New Royal Life Saving South Australia CEO Announced
After 5 years as CEO of Royal Life Saving South Australia, Jayne Minear has made the decision to step down. Jayne has been instrumental in revitalising the organisation, expanding swimming and water safety programmes throughout the state, and providing leadership to the aquatic industry. We thank Jayne for her dedicated service to the Society, and for ensuring that communities throughout South Australia have received nationally accredited water safety education programmes and opportunities.
After a thorough application process, we congratulate the new CEO of Royal Life Saving South Australia, Jake Culkin. The board assessed several suitable applicants and believed that Jake was the best fit for this position based on his experience within the aquatic industry, combined with business acumen gained from local government and higher education.
Since 2020, Jake has gained extensive leadership experience in Royal Lifesaving including management of operations, human resources, financial and risk management, and nationally accredited education and training programmes. With a background of over 12 years in the aquatic industry, including local government aquatic management, Jake has built a strong rapport throughout the aquatic industry. Some of Jake’s highlights in his time as General Manager have included the revitalisation of aquatic risk services, development of multicultural swimming programs, and the leadership of the Inclusive Swim program. We are pleased to welcome Jake to this new role.
ON 25 JULY, PEOPLE ACROSS THE WORLD WILL MARK THE THIRD WORLD DROWNING PREVENTION DAY
In April 2021, the United Nations adopted the historic first Resolution on Global Drowning Prevention, recognising the scale of the problem and calling for coordinated action to prevent drowning.
Drowning is an issue that affects every nation of the world. Globally, an estimated 235,600 people lost their lives to drowning in 2019.
In Australia hundreds of families lose loved ones to drowning every year.
Eighty percent of those who drown are male.
DROWNING IS INEQUITABLE
Drowning has been the cause of over 2.5 million preventable deaths in the last decade. It is a significant international issue that to date has been largely unrecognised relative to its impact.
More than 90% of drowning deaths occur in rivers, lakes, wells, domestic water storage vessels and swimming pools in low- and middle-income countries, with children and adolescents in rural areas disproportionately affected.
Drowning is among the ten leading causes of death for children and young people aged 1-24 years in every region of the world.
WE ARE ASKING ORGANISATIONS ACROSS SOUTH AUSTRALIA TO HELP PROMOTE WORLD DROWNING PREVENTION DAY
SCHOOLS
We would absolutely love and appreciate your support in promoting this important message by holding a free dress day – encouraging students to wear blue, along with a gold coin donation.
All schools that participate will receive a certificate of thanks, along with an explanation of how the money will be used to prevent drowning in South Australia.
All donations will go towards providing further programs and initiatives of Royal Life Saving South Australia to support our vision of a state free from drowning.
AQUATIC FACILITIES
There have been a range of online marketing resources for industry to promote across their own communication channels and to display at their facility here. This content includes: Website, Social Media and Video Content.
REGISTER HERE TO TAKE PART IN OUR WORLD DROWNING PREVENTION DAY ACTIVITIES
2022 ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOUTH AUSTRALIA POOL LIFEGUARD CHAMPIONS
South Australia Aquatic and Leisure Centre’s Team C are the 2022 Royal Life Saving Society - South Australia Pool Lifeguard Champions, beating a highly competitive field of lifeguards in an impressive display of lifeguarding skills and teamwork at Marion Outdoor Pool on 23 November.
The event, the first of its kind in South Australia, was delivered with the generous support of Aflex Inflatables, Marion Outdoor Pool and the Royal Life Saving Society - Australia.
Photo: 2022 South Australian Pool Lifeguard Champions, SAALC Team C
“The Lifeguard Challenge is an outstanding event! Our team certainly had such an amazing time competing against other centres,” South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre’s Manager of Lifeguards and Events, Will Jack said.
“What a great display of talent across the South Australian aquatic industry. The experience, knowledge and skills that all participants develop from the event is a positive for all facilities. Bring on nationals!” Mr Jack said.
“Winning this year was an exciting and a great honour for the team and we hope to be back again next year to do it all over again.”
The teams were challenged in a variety of simulated scenarios, such as managing major incidents, a theory assessment, as well as race events in the pool including rescue tows, line throws and manikin relays.
Photo: RLS-SA GM Jake Culkin provides the pre-event briefing to competitors
Royal Life Saving Society - South Australia Acting Chief Executive Officer Jake Culkin said he was impressed by the standard of competitors as they dealt with complex challenges.
“The scenarios were designed not only to test the technical skills of the individual team members, but also their overall teamwork, communication and incident response capabilities,” Mr Culkin said.
“The scenarios they faced were difficult, but realistic, and could easily occur at the participants’ own facilities. A variety of twists and complications were also introduced into the scenarios to make the situations even more challenging.”
