue attempt in April this year
and highlighted to the community
the value of our program.
safety audits for public swimming
centres were conducted for the
first time by sA branch staff at
several pools. The Vocational
Education and Training courses
continue to be in demand and
delivery of first aid, Pool lifeguard
and bronze medallion expanded to
rural areas throughout the state.
in conjunction with the National
Office, the sA Branch commenced
a Vietnamese Community Water
safety Campaign. To date,
community consultation has
taken place and water safety
issues of particular concern to
the Vietnamese community
have been identified. We look
forward to the implementation
of the campaign in �00� and the
opportunity to address these
issues through a media campaign
and community activities.
i look forward to the coming
year with our future goals for
the branch including:
• Gaining greater access to
children in all primary and
secondary schools and providing
them with the opportunity for
water safety education
• Expanding our resuscitation
and first aid courses to the
community, particularly in rural
areas, indigenous populations
and CALD groups
• increased safety audits for public
swimming centres throughout
the state.
The successes achieved in �004-
�00� were possible due to the
efforts of the enthusiastic staff
team at the branch and the
volunteers throughout the state.
Thank you for your commitment
and dedication.
Thank you to state and Territory
Branches for your assistance
throughout the year and sincere
thanks to Rob Bradley and his staff
for the support and assistance
provided to the sA Branch.
aileen milazzo
Executive Officer
The Tasmanian Branch continues to focus on providing accessible water safety education and training for all Tasmanians.
tasmanIa
we continue to promote
water safety to the younger
population through the swim
and survive and Infant aquatics
programs and these have all seen
a marked increase in participation.
This will ensure our children acquire
the skills and knowledge to make
them safe and secure around water.
sCHOOl VIsIts
An increased number of schools
both Government and non-
Government have requested
water safety presentations over
this period. As a result there has
been an increased interest in
the Rescue strand.
swIm & suRVIVe
The Branch has been working very
closely with Pool Operators and
smaller swim schools in promoting
awareness and increasing
participation in swim & survive.
During the year four more Centres
became Endorsed swim schools
and this should continue for
the coming year. The Education
Department is still our main client
with an increase in Levels �, � &
7 being issued as a result of their
school swimming program.
safety seRVICes
Again this area has shown growth
through the year with many pools
undergoing the audit process.
There has also been an increase
in Councils’ participation in
Assembly Licensed Pools.
During the year a very successful
Pool Operators Course was
conducted by Western Australia
Branch; lifting the standards
in public swimming pools
within the state.
Two Pool Forums were held in the
North of the state with about �0
people attending. Guest speakers
such as Warwick Waters talking
on the Guidelines for safe Pool
Operation, Rob Bradley talking
about the Australian Water
safety Council and Alistair Thom
giving a presentation on the Pool
Audit system were well received
by the group. Once again thank
you to these speakers for making
these days very successful and
lifting the profile of RLssA.
COmmunIty COuRses
Community Courses have again
continued to grow with all
scheduled courses being fully
booked. A successful initiative has
been the introduction of more
“tailored courses” – eg combined
Bronze and First Aid and Pool
Lifeguard and First Aid.
aCtIVe famIly fun Day
A very successful Fun Day was
held in Launceston at the
Windmill Hill swim Centre
in November with numbers
exceeding expectations. Two and
a half thousand people attended
the day. many thanks to Julia and
Penny, from National Branch, and
the sponsors for a fantastic day.
The Branch also conducted an
active fun Day in the rural
community of mathinna in the
North East of the state with half
the population attending the day.
my sincere thanks go to Rob
Bradley and staff for their total
support over the year.
Jamie mcIntyre
Executive Director
�� ANNUAL REPORT 04.05 ��ANNUAL REPORT04.05
westeRn austRalIaThe Royal Life Saving Society of Western Australia
(RLSSWA) pursues the aim of the Society by providing key activities in the focus areas of
Education, Participation and Capacity Building.
Royal life saving-wa researches aquatic incident and
injury trends to establish focus
areas for intervention programs.
swIm anD suRVIVe
Royal Life saving has established
a network of Endorsed swim
schools by working in close
contact with local government,
community and private sector
groups. We have developed a
collaborative approach to the
delivery of swimming and water
safety education across the state,
with particular attention to
culturally and linguistically diverse
communities who are more at
risk of drowning.
COmmunIty lIfesaVInG
Community Lifesaving engages and
delivers direct lifesaving services
to the community. These services
are provided through Event safety
and Event management services,
Lifesaving sport and Public
Relations activities.
