Aquatic Facility Safety Assessment
Ensuring safety and compliance with the leaders in aquatic safety
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Background
In 1996, Royal Life Saving introduced the Aquatic Facility Safety Assessment (AFSA) to elevate safety standards in aquatic environments across Australia. This assessment was designed to provide a thorough evaluation of an aquatic facility’s operations, focusing on safety, risk management, and compliance with the industry’s best practices.
The AFSA is grounded in the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operation (GSPO), which outline the essential standards for managing aquatic facilities safely. These guidelines, developed by industry experts, provide a framework for preventing accidents and maintaining high safety levels through proper facility design, operation, and management practices.
In addition to the GSPO, the AFSA aligns with Australian Standards and relevant State and Territory legislation, ensuring that facilities are not only safe but also compliant with legal requirements. This comprehensive approach helps facility operators identify potential risks and make informed improvements to their safety protocols.
By conducting these assessments, Royal Life Saving supports aquatic facilities in achieving safer environments for all users. The program has been a cornerstone in promoting best practices and reducing the likelihood of incidents, reinforcing the organisation’s mission to prevent drowning and enhance water safety across the country.
2000+
Assessments Conducted
25
Sections able to be Audited
130
Years of Service
Service Overview
The Royal Life Saving Aquatic Facility Safety Assessment (AFSA) is a comprehensive analysis of the level of safety and compliance within an aquatic facility. For pool owners and operators, it is a way to ensure that their facility is being managed in line with current expectations and standards. Failure to meet reasonable standards in the provision of a safe environment for the public may in some instances carry significant penalties.
The AFSA question set determines compliance against the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations (GSPO) and relevant State and National regulations and Legislation. The assessment enables the development of a detailed report and safety improvement plan. The safety improvement plan lists the level of risk associated with each non-compliance, the applicable guideline or legislative reference and provides comprehensive recommendations to address the respective issues.
Benefits of the Service
Benchmark current performance against industry standards and best practice
Gain independent and expert information and advice
Encourage continual improvement
Support the training and educational needs of key facility representatives
Ensure currency with regulatory changes
Reduce the likelihood and consequence of aquatic related injury and death
Demonstrate the use of a formal risk management process
Maintain a working relationship with the peak industry body
Achieve recognition for safety practices
Reduce legal risk
How does it work?
Planning
We work with the Aquatic Facility to understand its specific needs
Assessment
Our highly qualified and experienced team conduct the Assessment
Evaluation
Performance is evaluated against regulation, standards and best practice
Reporting
A comprehensive report if provided with findings and recommendations
Some of our recent clients
Waves Aquatic and Leisure Centre
Belgravia Leisure
Parramatta City Council
