Keep Your Cool at the Pool campaign promotes respect for lifeguards

Last year, there were more than 2000 incidents of abuse, violence and aggression directed at staff working in aquatic facilities around Australia.

To support the safety and wellbeing of staff working in aquatic facilities, Royal Life Saving Australia (RLSA) has launched the Keep Your Cool at the Pool campaign, which sets clear behavioural expectations for patrons and calls for users of aquatic facilities to treat each other and staff respectfully.

RJ Houston, RLSA’s general manager for capability and industry, says that violence and aggression towards lifeguards and swim teachers is totally unacceptable.

“This campaign encourages a collaborative approach to safety by reinforcing a culture of respect, cooperation and zero-tolerance for aggression in aquatic facilities,” he says.

“Lifeguards and swim teachers provide a critical lifesaving role to the community and are there to keep everyone safe. When they give instructions to swimmers, this is to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all.

“We want aquatic facilities to be safe spaces not only for swimming but for staff to work. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to Keep Their Cool at the Pool this summer and support our lifeguards and swim teachers against occupational violence and aggression.”

Industry support

The campaign has garnered strong support from aquatic industry leaders, with Belgravia group manager for health and safety, Scott Vanderheyden, mentioning how lifeguards and swim teachers are often abused for providing basic safety instructions to users, such as to keep watch over their children or use a particular area of the facility.

“This can lead to hesitation in providing safety instructions promptly, which is the last thing we want from our lifeguards and swim teachers, as their guidance is essential for everyone’s safety. It’s crucial for all pool users to show respect to lifeguards and swim teachers during their visit,” says Vanderheyden.

Austswim general manager Georgie Nichol echoed this sentiment, saying abuse of any kind has no place in public swimming pools.

“We stand united with our colleagues at Royal Life Saving in championing a culture of respect and zero tolerance to abuse," she says.

“Swim teachers play an invaluable role in delivering vital water safety education within our communities, and we believe that all educators deserve a workplace where they feel respected, supported and free from intimidation.

“We are committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all swim teachers. Let’s stand together to end all forms of abuse and ensure every swim teacher feels respected and valued,” says Nichol.

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