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Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY AUSTRALIA - TASMANIA
2013-14 ANNUAL REPORT
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
ABOUT
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania (RLST) is focused on reducing drowning and promoting
healthy, active and skilled communities through innovative, reliable, evidence based advocacy; strong and
effective partnerships, quality programs, products and services; underpinned by a cohesive and sustainable
national organisation.
RLST is a public benevolent institution dedicated to reducing drowning and turning everyday people into
everyday community lifesavers. We achieve this through:
Advocacy
Education
Training
Health Promotion
Aquatic Risk Management
Community Development
Research
Media and Marketing
Sport, Leadership and Participation
International Networks
We are guided by the values of safety, quality, integrity and the humanitarian tradition and have been
serving the Tasmanian community for almost 100 years.
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania proudly and gratefully acknowledges the support of the
following key partners and stakeholders:
Royal Life Saving Society Australia
AUSTSWIM
Tasmanian Community Fund
Tasmanian Government
Royal Life Saving Society Australia - Tasmania
Tel: +61 03 6243 7558
Fax: +61 03 6243 7793
www.royallifesaving.com.au
1/4 Franklin St, Lindisfarne
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
THE ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY (Established 1891)
PATRON
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
PRESIDENT
H.R.H. PRINCE MICHAEL OF KENT, KCVO
DEPUTY PRESIDENT
CLIVE HOLLAND
THE ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY AUSTRALIA (Established 1894)
PATRON
HER EXCELLENCY MS QUENTIN BRYCE AC, GOVERNOR GENERAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH
OF AUSTRALIA (until March 2014)
HIS EXCELLENCY THE HONOURABLE SIR PETER COSGROVE AK MC (Retd), GOVERNOR
GENERAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
PRESIDENT
DIANNE MONTALTO ESM.
DEPUTY PRESIDENT
CHIEF JUSTICE TERENCE HIGGINS AO
THE ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY
AUSTRALIA TASMANIA BRANCH
INCORPORATED (Established 1915)
PATRON
THE HONOURABLE PETER UNDERWOOD AC GOVERNOR OF TASMANIA
PRESIDENT
PENE SNASHALL
DEPUTY PRESIDENT
ALAN B. SWINTON OAM, QPM, JP
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
COMMONWEALTH HONOURS
VICE PRESIDENT
Sir Basil Osborne, CBE
Doug Plaister, AO MBE
LIFE GOVERNOR Sir Basil Osborne, CBE
Doug Plaister, AO MBE
Alan Swinton OAM, QPM, JP
LIFE MEMBER Alan Swinton OAM, QPM, JP
SERVICE CROSS Nigel Carins Mark Chandler
Mark Hayes
Gary Kearney
Alison McIntyre
David Mourant
Sir Basil Osborne, CBE
Doug Plaister, AO MBE
Robyn Pryce-Jones Alan Swinton OAM, QPM, JP
Mark Hayes
FIRST BAR TO SERVICE CROSS Gary Kearney
David Mourant
Doug Plaister, AO MBE
Robyn Pryce-Jones
Alan Swinton OAM, QPM, JP
SECOND BAR TO SERVICE
CROSS Doug Plaister, AO MBE
THIRD BAR TO SERVICE CROSS Doug Plaister, AO MBE
SERVICE MEDAL Zearust Abbott
Judi Adams
Mark Barling
J William Brain
Vanessa Brown
Nigel Carins
Mark Chandler
Cynthia Craw
Roslyn Dillon
Geoffrey Frier
JJ Gardner
Peter Goss
R Mark Hayes
Dianne Hollister
Joseph Ingles Judy Jessup
Gary Kearney
James Lyons
Dianne McHenry
Alison McIntyre
Amanda Mayes
Natalie Meldrum
Margaret Miller
David Mourant
Richard Penwright
Doug Plaister, AO MBE
R Barry Plaister
Robyn Pryce-Jones
Pamela Roberts
Noel Ruddock AM
Selby Simpson Alan Swinton OAM, QPM, JP Anne Thwaites
Brian Webb
Ceri Weeks
BAR TO SERVICE MEDAL Zearust Abbott
William Brain
Nigel Carins
Mark Chandler
Roslyn Dillon Peter Goss
R Mark Hayes
Gary Kearney
Margaret Miller
David Mourant
Doug Plaister, AO MBE