Top three results:
– South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre (SAALC) Team C = 195 points
– Marion Outdoor Pool (MOP) Team A = 194 points
– Waterworld Aquatic Centre (WAC) Team A = 190 points
Individual event winners included:
Wet scenarios – MOP B & WAC A
Dry scenarios – SAALC C
Theory Exam – SAALC E
Races – MOP A
Royal Life Saving Society - South Australia acknowledges the support of Marion City Council for providing the event venue and support staff; Royal Life Saving Society - Australia for providing support staff and competitor equipment kits; and staff and volunteers from Royal Life Saving Society - South Australia who assisted with event officiating and adjudication.
Royal Life Saving Society - South Australia would also like to acknowledge the following individuals who made the event happen:
Jake Culkin
RJ Houston
Michelle Williams
Ann McIntosh
Jayne Minear
Steph Culkin
David Dewar
Brione Rundle
The staff at Marion Outdoor Pool
And of course, all the competitors
The South Australian Pool Lifeguard Challenge will return in 2023.
Tragically This Year’s Drowning Toll Is The Highest In More Than 25 Years
More than 90 per cent of the drowning deaths in South Australia this year were men, the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2022 has revealed.
Across the State, 13 people drowned in 2021/22, with almost a third aged between 65- and 74-year-old.
South Australia’s drowning deaths contributed to the highest drowning toll in Australia in 25 years, prompting water safety experts to issue an urgent plea to make safety a focus this summer.
Royal Life Saving Society – South Australia General Manager - Operations Jake Culkin said the deaths were a tragedy that affected countless families, friends and communities.
“Our hearts go out to all those who are mourning the loss of someone to drowning this year,” Mr Culkin said said.
“Tragically, in almost a quarter of cases, the drowning deaths occurred when people tried to rescue others who had got into trouble in the water.
“We know people who have come from land-locked countries to South Australia are at particular risk of drowning and Royal Life Saving is working closely with those communities to provide water safety training.”
The Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2022 found that there were 339 drowning deaths over the past 12 months, which is 15% higher than last year (295), and the highest reported figure since 1996.
While further research is needed, the findings highlight ongoing impacts of COVID‐19 on drowning risk, including Australians being more likely to visit unfamiliar, unpatrolled water locations, children lacking swimming skills necessary to enjoy the water safely due to pandemic induced lesson cancellations.
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia CEO, Justin Scarr, said he was deeply saddened by the tragic increase in drowning.
“Increased drowning deaths in school aged children is tragic and may be a sign of generational impacts of lessons missed due to COVID‐19,” Mr Scarr said.
“Swimming and water safety lessons are critical to child safety.
“We urge adults of all ages to consider the impacts of medical conditions, alcohol, and swimming ability has on their water safety.”
The Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2022 was released alongside the Surf Life Saving National Coastal Safety Report 2022 in Sydney on Friday 16 September 2022.
To access the report, click here 2022 National Drowning Report
With the support of the Australian Government, Surf Life Saving and Royal Life Saving are looking at strategies ahead of the warmer months, including bringing forward water safety campaigns, delivering lifesaving services and working with governments, councils and groups across the country.
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN STATISTICS
· 13 drowning deaths
o This is the same as 2020/21 and a 7% decrease on the 10-year average
· 92% of those who drowned were male
· The largest number of drowning deaths occurred among people aged 65-74 years (31%)
· Beaches accounted for 46% of deaths, followed by rivers and creeks (23%)
· A rescue was the leading activity prior to drowning (23%), followed by swimming and recreating (15%) and boating (15%)
Multicultural Swim and Survive English Literacy Program wrap-up
As a result of generous funding from the City of Adelaide, Royal Life Saving South Australia conducted an 8-week program for adults of a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse background between May-July 2022. The program was designed to accomodate all abilities, with the aim of teaching participants how to use practical water safety skills throughout inland and coastal waterways. In additional to core swimming skills, participants learned skills such as reach rescues and throw rescues, and how to identify dangers in, on and around water.
Over 100 participants were able to participate in this program, with an age range between 18-60 years old. Many of these participants that have recently moved to Adelaide have never experienced Australian waterways, and with the skills learned they are looking forward to continuing to practice their skills.
We were very fortunate to meet these participants, and learn from them. Some of these stories include Taseef and Hirad, who attended the entire program.
" I came into the Swim and Survive program with a fear of water bred for decades, and scepticism of whether I can overcome my anxiety. The incredible team at The Royal Life Saving and Adelaide Aquatic Centre welcomed me into their family and introduced me to the methods by which I can keep myself safe in and around the water and helped me overcome my fear of the water; that too in just 8 weeks! Thank you Royal Life Saving, especially Jake, Jayne, and Karen for putting a smile on my face and giving me a chance chance at appreciating the waters safely! " - Taseef Farook
“ Before I joined the program, when I was near water, including pools and oceans, I had always been afraid of drowning and frustrated that I couldn't swim. Swimming became relaxing for me after participating in the Swim and Survive program. Over the course of 8 weeks, I learned water awareness and safety as well as some basic swimming skills. My skills improved under the supervision of caring and lovely instructors. I would like to thank the organisers, instructors, and participants who helped me to feel more comfortable and confident in the water. I'm excited to share what I've learned about water safety with my peers and attend more classes so that I can learn more swimming skills. “ - Hirad Assimi
On the final day of the program, we had the pleasure of welcoming City of Adelaide Deputy Lord Mayor - Councillor Arman Abrahimzadeh OAM to present certificates to participants of the program. Mr Abrahimzadeh shared his story with participants and congratulated them for their courage of participating in this program.
