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.

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

 Current ACT Government restrictions as at 9am Friday 9 October 2020 (Step 3.2):

• Indoor – one person per 4 square metres of usable space throughout the venue applies, up to a maximum of 200 people (excluding staff)
• Outdoor – one person per 2 square metres of usable space throughout the venue applies, up to a maximum of 200 people (excluding staff)
• Competition and squad swimming continues to be permitted within the venue occupancy requirements for swimming pools.
• There continues to be no limit on the number of swimmers per land, however numbers must be managed
• Communal facilities (such as changerooms) can still open if a risk assessment has been done and a strict cleaning regime is put in place. This should be outlined in the COVID Safety Plan
• Business or sporting groups can choose to open canteens, however consideration must be given to how gatherings of people will be prevented. Physical distancing requirements to be clearly marked within and around canteens
• Sport or venue must have a Return to Play in a COVID Safety Environment Plan, or a COVID Safety Plan (whichever is relevant)
• Facilities must clearly display occupancy allowance at the entrance to the venue as well as display additional signs with area occupancy for separate individual spaces
• Limit the sharing of equipment as much as possible, and as a minimum clean between each use
• Put a process in place to ensure that share equipment is appropriately cleaned between each use
• Facilities need to manager the number of people in a swimming pool at any one time
• Where lane swimming, people should reduce contact with other swimmers either in or near their land and particularly at the end of each lane
• Businesses, venues, and facilities that are required to request and keep contact information from patrons are encouraged to use an electronic method to collect information. The free Check In CBR app is available for venues to fulfil this requirement.

A further easing of the current Stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions in the ACT will commence at 9am Friday 13 November 2020, subject to the COVID-19 situation remaining stable. These changes will mean:

• Indoor – one person per 4 square metres of usable space throughout the venue applies, up to a maximum of 500 people (excluding staff)
• Outdoor – one person per 2 square metres of usable space throughout the venue applies, up to a maximum of 500 people (excluding staff)
• Competition and squad swimming continues to be permitted within the venue occupancy requirements for swimming pools.
• There continues to be no limit on the number of swimmers per land, however numbers must be managed
• Communal facilities (such as changerooms) can still open if a risk assessment has been done and a strict cleaning regime is put in place. This should be outlined in the COVID Safety Plan
• Business or sporting groups can choose to open canteens, however consideration must be given to how gatherings of people will be prevented. Physical distancing requirements to be clearly marked within and around canteens
• Sport or venue must have a Return to Play in a COVID Safety Environment Plan, or a COVID Safety Plan (whichever is relevant)
• Facilities must clearly display occupancy allowance at the entrance to the venue as well as display additional signs with area occupancy for separate individual spaces
• Limit the sharing of equipment as much as possible, and as a minimum clean between each use
• Put a process in place to ensure that share equipment is appropriately cleaned between each use
• Facilities need to manager the number of people in a swimming pool at any one time
• Where lane swimming, people should reduce contact with other swimmers either in or near their land and particularly at the end of each lane
• Businesses, venues, and facilities that are required to request and keep contact information from patrons are encouraged to use an electronic method to collect information. The free Check In CBR app is available for venues to fulfil this requirement.

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

 Current as at 9 November 2020:

• Must ensure the number of people at a swimming pool facility does not exceed one person per 4 square metres of space (excluding staff), with no upper limit
• Operators must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan
• QR code check in is strongly encouraged as a contactless, hygienic and private method of collecting details. A free QR code check in option is available for businesses and organisations that register as COVID Safe.

Current NSW Public Health Orders can be found here

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 Frida y 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.

Queensland Stage 3 restrictions will commence from 12pm Friday 3 July.

• contact teaching is permitted under duty of care
  

• indoor venues 200 sqm or less: 1 person per 2 square metres for (up to a total of 50)
• indoor venues 200 sqm or more:  1 person per 4 sqm
• ·outdoor venues: capacity to be based on physical distancing requirements (1.5m)
• communal showers and change rooms are open subject to capacity limits (1 person per 2 sqm), toilets may remain open
• maintain social distancing and hand hygiene.

Provided that a businesses or organisation is in complete compliance with the requirements of an applicable COVID Safe Industry Plan and the relevant Health Directions, including social distancing requirements and floor space limits, they may have more than the limit of people in their venue or location as prescribed in the current stage of the Roadmap to Easing Restrictions.
Swimming Pool and Aquatic Centre Industry COVID Safe Plan has been approved by the Queensland Government

Queensland pools and aquatic centres may choose to opt into the approved Industry COVID Safe Plan and offer services beyond the limits prescribed in Queensland’s Roadmap to Easing Restrictions, provided they:

Complete the Swimming Pool & Aquatic Centre Industry COVID Safe Plan, implement all relevant measures and keep the completed plan on site.
https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/approved-industry-covid-safe-plans

Display the Statement of Compliance.

https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/134953/statement-of-compliance.pdf?nocache-v2


Approved Industry COVID Plans here 

For more details visit: 

From 12.01 am on December 1, 2020 the following Direction has been issued from the SA Government https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/emergenc.../public-activities

This includes the following common questions and relevant information:

Can we go swimming at our local/public pool?

Yes. Swimming or other activities at swimming pools used by the public, as long as the density requirement is complied with, up to a cap of 50 people in a swimming pool at any one time.

COVID-SAFE CHECK IN

What businesses a required to have the COVID-SAfe Check in?

From 1 December, any operation with a COVID Safe Plan must also use an approved contact tracing system which includes the COVID-SAfe Check in, Scan Tek or any other electronic platform which is approved by the state coordinator. Those who have a COVID -Safe Plan will be issued with a QR code which will be attached to the approved plan and must be displayed in the premises/business/venue.

COVID-SAFE PLAN

Do I need a COVID-Safe Plan?

COVID-Safe Plans are required for defined public activities.

Businesses and defined public activities that do not currently have a COVID-Safe Plan must complete a plan before they can commence.

Which activities require COVID Marshal?

A COVID Marshal is required for the following operations:

• onsite purchase and consumption of food or beverages (whether occurring in an indoor or outdoor area);
• ceremonies;
• private functions;
• operations at –supermarkets;
  hardware stores;
  distribution centres, including associated transport operations;
  gymnasiums and fitness centres;
  swimming pools used by the public;
  sporting clubs;

Density Requirements for Fitness or Recreational Activities

1 person per 4 square metres

Must take reasonable steps to maintain 1.5m physical distancing

For further information please visit the SA Government website https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/ 

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 3 of lifting restrictions. Under stage 3:

Gatherings are limited to 500 people (including athletes and support staff) in an undivided space outdoors for community sport and 250 for an undivided space in an indoor premises, or a maximum of one person per 2 square metres under the density limit, whichever is less.

Indoor pools are limited to 250 people (including athletes and support staff) in each single undivided space, or a maximum of one person per 2 square metres under the density limit, whichever is less. Outdoor pools are limited to 500 people (including athletes and support staff) in each single undivided space, or a maximum of one person per 2 square metres under the density limit, whichever is less.

All people in any single undivided space count towards the maximum number of people permitted. For example, spectators at a pool, athletes and coaches, and canteen staff at a sporting facility are all counted within the maximum number of people permitted in that space.

For sporting and recreation facilities with multiple indoor or outdoor spaces, the gathering cap applies separately to each single undivided space. For example, a multi-purpose sporting venue with multiple, separate, undivided indoor spaces, could have up to 250 people in each of these spaces (the density limit applies).

Sporting and gym facilities must ensure there is at least one staff member or other authorised person present to supervise the premises at all times while it is being used (creation and maintenance of a record is recommended).

Sporting activities permitted based on Level C of the AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport, meaning the following are permitted:

• full contact training;
• full competition sport (contact and non-contact);
• sharing of equipment where necessary; and
• use of change rooms and other shared facilities.

Larger teams should consider maintaining some small group separation at training and non-essential social gatherings should be limited.

Gathering limits and the requirement to maintain physical distancing where practical applies to all sports, exercise and recreation.

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

Metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria are now at the same position on the roadmap to reopening, with a summary of restrictions as they impact swimming pools below:

Indoor pools, including lessons:

o Cap of 150 patrons, subject to density quotient, no group size limit.

o Indoor and outdoor pools can open subject to the separate limits in each area.

o Saunas, steam rooms and non-chlorinated spas open.

Outdoor pools, including lessons:

o Cap of 300 patrons, subject to the density quotient, no group size limit.

o Indoor and outdoor pools can open at the same time, subject to the separate limits in each area.

o Saunas, steam rooms and non-chlorinated spas open.

https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-11/summary-last-step-restrictions-22-november.pdf

https://sport.vic.gov.au/news/articles/Victorias-roadmap-for-sport-and-recreation-the-next-step

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.  

From Saturday 27 June 2020, Phase 4 of the roadmap came into effect.

There is no limit on public gatherings, however the 2 square metre rule and physical distancing applies. This means the maximum number of people permitted will be based on the size of the venue. 

• Please note - A person will be a patron at the venue if they are a player, customer, participant, parent of a participant or child at the venue or spectators. Instructors, trainers, coaches and general venue staff are not included in the occupancy count.

Western Australians must continue to keep up physical distancing where possible and maintain good personal hygiene to better protect themselves and the general health of our community.

WA businesses will be expected to ensure their COVID Safety Plans are updated and continue to be implemented.

Swimming pools, aquatic facilities

Aquatic Facilities will continue to have additional obligations under existing legislation and regulations, including obligations under the Health Act as well as Worksafe legislation. Some information regarding the existing conditions for operating Aquatic Facilities is provided below, for reference.

• Health (Aquatic Facilities) Regulations 2007

• Code of Practice for the Design, Construction, Operation, Management & Maintenance of Aquatic Facilities

More information can be found at https://www.wa.gov.au/government/document-collections/covid-19-coronavirus-sport-and-recreation

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