Noel Ruddock Alan Swinton OAM, QPM, JP BV Webb
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
HONORARY ASSOCIATES Rev Brother TG Addicoat
Barbara Baker
Betty Baker
Rev Brother N Baker
M Church
H Clennett
P Collins
Donald Ebsworth
LJ Elridge
Peter Fehre
Geoffrey Frier
M Goss
N Goss Thomas Howard
Joseph Ingles
Frank Jenkins
DR Lewis
Donald McDonald
B McKittrick
H Meredith
Ronald Millington
Margaret Miller
David Mourant
Doug Plaister, AO MBE
R Barry Plaister
Robyn Pryce-Jones
Noel Ruddock AM
AA Rundle
Geoffrey Templeman
B Valentine
Donald Wicks
DIPLOMA HOLDERS Barbara Baker Betty Baker
Barbara Brain
Walter Bridley
Patricia Burbury
Dorothy Flinn
Steven Foley
Suzanne Geeves
Phillip Keam
Thomas Simpson
Roslyn Walsh
Paul Webb
Robyn Pryce-Jones
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
AUSTRALIAN HONOURS
SENIOR GOVERNOR Sir Basil Osborne, CBE
Doug Plaister, AO MBE
LIFE MEMBERSHIP Gary Kearney
Robyn Pryce-Jones
Alan Swinton OAM, QPM, JP
MERITORIOUS SERVICE
MEDAL Barbara Brain
Anne Burrows
Nigel Carins
Joseph Ingles
Gary Kearney
Alison McIntyre
Margaret Miller
David Mourant
Robyn Pryce-Jones
Noel Ruddock
Alan Swinton OAM, QPM, JP
COMPANION Nigel Carins
Mark Chandler
Peter Goss Diane Hollister
Gary Kearney
Dianne McHenry
Alison McIntyre
David Mourant
Robyn Pryce-Jones
Alan Swinton OAM, QPM, JP
FELLOW Peter Goss
Dr Paul Luckin
Dianne McHenry
Mark Chandler
R Mark Hayes
ASSOCIATE R Mark Hayes
Jennifer Mazengarb
Natalie Meldrum
Ann Walker
Ceri Weeks
AUSTRALIAN SERVICE MEDAL Neryl Mills
AUSTRALIAN RESUSCITATION
CLUB Kate Chambers
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
TASMANIAN HONOURS
VICE PRESIDENTS George Brothers
Patrick Chu
Francis Loo
Doug Plaister, AO MBE
Maxwell Robinson AO QPM DH Tribolet
LE Weidenhofer
Sir Alfred White
LIFE GOVERNORS Patrick Chu
Lyell Dowding
Henri Kwok
Francis Loo
Doug Plaister, AO MBE
Laurie Salmon
Vincent Shaw OAM
LIFE MEMBERS Mark Chandler
Patrick Chu
Gary Kearney
Henri Kwok
Francis Loo David Mourant
Doug Plaister, AO MBE
Robyn Pryce-Jones
Vincent Shaw OAM
Alan Swinton OAM, QPM, JP
MERITORIOUS SERVICE
BADGE Zearust Abbott
Judi Adams
TG Addicoat
J Aschman
Betty Baker
Mark Barling
Barbara Brain Vanessa Brown
Anne Burrows
Nigel Carins
David Chambers
Mark Chandler
H Clarke
MERITORIOUS SERVICE
BADGE (continued) Betty Clennett
BY Chiu
Graeme Cooksey
Sue Cooksey
Patrick Chu
Roslyn Dillon
K Edwards
Frederick Eiszele
Peter Fehre
Peter Fox
JJ Gardner
Suzanne Geeves
Russell Goonan
Peter Goss
Alan Goodfellow
Judy Gould
Katherine Greenwood
Kathy Hawkes
Mark S Hayes
R Mark Hayes
Andrew Herbert
Robert Hill
Diane Hollister
Christopher Holloway
Robin Hood
Thomas Howard
Sister Ignatius
Joseph Ingles
Frank Jenkins
Alan Jolly
Gary Kearney
Donald Keating
Henri Kwok
Phillip Large
YW Law
TS Leung
Francis Loo
Dr Paul Luckin
James Lyons Amanda Mayes
P McDonald
Jennifer Mazengarb
Donald McDonald
Dianne McHenry
Alison McIntyre
MERITORIOUS SERVICE
BADGE (continued) B McKittrick
Natalie Meldrum
Margaret Miller
William Mills
Rowen Morphett
David Mourant
Debra Norris
Camille O’Meara
Sir Basil Osborne, CBE
Tracey Parry
Betty Parssey
D Payton
Suzanne Peacock
Richard Penwright
Doug Plaister, AO MBE
R Barry Plaister
Russ Porter
Robyn Pryce-Jones
Howard Richardson
A John Rigby
Pamela Roberts
Dennis Robertson
Noel Ruddock
Daphne Saarman
Vincent Shaw OAM
Alan Swinton OAM, QPM, JP Alma Swinton
KC Tam
Geoffrey Templeman
Anne Thwaites
N Vaughan
Kye Vincent
Gerald Viney
Ann Walker
Brian Webb
Ceri Weeks
Sir Alfred White
Pamela White
Sue Wragge Patrick Yeung
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
TASMANIAN TROPHIES
D.M. LUCKIN MEMORIAL TROPHY This trophy is awarded annually in memory of a past member, the late Denys M Luckin, to recognise an
individual who has given outstanding service to the Branch over an extended period.
1994 Alan Swinton OAM, QPM, JP
1995 Nigel Carins 1996 Gary Kearney 1997 David Mourant 1998 Alison McIntyre 1999 Robyn Pryce-Jones 2000 Diana McHenry 2001 Peter Goss 2002 Mark Chandler 2003 R Mark Hayes 2004 Jennifer Mazengarb 2005 Jill Bell 2006 Sue Wragge 2007 Suzanne Peacock 2008 Judi Adams 2009 Neryl Mills 2010 Alan Swinton OAM, QPM, JP 2011 Amanda Mayes 2012 Andrew Herbert
2013 Ceri Weeks
2014 Gary Kearney
DR. P. G. LUCKIN PRESIDENT'S TROPHY
This trophy is awarded annually to recognise the exceptional service given to the society during the past twelve
months.
1997 Vanessa Brown
1998 Lorraine Brown 1999 Russell Goonan 2000 Alison McIntyre 2001 Jamie McIntyre 2002 Kate Mirowski 2003 Alison McIntyre 2004 Neryl Mills 2005 Amanda Mayes 2006 Rowan Morphett 2007 Kate Harland 2008 Vaughan Smith 2009 Camille O’Meara 2010 Julia Fassina 2011 Tracey Parry 2012 Tracey Parry & Neryl Mills
2013 Carolynn Taylor
2014 Amanda Mayes
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
2013-14 OFFICE BEARERS
PRESIDENT
Pene Snashall
VICE PRESIDENT
Alan Swinton OAM, QPM, JP
HON. SECRETARY
Camille O'Meara
HON. TREASURER
Dale Eastley (until February 2014)
David Lancaster (July 2014)
STATE COUNCILLORS
Mark Chandler Mark Hayes Don Keating
Gary Kearney Geoff Weiczorski (until January 2014)
APPOINTMENTS
GENERAL MANAGER
Christian Farley (until March 2014)
Mel Bush (from May 2014)
AUDITOR
Michael Burnett F.T.I.A., A.C.A.
NATIONAL COUNCILLOR
Pene Snashall
PUBLIC OFFICER
Alan Swinton OAM, QPM, JP
WATER SAFETY COUNCIL
Christian Farley (until March 2014)
Pene Snashall (interim)
AUSTRALIAN RESUSCITATION COUNCIL
Mark Hayes/Gary Kearney
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
In presenting the Royal Life Saving Tasmania’s 99th Annual Report and Financial Statement, I reflect on a year of
change, challenge, commitment and congratulations!
The year witnessed changes at the helm, both operational and at a governance level. We successfully recruited for a
new General Manager following the departure of Christian Farley to Gymnastics Australia. The appointment of
Mel Bush to the role has ensured the operational team can focus on what they do best; engagement with
stakeholders to improve water safety skills across the Tasmanian community. My gratitude to Neryl and John for
holding the “fort” so professionally and so calmly.
Collectively we have developed a strengthened governance and operational structure however, it has still been
difficult to achieve the aim of developing a stronger financial base necessary for the future success of RLST.
