We understand that not all swim centres are equipped with the support or expert advice to deal with some of the concerns around human resources. AUSTSWIM has utilised our HR partner, HR Assured, to bring you access to a range of COVID-19 related information to help your centre through this difficult time.
 
HR Assured is one of Australia’s leading HR advisory companies, offering advice, support and services that you need to manage the complexity of HR and workplace relations.
HR Assured has created a library of resources that we are able to exclusively share with AUSTSWIM Recognised Swim Centres. They are also hosting live COVID-19 Q&A sessions twice a week starting with their National Workplace Relations Manager, Wes O’Donnell, along with new written material and e-books. This exclusive library will help you navigate this unprecedented time with a set of comprehensive resources which include up to date information on JobKeeper, pandemic leave, amendments to Fair work, changes to awards, working from home, and much more.

HR Assured Library of COVID-19 Resources  

Additionally, Adam Alijagic can assist with any enquiries AUSTSWIM Recognised Swim Centres may have regarding accessing additional services. Just indicate that you are an AUSTSWIM Recognised Swim Centre and HR Assured will be happy to provide you with discounted pricing (up to 20 employees). Adam is available on aal@hrassured.com.au or 0405 143 725

Our industry has faced a new challenge around the widespread nature of extended shut down. For many facilities this is likely the first time they have faced an extended shutdown. So how do we best manage these extended shutdowns to minimise our costs, minimise our risk and put ourselves in the best position to reopen in an efficient and effective way?

Thanks to Commercial Pool Systems (CPS) we have had some much-needed questions answered.
CPS talk you through some pool system management and treatment strategies to minimise costs and risks while you are closed.

Watch the All Things Pool Maintenance Webinar here

Or for more information for the CPS crew click here

Your staff are one of your most important assets. While they are unable to be in the water, we believe that keeping staff engaged will play an important role in a Swim Centres ability to reopen and recommence their lessons and programs. As a Swim Centre think about how you can keep your teachers engaged and ready to go.

To support AUSTSWIM Teachers during this time, AUSTSWIM has:

• a variety of free, live professional development webinars and online professional development opportunities to keep connected and engaged 

• Reduced pricing offers for online professional development courses

• Extended Teacher Licences for those AUSTSWIM Teachers whose licence expires between 20 March and 30 June 2020 (conditions apply).

It is up to individual state and territory governments to implement the national framework in their own time, and as appropriate to their local situation.

The Federal Governments three-step framework as it relates to sport and recreation 

Step one of the framework identifies:

• Non-work gatherings of up to 10 people
• No indoor physical activity including gyms
• Community centres, outdoor gyms, playgrounds and skateparks allow up to 10 people
• Outdoor sport (up to 10 people) consistent with the AIS framework for Rebooting Sport
• Pools open with restrictions

Step two of the framework identifies:

• Non-work gatherings of up to 20 people
• Up to 20 people allowed to participate in outdoor sports consistent with the AIS framework for Rebooting Sport
• Up to 20 people allowed to participate in all outdoor sports
• Pools open with restrictions

Step three of the framework identifies:

• Non-work gatherings of up to 100 people
• All venues allowed to operate with gatherings of up to 100 people
• Community sport expansion to be considered consistent with the AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport

In preparation for reopening, all workplaces should develop a COVIDSafe plan.

Resources to assist workplaces can be found at Safe Work Australia

 

Swim centres should only recommence lessons when they believe it is safe to do so and in line with advice from their relevant state/territory government. Remember that the interpretation and implementation of the federal governments three-step framework will be a decision for individual state and territory governments.

Each step of the national framework identifies which businesses can reopen and the conditions under which this can happen. These conditions include maintaining appropriate physical distancing and hygiene practices.

The impact of physical distancing has a significant impact on the way swimming and water safety lessons have traditionally been delivered, and the nature of lessons means that close contact will continue to present a risk. There are many strategies and actions that may assist swim schools to comply with restrictions, including:

• Modify activities and use equipment to reduce physical contact
• Provide 1 on 1 lessons
• Modify your class sizes and reduce class ratios
• Adjust class times to reduce the number of people in the venue
• Modify the teaching space to allow for adequate distancing

Many swim schools will look to implement a variety of strategies to re-commence lessons. The delivery of swimming and water safety lessons in a way that ensures swim schools comply with restrictions is ultimately a decision for individual businesses. Swim schools will need to make their own determination as to the viability of operating in compliance with restrictions as they apply in the context of their venue and program.

AUSTSWIM maintains the position that only information from state, territory or federal government can be deemed the source of truth. Please remember that all liabilities and the impact thereof sit with the operator.

