NSW pools score above state safety average again in 2018

The Aquatic Facility Safety Assessment (AFSA) conducted by Royal Life Saving NSW in conjunction with Belgravia Leisure, demonstrates the outstanding performance of the 19 Belgravia Leisure managed facilities when compared with the 178 aquatic facilities assessed across NSW for two consecutive years.

Belgravia Leisure’s northern NSW facilities topped the state, with Lakeside Leisure Centre scoring 97.71%, and Tomaree Aquatic Centre ranked equal 4th with Ian Thorpe Aquatic centre and Auburn Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre at 94.83%.

NSW State Manager James Ellender says, “The partnership between Belgravia Leisure and local councils have been the driving force to the high standards that have been demonstrated in the most recent assessment.”

Figure 1: Distribution of safety score

In 2017-18, Belgravia Leisure managed facilities reported a mean safety score of 90.87%, well above the NSW 3-year average of 84.50%.

Matt Griffiths, General Manager of Royal Life Saving NSW says, “Royal life saving is really pleased to work with Belgravia Leisure over a number of years to improve aquatic safety standards in their facilities.”

He continued, “Belgravia Leisure have demonstrated their commitment to safety with continued improvement in their assessment year on year.”

The AFSA is a comprehensive assessment of an operations facility, covering a range of areas such as general operations, emergency procedures, programming, supervision, record keeping, facility design, first aid, plant room operations and chemicals and general operations.

Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre was another impressive standout, scoring 95.54% despite being one of NSW’s largest recreation facilities, with in excess of 450,000 annual aquatic and health club visitations.