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NATIONAL SPORTS & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CONVENTION | IAKS 2024 SHINES A SPOTLIGHT ON ROADMAP TO STRENGTHENED SECTOR IMPACT The National Sports and Physical Activity Convention (NSC) IAKS 2024, hosted at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on 27-28 June, has been a beacon for industry leaders in sport, recreation, and leisure management. This year's event was proudly supported by Royal Life Saving Society – Australia (RLSSA), reinforcing their commitment to advancing the aquatic industry and drowning prevention sectors. Key Highlights Aquatic Leisure Management Stream The aquatic leisure management stream, facilitated by Royal Life Saving, highlighted critical trends and practices for the sector. The focus was on sustainable and inclusive practices, youth engagement, and environmental stewardship. This stream underscored the importance of diversifying the user base and workforce within the industry to enhance community well-being. Image 1: RLSSA President Alex Ash chairs Workshop Workshop Highlights Workshop: Sustainable Practices in Aquatic Facility Management This workshop delved into the urgent need for sustainable practices within aquatic facilities. It emphasised the adoption of renewable energy sources and programs designed to reduce the ecological footprint of the industry. Workshop: Industry Workforce Development The discussion here centred on the continual development of the industry’s workforce, streamlining professional accreditation schemes, and ensuring the provision of safe environments for all patrons. These measures are crucial to maximising the social value of aquatic facilities. Debate on Management Models for Public Aquatic Facilities A significant highlight was the debate on outsourcing versus insourcing management models for public aquatic facilities. An all-star panel of industry and local government executives shared insights into the pros and cons of each model, providing valuable perspectives for stakeholders. Image 2: Debaters (L-R) Included: Gar Holohan, CEO Aura Leisure; Nadine Kemp, Executive General Manager – Recreation, the Y Victoria; Nick Cox, CEO Belgravia Leisure; John Oxley, CEO Stockport Active; Kim Critchley, Unit Manager Aquatic Leisure Services Merri-bek Council; Alison Dixon, CEO Western Leisure Services; & Justin Scarr, CEO RLSSA (as Chair) Emerging Leaders Scholars Program The emerging leaders scholars engaged in a robust program, including a workshop with VicHealth scholars on the first day and networking sessions with industry CEOs on the second day. These activities aimed to build stronger networks and relationships with industry leaders, equipping the scholars to bring back innovative learnings to their organisations and communities. Image 3: Emerging Leaders Scholars and Organisers Keynote Sessions The convention featured compelling keynote sessions focused on youth engagement, inclusion & cultural safety, creating inviting active recreation spaces, and designing liveable cities. These sessions provided a visionary outlook on promoting participation and fostering healthier communities.

As we conclude another impactful year, Royal Life Saving celebrates significant achievements through our collaborative efforts with government bodies to enhance water safety and improve the Aquatic Industry. One of our proudest achievements this year was the initiation of Project Harmony, a landmark initiative aimed at ensuring children in Western Sydney have equitable access to essential swimming and water safety lessons. Through partnerships with Local Governments and the NSW Office of Sport, we have worked tirelessly to expand access and deliver these crucial life-saving skills to our community's youngest members. Our ongoing liaison with the NSW Department of Health and Industry Suppliers has also seen fruitful results with the review and updating of Water Quality Guidelines for NSW, ensuring that our swimming pool are safe and conducive to Industry needs. In collaboration with the NSW Department of Education, we have expanded our Swim Teacher and Basic Water Rescue Training programs, equipping educators with the necessary skills to empower future generations with confidence in the water. We are proud to have expanded the Smart and Skilled funding program in partnership with the NSW Government Training Services, providing free or discounted training opportunities to bolster the Aquatic Industry workforce's capabilities. Additionally, our collaborative efforts with local and state governments have led to the development of comprehensive Drowning Prevention Plans for Western Sydney, ACT, and Tasmania, aimed at reducing water-related fatalities through targeted community interventions and education. Lastly, we are excited to announce the release of the State of the Industry Report in Collaboration with our National Office, which provides valuable insights into current trends, challenges, and opportunities within the aquatic industry, shaping future policies and initiatives. These achievements underscore our commitment to advocating for and on behalf of the aquatic industry, fostering safer aquatic environments and empowering communities across our communities. We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts in the coming year to further advance the aquatic industry.

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