To finish the program the City of Adelaide introduced a pathway program for participants to continue their water safety lessons beyond the 8-week program. We would like to thank the City of Adelaide for their commitment to water safety education for CALD communities, and for ensuring the Adelaide Aquatic Centre is an inclusive space for everyone.
Royal Life Saving SA receives generous donation from Hon Russell Wortley MLC
Royal Life Saving SA receives generous donation from Hon Russell Wortley MLC
Royal Life Saving Society – South Australia was delighted to receive a $30,000 donation from former MLC the Hon Russell Wortley which will fund additional, much needed water safety classes for migrant communities and Indigenous South Australians.
The generous donation was the fulfilment of a pre-election promise by Mr Wortley to personally donate equivalent of 12 weeks salary to help reduce drowning deaths in South Australia.
Royal Life Saving Society – South Australia Executive Director Jayne Minear thanked Mr Wortley and his wife Dana for the generous donation.
“We are so grateful to Russell and Dana for their long-term support for Royal Life Saving and all our activities in South Australia,” Ms Minear said.
“Both Indigenous and migrant communities are over-represented in the drowning rates.
“When we lose someone to drowning, it is a tragedy not only for those communities, but for all South Australians. We lose too many people to drowning in inland waterways particularly our rivers.
“Royal Life Saving wants everyone to enjoy their time in, on and around the water and get home safely at the end of the day.
“The Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 is working towards a 50 per cent reduction in drowning and we would love to see South Australia leading the way to achieve that goal.”
The money will go towards Swim and Survive classes which would not have been able to be offered without this funding.
Mr Wortley presented the cheque to Royal Life Saving at the Adelaide Aquatic Centre.
Event invitation: Aquatic Facilities and Swim Schools - Managing Safety in the New Reality
Royal Life Saving South Australia Webinar invitation: Aquatic Facilities and Swim Schools - Managing Safety in the New Reality
2020/21 has presented many challenges to the way we live. Throughout this period, the aquatic industry has been impacted by several lockdowns and ongoing restrictions.
Royal Life Saving South Australia is pleased to facilitate its first aquatic industry webinar for 2021-22. Join us on October 8th to discuss how the industry has been managed in the 'new reality'. Hear from Jayne Minear, CEO Royal Life Saving Australia and key industry leaders, including;
*Nathan Byles, City of Unley
*Catherine Foreman, Belgravia Leisure
*Lauren Schliebs, City of Adelaide
*Amanda Stephenson, Hydrilla
Register here:
National Drowning Report 2020/21 Released
Today, in a joint release, the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2021 and Surf Life Saving National Coastal Safety Report 2021 were released. There were 294 drowning deaths in the past 12 months across Australia’s coastline, inland waterways and pools, which is 20% higher than last year (245).
Concerningly there was 75 drownings in inland waterways which is a 53% increase, and 66 drowning at beach, which is a 50% increase.
With the support of the Morrison Government, Royal Life Saving works with the Australian Water Safety Council, State and Territory organisations, and local communities to prevent drowning across the country and increase water safety awareness. Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison said the Government was determined to support organisations like Royal Life Saving to raise water safety awareness and to make our pools, waterways and beaches safer.
While further research is needed, the findings from RLSSA show that the impacts of COVID on increases in drowning deaths is largely attributable to:
Increased drowning risk among Australians visiting unfamiliar locations. COVID has seen more people seeking out remote places to escape crowds, swimming outside of patrolled hours, taking more day trips to isolated beaches, rivers or lakes and holidaying domestically at unfamiliar locations.
Increased drowning risk around the home. Complacency can often seep in when people are exhausted from working from home, home schooling, and restricted time in confined spaces, sometimes resulting in distractions or unsupervised children around water.
Australians lack the swimming skills necessary to enjoy the water safely. COVID has seen children missing out on swimming lessons, adults and teenagers with reduced pool access who are no longer swim fit and/or lack confidence in the water leading to increased drowning incidents in open waterways.
Key facts include:
Rescue-related incidents on our coast were up 150% from average, with rip currents at unpatrolled locations being prominent factors within these incidents
There were 25 drowning deaths among children aged 0-4 years, an 108% increase on last year and a 9% increase on the 10-year average.
People aged 25-34 years accounted for 17% of all drowning deaths, the most of any age group.
136 drowning deaths occurred on coastal waters, an 13% increase on last year and the 10-year average (n=120).
75 drowning deaths occurred in rivers and creeks; this is a 53% increase on last year.
Click on the link below to read the National Drowning report.