Royal Life Saving Society Australia 
Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations: Managing the Risk of COVID-19 in Aquatic Facilities 
https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/about/news-and-events/news-items/national-aquatic-industry-safety-committee-endorses-new-covid-19-guidelines-for-swim-schools-and-aquatic-facilities

COVID-19 Advice for Aquatic Industry and Swim Schools
https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/about/news-and-events/news-items/royal-life-saving-ceo-note-on-covid-19-advice-for-aquatic-industry-and-swim-schools

Safework Australia, 2020

COVID-19 Information for workplaces 
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces

Resource Kit
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/collection/covid-19-resource-kit

Australian Government, Department of Health 2020

Coronavirus Campaign Resources
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-campaign-resources

Environmental cleaning and disinfection principles for COVID-19
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/environmental-cleaning-and-disinfection-principles-for-covid-19.pdf

COVID-19 infection control training
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-infection-control-training

COVIDSafe app
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covidsafe-app

The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee recommended special provisions be applied to vulnerable people in the workplace
https://www.health.gov.au/news/australian-health-protection-principal-committee-ahppc-advice-to-national-cabinet-on-30-march-2020

State and territory information, grants and assistance 
https://www.business.gov.au/Risk-management/Emergency-management/Coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/Coronavirus-state-and-territory-information-and-assistance

The ACT Government has announced the first phase of gradual easing of restrictions on sport and recreation with informal outdoor, non-contact sport to restart and commercial pools allowed to reopen from midnight Friday 15 May.

From midnight Friday 15 May 2020, non-contact social sporting activity can recommence in outdoor spaces with a maximum of 10 people.

Restrictions on pools will also be eased from midnight Friday 15 May, with pools allowed to reopen for small groups of up to 10 people per pool and one swimmer per lane.

While the option for pools to open will become available, reopening for restricted pool access remains a commercial decision for individual pool operators. Government owned pools, including Gungahlin Pool, Canberra Olympic Pool, Tuggeranong Pool, and Erindale Active Leisure Centre will not reopen at this time while maintenance and upgrade works are completed. Government owned outdoor pools, being Dickson Pool and Manuka Pool, remain closed for winter as is usually the case.

Swim school program and squad training can return to training under the Phase 1 re-commencement of social sport. However, like all other users, access will be restricted (1 swimmer per lane/10 per pool) and sessions will be reduced to provide for access for all pool users. See Sport and Recreation website for more information.

From 11.59pm on 29 May 2020 the ACT will commence Phase 2 resumption of community sport and recreation.

Phase 2 supports the continuation of activities in small groups; however, the definition of a small group is extended to 20 players plus a coach.  

Phase 2 allows for the reactivation of indoor sporting venues with the increased maximum threshold also applying to indoor sporting venues or pools.

With phase 2, the threshold has increased to 20 people per venue (enclosed space) and no more than two swimmers per lane. Where there are multiple pools within the same enclosed space, the limit of 20 people applies.

This second phase continues focus on “Get in, Train, Get Out”, supporting social participation, training, activities within small groups and with continuing emphasis on physical distancing, personal and respiratory hygiene.  Under this second phase, any physical contact, sharing of equipment and use of communal facilities continues to be discouraged. If equipment needs to be shared, it will require proper cleaning and disinfecting during and between sessions.

General hygiene and physical distancing principles will continue to apply.

 

For more information visit https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/ 

The New South Wales Governments easing of restrictions from Friday 15 May 2020 will allow outdoor pools to open with restrictions. 

Outdoor pools can operate but can have no more than 10 people at a time and no more than one person per lane.

Change areas will also be closed.  

On 19 May exemptions were granted to the NSW Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 2) 2020:

An exemption for swimming pools with a length of 25 metres or greater for squad training in line with set requirements.

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/public-health-orders.aspx#gathering

For further information visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

On 30 April 2020 The Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Michael Gunner announced a three-stage approach to the reopening of the NT.

• Stage one came into effect from noon on Friday 1 May 2020
• Stage two will commence when the Northern Territory Government decides it is safe to do so. Stage two is anticipated to commence 15th May 2020.
• Stage three will commence when the Northern Territory government decides it is safe to do so. Stage three is anticipated to commence 5th June 2020.

Venues will be required to complete a simple COVID-19 safety plan checklist to ensure they are operating within physical distancing and hygiene guidelines. This will be made available from 5 May.

This will not create a new approvals process or red tape. Businesses will be able to complete and submit the simple checklist prior to opening, with health officers making subsequent compliance checks.

For more detailed information see our latest articles

• What does the NT Roadmap to the new normal look like?
• UPDATE: NT Roadmap to the new normal 

Please note the links to the Northern Territory Government's Coronavirus Website – this also provides further information on the Roadmap and Stages, Restrictions, and the Chief Health Officer's Directions.

https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/

https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/community-advice/sports-and-recreation

On Friday 8 May 2020 the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk released Queensland’s Roadmap to Easing COVID-19 restrictions. The roadmap outlines a staged approach to giving Queenslanders more freedom to travel, participate in more activities and hold more gatherings.