This year the multiplex Avon
Descent has adopted the Don’t
Drink and Drown message which
will be promoted throughout
the event. This campaign seeks
to raise awareness of the risks
associated with combining
alcohol and aquatic activity.
COmmunIty HealtH
The Community Health
department has worked
collaboratively with a number of
community and industry groups
to achieve our aim of reducing
drowning in at-risk populations.
Priority populations targeted this
year included toddlers and parents
via keep watch and PoolWatch.
The Watch Around Water – Pilot
Program for Public swimming
Pools was trialled this year in 1�
aquatic centres throughout WA
with resounding success.
water safety in the bush is a
community-based project developed
by a consortium of stakeholders
in rural health, farm safety and
water safety from WA. This pilot
project promotes water awareness
for children and their parents on
remote stations and farms.
safety RIsk manaGement
As part of the safety Risk
management program safety
services provides expert advice
where death or injury results from
aquatic activity and Coronial inquests
or legal proceedings are commenced.
HOme POOl InsPeCtIOn PROGRam
in �004-0� safety services undertook
inspections on residential swimming
pools and spas to determine the
compliance of the pool barrier to
the relevant Regulations.
tRaInInG anD eDuCatIOn
The Home Pool Operations Training
Course has been added to our suite
of courses for �00�-0�. it offers a
general understanding of how the
pool operates and the equipment
installed and will detail the changes
to the pool fencing regulations
effective from December �00�.
HelPInG lIfesaVeRs In sInGaPORe
We are currently developing
an exchange program with the
singapore Life saving society (sLss).
mr ian Brown (manager of
Operations) recently presented
a paper at the 1�th Annual sLss
Lifesaving seminar in singapore. mr
Brown indicated, “The exchange
program is a valuable tool to
share training ideas with another
lifesaving organisation and to learn
from their experiences.”
Extracts taken from RLssWA
website
VICtORIa With an increase in training programs and lifesaving awards, a patrol and rescue service on designated waterways, 100 year celebrations of Lifesaving in Victoria and the creation of Life Saving Victoria, it has been one very busy and exciting year for the Victorian Branch.
the Victorian Government’s
“Play it safe by the water”
program continued this year and
the Victoria Branch continued to
be a key partner in the program
delivering a broad range of
aquatic activity projects.
PublIC awaReness
The �00�-�004 Victorian Drowning
summary was launched by
Olympic Gold medallist, Brooke
Hanson during October. in the
twelve months from July �00� to
June �004, 47 people lost their
life through accidental death by
drowning in Victoria. keep watch
was the focus of a promotional
campaign to all Victorian
maternal and Child Health Nurses,
Kindergartens, Child Care Centres,
and Pool and spa businesses.
The Royal life saving Bravery
Awards Ceremony at Government
House in October recognised eight
acts of bravery by people who
rescued or attempted the rescue
of persons in difficulty in aquatic
environments. Congratulations
and thanks to all recipients.
eDuCatIOn & tRaInInG
in excess of ��,000 swim and
survive certificates and logbooks
were issued and swim and
survive welcomed numerous
new facilities to the program
throughout the year. Workshops
introduced over �00 staff to the
program from these facilities.
in excess of �,�00 Infant aquatics
Program Certificates have been
issued during this year.
The Branch linked with 1� Junior
Lifeguard Clubs across the state
and the advance bronze Rescue
Carnival was a feature event of
Youth Week celebrations.
The seventh consecutive year of the
Open Water Learning Experience
(OWLE) Education Program saw
primary and secondary school
students participate in a range
of fun activities in open water
environments.
There was a growth in Aquatic
industry Training this year with
3333 Pool lifeguards trained
and an additional 14,�0� people
trained in Resuscitation and First
Aid qualifications.
lIfesaVInG Club seRVICes
Twenty eight affiliated patrolling
lifesaving clubs patrolled the
waterways across Victoria last
summer. The Clubs completed a
successful year of operation under
at times difficult circumstances.
VIetnam
mr Alistair Thom again visited
the Furama Resort Danang in
Vietnam during August to train
the lifeguards from two local
Resorts. This beneficial partnership
continues to spread the water safety
messages into the local community.
safety seRVICes
The Branch remains committed
in leading the Guidelines for
safe Pool Operation initiative,
which provides training and risk
management services to public
swimming pools. The Branch assisted
in the provision of safety advice to
many of the new aquatic facilities
being constructed in Victoria.
leaDeRsHIP
The Victoria Branch would like to
thank its board, staff, volunteers and
supporters, all of whom contributed
to a reduction in drowning and injury
through an increase in education,
training and rescue services.