However, through the efforts of Mel and board members, the organisation has secured partnerships with
organisatons that will see long-term, sustainable benefits.
Challenges were aplenty and in respect of future funding from governments, both State and Federal, will continue.
The national branch was successful in gaining significant funding from the incoming Abbott government and
Tasmania will use our share to expand our water safety messages in rural and remote areas, with a particular
focus on safe recreation and work around dams and inland waterways.
A large work commitment has been necessary to meet the Registered Training Organisation compliance standards.
We support these rigorous requirements, as training quality is paramount in our business however, we are
continuing to investigate options to maintain currency of our training programs while minimising the administrative
burden on the organisation.
Our supporters continued to show their commitment to the organisation and our mission. Our training
workforce remained available to deliver training across the State, often with a moment’s notice. Huge
appreciation to board member, Gary Kearney for the work and sound advice he provided to these activities.
Strengthened relationships with other major aquatic safety and recreational organisations has resulted in a more
prominent role for RLST, through Mel, with the Tasmanian Water Safety Council. Tasmania’s participation in
national decision making and events was also strengthened through our participation on the National Council.
Together with the national office, Hobart will host the 2015 national Lifesaving as a Sport championship in January
where we will showcase the strength of RLST and the commitment from our supporters.
The first half of 2015 will be a very busy but exciting time, and provide our supporters and past members with an
opportunity to participate in our Centenary celebrations in May.
In closing, I extend my warm thanks to the board directors in particular to our Vice-President, Alan Swinton and
Secretary, Camille O’Meara, whose counsel and wisdom has been invaluable as I’ve taken the reins of this valuable
and worthwhile organisation. The Board is a great team, each with strengths, expertise and skills and we are
buoyed by the future opportunities. We know there are challenges but we are committed to returning RLST to its
place as the key provider of aquatic services training in Tasmania.
Pene Snashall
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT
Royal Life Saving Tasmania has emerged from a challenging and change filled year as a stronger organisation and
with an even greater strategic focus on our overarching goal of drowning prevention and reduction with a view to
zero drowning deaths in Tasmania.
Tasmania has seen an increase in drowning fatalities in 2013-14 compared with the previous year’s figures and
tragically we have also bucked the national trend in terms of drowning deaths in the birth to 4 years age group.
Where there has been a downward trend in this key focus area nationally, Tasmania experienced quite the
opposite with two small lives lost in the 2013-14 period.
These sobering figures serve to galvanise our resolve to step up our advocacy and educational messages and
programs focusing on those at risk areas of the community to ensure we not only provide the required
information but also develop the skills required to identify the risks and where required save a life.
Our flagship Keep Watch program, focusing on the 0-4 year age group has become an even more sought after
tool in the organisation’s suite of educational package. Thanks to Department of Premier and Cabinet’s
Communities, Sport and Recreation Tasmania (SRT) we have been able to roadshow the program throughout the
state targeting new parents groups, community and neighbourhood houses (both rural and regional) and members
of the aquatic industry.
One of our elemental strategies is to ensure clear pathways, educational and lifesaving pathways from the very
young to our seniors and everyone in between. 2013-14 saw an increased take up of the Swim & Survive Program
which reflects an increase in valued partnerships. These partnerships included but were certainly not limited to
the ‘English as an additional language program’, an arm of Curriculum and Program Services within the
Department of Education. The flexibility of the Swim & Survive Program allowed RLST to provide an innovative,
fun and skill based program to migrant and refugee children in a range of age groups, from a range of schools and a
range of cultural and linguistically diverse back grounds.
In ensuring the equitable delivery of aquatic programs across the community we must thank the Tasmanian
Community Fund for their ongoing support of the MATES or Making Aquatics a Terrific Experience Seminars,
which continues to provide individuals with a disability, impairment or mobility issue, along with their friends,
family and carers with the skills and support to enjoy and benefit from our aquatic environment. Carer groups
and individuals alike took advantage of this fantastic AUSTSWIM initiative.
Further ensuring a targeted approach to drowning prevention in Tasmania in line with the organisations strategic
framework and promotion of a healthy and active lifestyle RLST has enjoyed ongoing support for the ever popular
Grey Medallion program. Focusing on the four key components of water safety knowledge, resuscitation and
emergency care, aquatic exercise, personal survival and lifesaving skills our Grey Medallion program has supported
a growing number of Tasmanians over the age of 55 in not only increasing their skills but also their health,
wellbeing and opportunities for social inclusion.
