With a one-week extension of the current stay at home orders for residents within the defined ‘Greater Sydney’ area, and continued restrictions for the remainder of the State, the NSW aquatic industry is experiencing understandable pressure. The extension requires residents of Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong, and to remain at home, until midnight Friday 16th July 2021.
Regional NSW residents must continue to wear masks in indoor settings, restrict the number of visitors in their homes (max 5) and maintain adequate social distancing (1 person per 4 square metres indoors and outdoors).
Royal Life Saving NSW is continuing to communicate with the NSW Office of Sport seeking clarity and direction for a safe and permanent re-opening strategy for affected pools and swim schools. The NSW Government is developing a roadmap for exiting the lockdown period which will soon be made publicly available.
Royal Life Saving NSW has not been unaffected by these impacts. The Royal Life Saving Aquatic Academy facilities in Seven Hills and Denistone East remain closed as do all other pools and swim schools throughout Greater Sydney. Despite the hurdles, Royal Life Saving NSW remains committed in its leadership and support for the sector.
Over the last 3 months Royal Life Saving NSW has fully subsidised 600 newly trained Swim Teachers (via direct government support). Technical Operator subsidies and Pool Lifeguard subsidies are also on the way. These training incentives will be imperative for industry in future Covid-recovery phases.
The National Swim and Survive program has been revitalised this year with new support resources and tools available soon to participating NSW swim schools. Royal Life Saving NSW will be engaging with industry across term 3 to showcase these opportunities and new partnership options.
The NSW Government recently announced the introduction of a new pre-school swimming and water safety voucher initiative in 2022. This is welcome news for our industry and will assist with concerns of a skills drop for NSW children post-Covid. Royal Life Saving NSW will continue working closely with NSW Government on governance and industry developments around this program.
Royal Life Saving NSW will deliver a series of comprehensive Industry Seminars across the state as restrictions are eased. Seminars are planned in each region, and more information will be distributed in the not-too-distant future.
Royal Life Saving NSW understands that with stay-at-home orders in place, forced closure of public pools, and zero patronage/ clientele for many businesses, there are significant stresses affecting managers and employees alike. Industry leaders are encouraged to continue monitoring and sharing with their teams, the support opportunities available through State and Federal Governments. Some helpful links have been included below for convenience.
The past 18 months have been challenging. Royal Life Saving NSW understands the importance of ensuring swim schools and pools are listened to and will continue communicating with Government to ensure concerns are raised and addressed. Specific questions or support requirements at this time can be directed to any of the six Royal Life Saving NSW offices across the state.
Michael Ilinsky
CEO Royal Life Saving NSW
USEFUL LINKS
Financial Support (business):
Financial Support (individuals)
NSW Government Public Health Orders:
NSW Government Mental Well-Being Services: