
SAFETY SERVICES
Incident Investigation
Royal Life Saving provides expert incident investigation services using the Incident Cause and Analysis Method (ICAM) to uncover root causes and human factors, with a focus on preventing future incidents and improving safety practices.

SERVICE OVERVIEW
Background
Aquatic, workplace, child safety and psychosocial incidents can have profound and lasting impacts on individuals, organisations and communities. A thorough, independent investigation is essential to understanding what occurred, identifying contributing factors and preventing similar incidents in the future.
For more than 130 years, Royal Life Saving has contributed to the understanding and prevention of drowning through research, data analysis, industry leadership and policy development. This experience provides a strong foundation for investigating complex incidents across aquatic and community-based environments.
Our investigations are led by accredited ICAM and PSIM investigators and informed by recognised standards, contemporary investigation methodologies and sound risk management principles. As an independent organisation involved in the development of national and international standards, Royal Life Saving provides impartial, evidence-based findings and practical recommendations designed to support accountability, organisational learning and lasting systemic improvement.
130
years of leadership.
100+
Investigations Conducted
7500 +
Drowning Incidents analysed
30 years
of Drowning Research
SERVICE OPTIONS
Choose your Service Type
Choose an service type to see how our specialists can support your organisation.
Child Safety Investigations
Royal Life Saving through Drowning Prevention Australia conducts sensitive and independent investigations into child safety incidents, allegations, concerns and breaches within aquatic, education, sport and community environments. Investigations are planned and undertaken with careful consideration of procedural fairness, confidentiality, trauma-informed practice and the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
The investigation may examine organisational policies, reporting processes, staff conduct, supervision, screening, training and compliance with relevant child-safe requirements. Evidence may be gathered through interviews, document reviews and analysis of available records. Findings are presented objectively and supported by the available evidence, with recommendations focused on addressing identified concerns, strengthening organisational safeguards and preventing future harm.
Psychosocial Incident Investigations
Royal Life Saving through Drowning Prevention Australia investigates workplace incidents and concerns involving psychosocial hazards, including bullying, harassment, discrimination, unreasonable job demands, poor workplace relationships, inadequate support and exposure to traumatic events. Investigations are conducted independently, confidentially and with appropriate sensitivity for everyone involved.
The investigation examines the circumstances of the reported incident, the contributing workplace factors and the effectiveness of existing prevention and response systems. This may include interviews, document reviews and analysis of relevant policies, communications and organisational records. Findings distinguish between individual conduct and broader systemic factors, providing organisations with clear conclusions and practical recommendations to address identified risks, improve workplace systems and support a safer and healthier organisational culture.
Aquatic Safety Investigations
Royal Life Saving through Drowning Prevention Australia conducts independent investigations into drowning incidents, rescues, serious injuries and other safety events occurring in aquatic facilities and waterways. Each investigation examines what occurred, the factors that contributed to the event and the effectiveness of the safety systems in place.
The investigation may consider supervision, staffing, patron behaviour, facility conditions, signage, risk assessments, emergency planning, rescue actions and post-incident response. Evidence may be gathered through site inspections, interviews, document reviews and analysis of available footage and records. Findings are presented in a clear report that identifies immediate and underlying causes, contributing factors and practical recommendations to reduce the likelihood of a similar incident occurring.
Work Health and Safety Investigations
Royal Life Saving through Drowning Prevention Australia conducts independent investigations into workplace incidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous events across aquatic and community-based operations. The investigation establishes what happened, why it happened and whether existing systems and controls were adequate to manage the risks involved.
The process may include site inspections, interviews, document reviews, evidence analysis and examination of relevant procedures, training, supervision, equipment and risk controls. Consideration is given to immediate causes as well as underlying organisational and systemic factors. Organisations receive a comprehensive investigation report outlining the evidence considered, key findings, contributing factors and prioritised corrective actions to prevent recurrence and strengthen overall work health and safety performance.
benefits or working with royal life saving
Independent expertise you can act on.
Specialist advice that combines evidence, independence and an understanding of real operational environments.
01
Evidence-led
Advice informed by research, recognised guidelines and industry experience.
02
Independent
Objective advice focused on risk, safety and organisational improvement.
03
Practical
Clear recommendations designed for real operating environments.
HOW IT WORKS
A clear and practical process.
Every engagement is scoped around the environment, decisions and safety outcomes your organisation needs.
01
Understand
We clarify the environment, organisational context, objectives and concerns requiring attention.
02
Review
Our specialists gather and examine the relevant information and evidence.
03
Assess
We evaluate current arrangements, identify gaps and determine improvement opportunities.
04
Improve
We provide clear findings, practical recommendations and appropriate next steps.

WHAT YOU RECIEVE
Clear findings. Practical priorities.
Every service provides clear, documented advice that helps your organisation understand its current position and confidently plan the next steps.
Clear findings and observations

Identified strengths, risks and improvement opportunities

Prioritised practical recommendations

A detailed written report

A briefing with your leadership team

Advice on implementation and next steps


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