RESEARCH AND ADVOCACY
Royal Life saving unifies drowning prevention efforts through research, advocacy and stakeholder collaboration
EDUCATION
Royal Life saving provides water safety education for the community, to ensure everyone knows how to participate safely around water.
SWIM TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS
Royal Life Saving supports swim teachers and schools with training, resources, and national standards to deliver safe, effective, and inclusive aquatic education.
LEARN TO SWIM
Royal Life Saving’s Learn to Swim programs build vital water safety and swimming skills that help prevent drowning and support lifelong confidence in the water.
Workforce development
Royal Life Saving brings stakeholders together to unify efforts, share expertise and deliver impactful solutions.
COURSES
Royal Life Saving offers a wide range of training courses suitable for community members and all levels of aquatic industry professionals.
LIFESAVING PROGRAMS
Royal Life Saving’s programs build rescue and resuscitation skills to help individuals respond confidently in aquatic emergencies.
LIFESAVING SPORT
Royal Life Saving offers members the opportunity to participate in Pool Lifesaving Sport at all skill levels.
ROYAL LIFE SAVING
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130
years of leadership.
Research
Australias leading evidence-base.
7500 +
Drowning Incidents analysed
Expertise
Unmatched industry-recognised
Background
For more than 130 years, Royal Life Saving has worked with communities to prevent drowning and create safer places to swim. Our expertise in research, policy development, and guideline creation ensures local safety strategies are both evidence-based and practical.
We also contribute to national and international standards, giving councils and land managers confidence that their plans reflect the very latest thinking and align with global best practice. This positions Royal Life Saving as the trusted partner for safer community waterways.
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Service Overview
One of the key initiatives identified in the AWSS to achieve the drowning prevention target is for communities to development a Local Water Safety Plan.
Our Local Water Safety Planning service provides councils, land managers, and community groups with structured, tailored strategies to reduce risk around rivers, lakes, dams, and other open water environments. Each plan includes consultation with stakeholders, site assessments, and recommendations for infrastructure, signage, education, and emergency preparedness.
Plans are aligned with national drowning prevention strategies and international safety benchmarks, ensuring that local communities benefit from both practical solutions and globally recognised best practice. The result is a roadmap that balances access, enjoyment, and safety.
Benefits of the Service
A Local Water Safety Plan equips councils and communities with practical strategies that reduce drowning risk and improve safe access to waterways. Developed using data, research, and consultation, these plans offer a clear pathway for long-term safety and sustainability.
Practical strategies informed by drowning prevention research.
Alignment with national and international safety frameworks.
Support for funding, infrastructure, and education programs.
A clear roadmap for long-term waterway safety management.
