Published 22 December 2022

We’ve compiled our top ten Royal Life Saving things from a busy 2022. Some are about impact. Others about the joy of sharing success with communities, colleagues and friends.

1. Enjoy the water safely

Last summer was shocking. Floods, and falling swimming abilities, and more Australians travelling to unfamiliar waterways for holidays and day trips combined to make last summer the worst for drowning in more than twenty years.That makes our summer safety campaign strategy more critical than in years past. Look out for our summer safety messaging online, in social media, news and radio. The chances are your favourite caravan park will also be carrying the enjoy the water safely message.

2. Dusty roads, sandy toes, and the Society’s highest honour

It was a year of honours. On Australia Day 2022, Australian Honours were awarded to Floss Roberts AM (NT), and Jim McClelland BM OAM.

Floss is loved by so many, and has probably travelled further, on dusty roads, than anyone else in the name of lifesaving. Jim’s honour is fitting recognition his countless of hours of service to his community, especially on the beach at Ithaca-Caloundra City Life Saving Club.

Congratulations to Mr Norman Farmer AM ESM, who was named the 2022 recipient of the King Edward VII Cup, the highest RLSS honour. There are few who have worked so tirelessly, and collaboratively in the name of lifesaving and drowning prevention than Norm.

3. Celebrating resilience, survival, wisdom, deep connection to water

Inspired by RLSS WA, we embarked on a journey to learn, listen, and commit to reconciliation with First Nations people. In June 2022, we launched our Reconciliation Action Plan, which aims to actively engage and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to access, design, participate in, and lead water safety programs for safety, fun and employment.

4. Birthday cakes, and colouring competitions

This year Swim and Survive turned 40. In a period where so many children missed out on lessons, it was great to reflect on the impact that Swim and Survive has had on the way we teach swimming, lifesaving, and water safety. Swim Schools around Australia celebrated with cakes, competitions, and giveaways.

5. The joy of meeting old friends again at APLSC 2022

After a long break, the Australian Pool Life Saving Championships was held in Sydney at Pymble Ladies College Aquatic and Fitness Centre. It felt like a small risk when first proposed, with COVID still circling and public health rules uncertain, but the response from athletes, coaches and officials was outstanding.

6. Framing LTS as an ecosystem and $8 billion in refurbishment costs

Two aquatic industry research reports continued our deep commitment to removing to swimming for communities across Australia. The notion that 500 public pools could reach the end of their functional lifespan by 2030 is challenging, and mapping learn to swim as an ecosystem was innovative. Having worked hard to frame the problem, in 2023 we will focus on building solutions to both aquatic centre and swim school infrastructure gaps, and for figuring out how to reach the generation of children who have missed out on lessons.

7. New online modules lead the way

There were lots of additions to online professional development content developed and delivered across the network. A focus on innovative design and customisation to industry requirements is being well received. Our work was also recognised again with a #LearnX industry awards.

8. Water safety goes local

After years of encouraging local water safety plans, the release for the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 and some new research accelerated our efforts. The Townsville and Surrounds Local Water Safety Strategy is a great example of local efforts to balance reducing drowning with promoting the health and social benefits of recreation in, on and around the water.

9. Creating collaborative spaces (without a mute button)

In August, after many years confined to webinars and zoom meetings, more than 200 water safety experts gathered for the National Water Safety Summit 2022 in Sydney. This was an opportunity to re-connect, re-energise, and refocus attention on drowning prevention and the joy of swimming.Momentum continues for global efforts to prevent drowning. Look out for big news on the World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2023. (hope to see you in Perth 4-7 December 2023)

10. Webinars remain a great way of staying connected

So many highlights, including the World Drowning Prevention Day Do One Thing and Aquatic Industry Research Series, but the one that inspired most was breaking the bias. On International Women’s Day, colleagues gathered in a webinar to celebrate and acknowledge women in drowning prevention across the planet. It was inspiring to watch eight leaders from across our field, sharing experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future. IWD2023 should be awesome.

Thanks to all colleagues and friends. Look forward to working with you all in 2023.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and remember to enjoy the water safely:

• Always supervise children around water
• Avoid alcohol around water
• Wear a lifejacket when boating and fishing
• Know the conditions
• Avoid going alone

Justin Scarr
Chief Executive Officer
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia