Violence erupts at a second Melbourne aquatic centre

Police were once again called to an aquatic centre in the Melbourne municipality of Casey. This follows an incident where a lifeguard was hospitalised after a violent attack by several young men on January 19 at the Casey Aquatic Recreation Centre in Narre Warren.

The latest incident was at Casey RACE aquatic centre in Cranbourne East, and allegedly involved approximately10 young men brawling poolside on Sunday February 2.

See the video at the 7 News YouTube page.

The pool had to be evacuated on what turned out to be a 40C+ stinker of a day. When police arrived, the offenders had left the scene and there were no reported injuries.

Royal Life Saving Australia general manager of capability and industry, RJ Houston, says that while lifeguards do a fantastic job of keeping people safe, they are not experts in security or enforcing normal decent behaviour.

City of Casey mayor Stefan Koomen spoke to the Berwick Star News, saying they are immediately increasing security to all aquatic centres.

A caller to Tom Elliot on 3AW mornings to say the alleged offenders were initially spraying patrons with hoses and generally causing trouble before the fight broke out. The caller grabbed his daughter and left immediately.

Casey RACE patrons spoke to 7 News saying that people in the aquatic centre were visibly frightened, especially children, and that the situation has been getting worse over time. They implored council to increase security to protect patrons and staff.

In both incidents the offenders were described as young men of middle eastern appearance, and Victoria police is urging anyone who witnessed the incident or with footage of the Casey RACE brawl to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

IMAGE: Illustrative only. (AdobeStock and Firefly)