From 15 May 2020, pools are open for recreation, training and rehabilitation purposes, ensuring the following rules:

• one person per lane per lap swimming
• a maximum of 10 swimmers per pool
• no spectators, except for up to one parent/carer per child, if necessary
• communal showers and change rooms are closed, toilets may remain open
• minimise the use of communal facilities
• shower with soap before and after swimming (at home, not at the pool)

For more details visit: 
https://www.qld.gov.au/covid-19/government-actions/roadmap-to-easing-queenslands-restrictions

https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/roadmap-to-easing-queenslands-restrictions/sport/safe-plan

The South Australian government has released a "Roadmap for Easing COVID-19 Restrictions", with Step 1 to start on Monday 11 May.

From 11 May 2020, public swimming pools can reopen, provided that the following requirements and recommendations are observed and followed. Public swimming pools:

Must:

• ensure there are no more than 20 swimmers per pool
• limit the number of people in each separate pool to 1 person per 4 square metres (density requirement)
• for lap swimming, limit swimmers to one per lane
• ensure swimmers are not accompanied by more than 1 caregiver who is not swimming
• keep communal showers and change rooms closed
• not provide food or beverages on site
• observe, and encourage observing of, social distancing (1.5 metres rule)

Should:

• minimise use of communal facilities that are not closed (toilets etc)
• encourage swimmers to shower with soap at home before swimming
• minimise unnecessary co-mingling, especially outside of the pool
• encourage good hygiene, offer hand sanitiser at entrance and exit
• monitor entry and exits to ensure the number of attendees does not exceed the maximum
• ensure frequent environmental disinfection cleaning of the premises
• implement signage/markings to support compliance by staff and patrons

Learn to swim Learn to swim is permitted. Both children and adults are included in the maximum number of 20 allowed in each pool noting the density requirement applies and that any group must not exceed 10 people. Attendees are encouraged to adhere to social distancing principles, but it is acknowledged this isn’t always possible for instructors.

Public Swimming Pool Fact Sheet 

From 1 June 2020
All types of water activities at the swimming pool are permitted as long as the following requirements are complied with:
1. No swimmer at the premises is accompanied by more than 1 caregiver who is not swimming; and
2. The total number of persons in any swimming pool at the premises does not exceed one person per 4 square metres, up to a maximum of 20 persons per pool.

For more information visit https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/recovery

Tasmania has a staged plan for lifting restrictions that has been developed specifically for Tasmania.

The changes are gradual, with careful monitoring of each stage to ensure safeguards are working in reducing the risk of outbreaks and enabling health authorities to respond if needed.

It is important to be aware of what rules are in place in the state. Read the Tasmanian Roadmap to Recovery.

Tasmania is currently in Stage 1 of lifting restrictions. Under stage 1:

Indoor and outdoor pools – up to 10 people per pool (for lane swimming, one person per lane). Spas, saunas and bath houses, whether stand-alone or attached to a pool, remain closed.


For full details see "Our Plan to Rebuild a Stronger Tasmania" or visit https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/ 

The Victorian Government will begin to ease restrictions from 11:59pm on Tuesday 12 May 2020

Public swimming pools remain closed. Outdoor pools and ocean baths are also closed. You can swim at the beach.

If a pool is at a person’s private residence and is not available for communal use, it can be used as long as no more than five visitors attend the residence at one time, and the appropriate physical distancing is adhered to.

From 11:59pm on 31 May the following changes will come into effect:

Indoor and outdoor pools to open, to maximum 20 patrons and limit of 3 people per lane in each pool.

For more information visit https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

https://www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions-victoria

The WA Government has released a COVID-19 roadmap, which will see some restrictions relaxed further from 18 May. 

The four-phase roadmap will help get Western Australians back to work safely and begin the process of restarting the state’s economy.  

Under phase 2, in place from Monday 18 May 2020 public pools may now open in a limited capacity. They are restricted to a maximum of 20 patrons per pool which is also subject to one person per 4 square metres. Changerooms remain closed, but the toilets remain open.

Venues with multiple pools can open 1 indoor pool and multiple outdoor pools.

For example, “Outdoor Pool A” may have 20 participants and “Outdoor Pool B” may have 20 participants, provided there is at least 4 square metres of space per person.

In addition to this, 1 indoor pool may be open, with a maximum of 20 participants in it. 

Participants include spectators and swimmers.

Changerooms remain closed, but the toilets remain open. If the changeroom is the only way to access toilets in the facility, then they are permitted but only for the use of the toilets.

Businesses across Western Australia will need to prepare a COVID Safety Plan before they re-open, to protect staff and customers.

For more details visit https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-latest-updates