A special thanks to Norman Farmer
who resigned in march, The board
and staff wish to acknowledge
Norm’s dedication and passion for
Lifesaving in Victoria.
warwick waters Acting Chief Executive Officer
�4 ANNUAL REPORT 04.05 ��ANNUAL REPORT04.05
The annual Competition
Handbook review was conducted
following the �00� APLC. This
review included the adoption
and incorporation of the revised
iLs rulings from February �00�.
Thanks to Barb morgan, Anni
Gardiner, Frances Evans and mitch
Hannaker for their input.
The Junior Barras successfully
attended the �00� Arafura Games in
Darwin in may with the silver Barras
attending a July Training Camp
conducted in Ballarat, Victoria.
The National sport Committee
continues to work closely
with the AsDA to improve
its relationship and acquire
recognition for lifesaving at a
National level as a sport.
Royal life saving continues to be
represented at the international
level through Greg mcLennan on
the iLs sports Commission and
as Chair of the Commonwealth
sport Commission.
Penny Hodgers
National sport Development Officer
Gray Parkes
National Director of sport
INTERNATIoNAL DEVELOPmENT
aID RePORt
this past year saw great
progress in lifesaving development
throughout many countries in
the international Lifesaving
Federation – Asia-Pacific Region.
the Royal life saving society
australia continues to be a
supporter, sponsor and friend to
lifesaving agencies in the region.
Activities of the past year include:
• in April our first Australian
Youth Ambassador Bronwyn
Curnow from Victoria traveled
to suva, Fiji for a nine month
project aimed at assisting fiji
life saving in its activities.
Australian Youth Ambassador
is an Australian Government
funded program which sends
young Australians on projects
throughout the Asia-Pacific.
• Royal life saving continued
its support of the thai life
saving society by providing
training resources including
new Laerdal manikins. The
TLss aims to become a member
of the international Life saving
Federation and has grown
significantly in the last couple
of years.
• Royal life saving-VIC
continues to support lifesaving
development in Vietnam. Norm
Farmer visited representatives
in Danang province with
the aim of establishing a
Vietnamese lifesaving agency
in the coming years.
• Royal life saving has been
liaising with The Alliance for safe
Children, a child injury foundation
based in Bangkok regarding
support for drowning prevention
programs throughout Asia.
The coming year will see
a strengthening of our
commitment to international
Development with activities
planned in Bangladesh,
Thailand, indonesia, Vietnam
and Fiji. Also, Royal life saving
will continue to contribute
to lifesaving development
internationally via the iLs
Development Aid commission.
sPORT RePORt
all members of the
Junior, silver and Aussie Barras
were present and benefited
from the excellent facilities and
professional coaching. An official’s
workshop was also conducted
with representatives from sA,
QLD, NsW, ViC and WA.
The annual National sport
Committee Planning meeting
was conducted in July �004
to review the RLs sport Plan.
Representatives from sA, ViC,
NsW and WA were present and
provided valuable input into the
�004-�00� sport Plan.
Two National Competitions were
conducted this year with the
Grand Prix held in Runaway Bay,
QLD in July/August �004 and
the Australian Pool Lifesaving
Championships (APLC) held in
Brisbane in January �00�. Both
competitions were extremely
successful with a number of
National records broken at both.
The total number of competitors
at the APLC rose from 1�� in �004
to 1�� in �00�. Competitors from
the UK and NZ were also present
at the APLC with a return visit
from NZ scheduled for �00�.
Following the introduction from
iLs of one team from each country,
the inaugural united Royal life
saving society australia/surf
life saving australia Australian
Lifesaving Team competed at the
World Lifesaving Championships in
Viareggio, italy in september �004.
Royal life saving was represented
by Gray Parkes (Coach), Anni
Gardiner (Asst manager), sarah
Windsor, Jenny Parry, Kate
Krywulycz, and Peter Court. The
team was successful in coming
1st in the Overall pointscore with
many individual bests to celebrate.
The new National Coach and
manager were appointed in
October �004 for a � year term.
They are Coach: Gray Parkes and
manager: Anni Gardiner. Gray
and Anni were to travel with
the Aussie Barra team to south
Africa for the �00� south Africa
National stillwater Championships.
Unfortunately Gray was unable to
attend the tour and Nicole Tolev,
the newly appointed silver Barra
Coach for �00�, ably took Gray’s
place. The tour was an incredible
success with a reciprocal invite
extended to south Africa to attend
the APLsC in �00�. silver Barra and
Junior Barra Coaches and managers
were appointed following the �00�
APLsC. They were as follows:
• Junior Coach: Tony stanley
(NsW) Junior manager: Rozlyn
Grey (NsW)
• silver Coach: Nicole Tolev
(WA) silver manager: mitchell
Hannaker (ViC)
�004-�00� also saw the marked
increase in the number of media
articles relating to Pool Lifesaving
and RLssport, in particular those
covering the Australian Pool
Lifesaving Championships. Thanks
must go to Julia Bowyer, National
Communications manager for her
expertise and advice in this area.
Three nationally organised Level 1
Officials courses were conducted
over the year with �� participants. in
addition, Tasmania Branch hosted a
level 1 coaching course in December
�004 for their members with Peter
Evans, the current silver Barra coach
leading the course in Hobart.
in Junior Participation in pool
lifesaving there was the successful
implementation of the Telegames
schools program in Victoria, and
the continued success of over �0
Junior Lifeguard Clubs in WA.
2004-2005 started with an Intensive Training Clinic which was once again conducted at Runaway Bay, QLD and held in conjunction with the inaugural Royal Life Saving Society Australia Pool Lifesaving Grand Prix.
�7ANNUAL REPORT04.05
sPOnsORs The Royal Life Saving Society Australia would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support.
ROYAL LiFE sAViNG awaRD fIGuRes
The 2004-2005 fiscal year has resulted in over 920,000 lifesaving awards being issued by Royal Life Saving branches.
�� ANNUAL REPORT 04.05
infant Aquatics �174� �.4
Water saftey 1����1 17.�
swim and survive �1�4�0 ��.�
Rescue ���� 0.�
Bronze ��44� �.�
Advanced Lifeguard �7� 0.0
Resuscitation 1�0�0� 1�.1
Lifeguard �1�� 0.�
instructor ���0 0.�
First Aid �1174 �.4
instructor of Water safety 1401 0.�
tOtal 922979 100
• Figures from WA
for the �004/�00�
period were
unavailable at time
of print. Figures
from WA for the
period �00�/�00�
have been
incorporated.
D I R E C T O R YROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY AUSTRALIA
National Office
PO Box 558
Broadway NSW 2007
Suite 201 3 Smail St,
Broadway NSW 2007
Telephone (02) 8217 3111
Facsimile (02) 8217 3199
Australian Capital Territory Branch
PO Box 266
Deakin West ACT 2600
Unit 1, Royal Life Saving House
26-28 Napier Close Dickson
ACT 2600
Telephone (02) 6260 5800
Facsimile (02) 6260 5900
New South Wales Branch
PO Box 753
Gladesville NSW 1675
129 Victoria Road, Gladesville
NSW 2111
Telephone (02) 9879 4699
Facsimile (02) 9879 4644
Northern Territory Branch
PO Box 1229
Darwin NT 0801
Sports House, Waratah Crescent
Fannie Bay NT 0820
Telephone (08) 8981 5036
Facsimile (08) 8941 8442
Queensland Branch
PO Box 1093
Capalaba D.C. QLD 4157
The Plantation, 1204 New
Cleveland Road, Gumdale
QLD 4154
Telephone (07) 3823 2823
Facsimile (07) 3823 2423
South Australia Branch
PO Box 2075
Hilton SA 5033
175 Sir Donald Bradman Drive,
Cowandilla SA 5033
Telephone (08) 8234 9244
Facsimile (08) 8352 6162
Tasmania Branch
PO Box 112
Lindisfarne TAS 7015
4 Franklin St Lindisfarne
TAS 7015
Telephone (03) 6243 7558
Facsimile (03) 6243 7793
Victoria Branch
PO Box 265
Oakleigh VIC 3166
43 Dalgety Street
Oakleigh VIC 3166
Telephone (03) 9567 0000
Facsimile (03) 9568 5988
Western Australia Branch
PO Box 28
Floreat Forum WA 6014
McGillivray Road, Mount
Claremont WA 6010
Telephone (08) 9383 8200
Facsimile (08) 9383 9922