Published: 08/05/2023
National Aquatics Symposium Report Released
The official National Aquatics Symposium Report has been released, capturing the contributions of 150 delegates across two days of intense discussion.
Hosted by the Royal Life Saving Society – Australia, the Symposium Report contains high-level summaries of each of the sessions, along with graphic recordings highlighting the links between discussion points and the depth and breadth of topics covered.
Royal Life Saving Society – Australia Chief Executive Officer Justin Scarr said he was delighted with the engagement from stakeholders represented at the symposium.
“The room was filled with people sharing their expertise, listening to others, and working together collaboratively,” Mr Scarr said.
“The symposium reinforced the importance of swimming and water safety education, increased access to and sustainability of aquatic facilities, and further professionalisation of the aquatic workforce in Australia.
“Importantly, the Symposium wasn’t a talkfest; an important element of the report is the declaration which sets out the strategic objectives which delegates committed to working collaboratively to achieve.
“The three high-level principles are: ensuring that all people living in Australia have universal access to a swimming and water safety education; strengthening the aquatic workforce by attracting and developing talent and addressing sector-wide risk; and ensuring that all communities have access to sustainable, accessible, inclusive, and safe aquatic facilities.
“We know there were many stakeholders who wanted to be in the room for the discussion but couldn’t be for various reasons. I’d encourage them to read the report and think about how they can contribute to the Australian Water Safety Strategy goal of reducing drowning by 50 per cent by 2030.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the delegates who attended and the acknowledge the efforts of all the presenters who put considerable effort into concise, dynamic and evidence-based presentations.”