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
Being in the enviable position of delivering commercial services of the highest quality such as a suite of First Aid
accreditations, CPR, Bronze Medallion and Pool Lifeguard to name but a few allows us, with the support of our
valued partners, to provide sustainable programs to wider community.
While as an autonomous entity RLST focuses heavily on ensuring the sustainability of our programs and services
both strategically and operationally we have nevertheless enjoyed an unprecedented level of support from the
national body. This ongoing support coupled with strong leadership has ensured clarity of purpose across the
states and provided options and opportunities for Tasmania to engage at a national level.
I acknowledge the ongoing support of the Department of Premier and Cabinet Communities, Sport and
Recreation Tasmania, the Tasmanian Community Fund and the Community Support Levy via the Department of
Health & Human Services. Without this continued support RLST would not be in a position to deliver the level of
focused, lifesaving, educational programs directly aligned with our strategic outcomes in drowning prevention.
In acknowledging the support provided to RLST from our national body and invaluable funding bodies it would be
remiss of me not to recognise the tireless work of our state team; Office Manager Neryl Mills, Program &
Administration Support Officer John Hall, our Board of Directors and incredible Trainers and Assessors. With
such a focused and dedicated team in both Tasmania and at a national level we are looking forward to the coming
twelve months with a renewed sense of excitement and purpose.
Mel Bush
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK
Vision To save lives and reduce injury by enabling all Tasmanians to have access to
both water safety and first aid education so that they can participate safely in
aquatic and recreational environments.
Mission To ensure Everyone can be a Lifesaver
Organisational Goals
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME for the
year ended 30 June 2014
Income
2012-13 2013-14
Administration Course Fees
Other Income
Safety Services
Total Income
$195,368
$184,338
$23,884
$10,327
$413,917
$226,131
$208,438
$2,406
$7,409
$444,384
Total Cost of Sales $:942 $1,145
Expense Administration
Aquatic Training
First Aid/Resus
Other
Depreciation
Total Expenses
$:263,292
$144,480
$8,835
$9,230
$10,459
$436,296
$260,620
$155,963
$7,782
$878
$10,207
$435,450
Operating Profit -$23,321 $7,789
Other Expenses
Disposal of Assets
$0
$0
Net Surplus/Deficit -$23,321 $7,789
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION as at 30 June 2014
Assets
Total Current
Total Non-Current
Total Assets
2012-13
$146,765
$163,345
$310,110
2013-14
$200,712
$153,139
$353,851
Liabilities
Total Current Liabilities Provisions
Grants
$51,890
$24,442
$93,321
$52,480
$21,712
$131,411
Total Liabilities $169,653 $205,603
Net Assets $140,458 $148,248
Accumulated Funds
Retained Earnings
$163,778
$140,458
Current Year Surplus -$23,321 $7,789
Total Accumulated Funds $140,458 $148,247
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
EDUCATION AND AQUATIC RISK
MANAGEMENT
Royal Life Saving Society Australia’s water safety education programs are designed so all
Australians can have the skills and knowledge to safely participate in a range of aquatic
activities.
Our programs build awareness of dangers in aquatic environments, teach essential water
safety skills and develop lifesaving skills that may one day save a life; reflecting our
organisation’s mission that ‘Everyone can be a lifesaver’.
The range of programs allows individuals to continually develop their skills and knowledge
as they move through different life stages, reflecting the unique challenges that are specific
to each age group. These challenges include: water familiarisation for young children,
foundation skills for primary aged children, essential survival and lifesaving skills for
teenagers, and water safety for older adults.
Our key education programs include:
• Swim and Survive
• Water Smart
• Keep Watch
• Bronze Medallion
• Grey Medallion
SWIM AND SURVIVE Swim and Survive is a comprehensive swimming and water safety initiative of RLSSA that
seeks to increase the swimming and water safety skills of Australian children to prevent
drowning and increase participation in safe aquatic activity.
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
Learn to swim, swimming lessons and infant aquatics are all terms commonly used across
the aquatic industry for programs that seek to build swimming skills. Swim and Survive is
all of these, but most importantly the program ensures that the essential components of
personal survival and water safety are provided, in addition to a process of developing
strong and effective swimming technique. Swim and Survive is delivered in pools, schools
and other aquatic locations across Tasmania by qualified swimming and water safety
instructors. In 2013-14, 3841 children aged from 6months to 14 years participated in a
Swim and Survive course.
KEEP WATCH RLST is working hard to raise awareness of water safety and in doing so, eliminate
drowning deaths across Tasmanian pools, inland waterways, creeks and rivers. Through
nationally coordinated and locally driven education campaigns we can reduce the number
of drowning deaths and near-drownings that occur in Australia each year.
Key campaigns during 2013-14 included the Keep Watch program which aims to prevent
drowning deaths of children under five years of age in all aquatic locations. For nearly 20
years Keep Watch has been educating Australian parents and carers on how to keep their
children safe when in, on or around the water. Keep Watch sessions where conducted
throughout the state, in locations such as early learning and child care centres, aquatic
facilities and community centres, and included the distribution of information brochures
and other educational collateral.
AQUATIC RISK MANAGEMENT
RLST works to improve industry safety and risk management standards through key
activities including:
• Guidelines for Safe Pool Operation
• Guidelines for Water Safety
• Aquatic Facility Safety Assessments
In 2013-14, RLST undertook eight audit assessments of commercially operated swimming
pools and centres across the State.
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
TRAINING
Our key training programs include:
• First Aid and Emergency Care
• Resuscitation (CPR)
• Pool Lifeguarding
• Bronze Medallion
• Swim Teaching (AUSTSWIM)
• Pool Operations
• Professional Development
FIRST AID
RLST First Aid training courses are compliant with Workplace Health and Safety requirements and provide participants with the knowledge and skills to administer first
aid to a victim of illness or injury until professional medical help arrives. Anyone -
parents, workers, passers-by - may have to give first aid at some time, giving credence to
RLSSA’s motto that “Everyone can be a lifesaver”.
Royal Life Saving provides both traditional and flexible training delivery methods
including First Aid in a Box – a self-paced, flexible training program. Candidates receive
their own learning mannequin and DVD and complete the theory and online
assessments at their own pace. Upon completion of the online content and learning
CPR, candidates are required to attend a two-hour practical workshop to refine their
first aid skills and be assessed for their first aid qualification. In 2013-14, 398 Statements
of Attainment were issued and 78 clients re-accredited.
RESUSCITATION
Resuscitation - the actions taken to keep a person alive after their own breathing and heartbeat have stopped - can mean the difference between life and death. Early
intervention with Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can, and does, save lives. RLST
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
resuscitation courses give participants training and knowledge in Basic Life Support, CPR,
Defibrillation, Oxygen Resuscitation and Emergency Care.
All RLST resuscitation training is delivered in accordance with the Australian
Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines and gives both theoretical and practical
experience in CPR and associated emergency care. In 2013-14, 312 Statements of
Attainment were issued and 244 clients re-accredited.
POOL LIFEGUARD
Australian Lifeguards are world-renowned for their high levels of skill and knowledge in
accident prevention and rescue response. The minimum industry requirement for
employment as a Pool Lifeguard in a swimming pool or aquatic facility is the RLSSA Pool
Lifeguard Certificate.
This entry-level qualification is recognised across Australia and in many other countries
and provides a gateway into an exciting lifeguarding and aquatics career. The course
covers essential modules such as accident prevention, administration, public relations,
education, rescue response and basic technical operations.
RLST provides further professional development courses and opportunities, building a
stronger aquatics industry. In 2013-14, 85 Statements of Attainment were issued and
192 existing lifeguards were re-accredited.
BRONZE MEDALLION
The majority of drowning accidents occur inland, in rivers, dams and home swimming pools. As these places are rarely patrolled by qualified lifeguards it is important that all
members of the community learn some lifesaving techniques. The thoughtful application
of the knowledge and skill provided within the RLST Bronze Medallion program will save
lives, ensure the rescuer’s safety and prevent a possible double drowning. The RLST
Bronze Medallion is recognised as the minimum standard for a qualified lifesaver.
This award also increases employment opportunities with many pools and aquatic
centres as they require employees who conduct aquatic programs to have their Bronze
Medallion. In 2013-14, 52 Bronze Stars were issued, 471 Bronze Medallions and 5
Bronze Crosses.
SWIM TEACHING - AUSTSWIM
AUSTSWIM has developed quality aquatic education program for those wishing to enter
the aquatic industry as a teacher of swimming and water safety. The AUSTSWIM
accreditation is the industry standard for swimming and water safety teachers and is delivered and recognised in each state and territory of Australia, and many countries
overseas. As a foundation member of AUSTSWIM, Royal Life Saving supplied
AUSTSWIM courses including:
• Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
• Teacher of Adults
• Teacher of Aquatics to People with Disabilities
• Teacher of Competitive Strokes
• Teacher of Infant and Preschool Aquatics
In 2013-14, 111 Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety Certifications were issued and 55
teachers gained certification for undertaking the Extension Course.
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
RLST actively implements a community development model that focuses on community
engagement, participation and communication. Our aim is to support local level training and
employment building opportunities for communities to address a range of health, social and
economic issues.
We are active in a range of communities including indigenous, rural and remote, refugee and
second and third generation arrivals and young children and families, with a focus on
supporting those communities with lower socio-economic indicators.
CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE (CaLD) PROGRAM
The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) Community was again a focus for RLST
with programs extended across the state. This foundation program (as opposed to formal
learn-to-swim) was provided to young people from many secondary schools across the state
including Kings Meadows, Queechy, Brooks and Cosgrove in the south. The program taught
participants vital water safety skills and how to be generally water safe.
More than 100 students from many cultural backgrounds including Bhutan, Nepal and a
number of African countries participated in the course. Many participants subsequently
interest in engaging in formal learn-to-swim programs with assistance from RLST.
The project was made possible through funding from the Tasmanian Water Safety Council
and the Department of Premier and Cabinet. These water safety sessions helped migrants to develop confidence in the water, learn safety and rescue techniques and basic CPR skills.
This work will be continued in coming years.
MAKING AQUATICS A TERRIFIC EXPERIENCE (MATE)
In 2014, the delivery of the AUSTSWIM program MATE, Making Aquatics a Terrific Experience (MATE) was a key priority. This innovative and interactive community seminar
aimed at optimising health and wellness opportunities for those with a disability provides
carers with the skills and knowledge to take their loved one or client (ie their MATE) to the
pool for recreation activities. It is not a program about swimming strokes but rather a guide
to encourage and facilitate physical activity for people who may not have previously
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
participated in aquatic activities.
RLST received financial support from the Tasmanian Community Fund to provide this program to paid and unpaid carers at low cost around the State. The program is suitable for
all types of disabilities, from intellectual disabilities to those in a wheelchair, stroke victims
and people with autism. It offers comprehensive notes, real life scenarios, simulation
exercises and networking opportunities.
KEEP(ING) WATCH OVER OUR COMMUNITY
Through a grant from the Clarence City Council, RLST developed and delivered the Keep
Watch @ Bath Time courses to eight playgroups across the municipality.
In addition, Keep Watch courses were delivered statewide to other early childhood and
family organisations including the State Government Child & Health Centres, Launch into
Learning primary schools and associates of the Child Health Association of Tasmania. To ensure maximum promotion, marketing collateral was distributed to target aquatic centres
around the State.
WORKING WITH EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS
A strong partnership has been established with Lady Gowrie Tasmania, a statewide provider
of early childhood services, training and family support programs. First aid, CPR and a
tailored course on managing asthma and anaphylaxis were delivered to staff in north and
south regions. Through this valued stakeholder, RLST was also invited to present to the
national Childcare Association’s annual conference. Every Lady Gowrie Tasmania centre has
become a Keep Watch Ambassador, strengthening the message that water safety is
everyone’s business.
DELIVERING CPR TO NEW TASMANIANS
In partnership with the Royal Hobart Hospital’s Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit, and
sponsorship from The Allport Bequest, RLST continued to provide CPR sessions, free of
charge, to parents of premature children before their discharge from hospital. Parents of
premature babies, and some other paediatric patients, admitted to the NICU are offered
access to one-to-one CPR sessions. The program has been conducted on a regular basis for
the past three years during which almost 200 parents and their extended families have
benefitted.
Royal Life Saving Society Australia – Tasmania: Annual Report 2013-14
National Drowning Report 2014 - Tasmania
DROWING SUMMARY
