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 as at 22 February 2021

• All sporting organisations, clubs and venues must have a Return to Play in a COVID Safe Environment plan or a COVID Safety Plan (whichever is relevant).
• Businesses and venues can have 25 people across the venue. If businesses wish to have more than 25 people, they can apply the one person per two square metres of usable space rule in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
• All restricted businesses, venues and facilities under the public health direction must register for and use the Check In CBR app to collect patron contact details of anyone aged 16 years and older.
• Businesses need to register and be using the Check In CBR app by Saturday 6 March 2021.
• Businesses that don’t register for Check In CBR will no longer be compliant with the public health direction and penalties may apply.
• From Saturday 6 March, it will be mandatory for patrons to check in with Check In CBR. All patrons 16 years and older must check in. Children less than 16 years old attending with their family don’t need to check in, but parents and caregivers should be encouraged to check them in.
• Businesses must take reasonable steps to ensure patrons check in.
• A new business profile function in the Check In CBR app has been developed to assist businesses and patrons to comply with this requirement. This will allow venues to check in patrons who are unable to do so themselves.
• Display a sign at the entrance of the venue saying how many people can be at the venue.
• Place signs at the entry to each usable space within the venue saying how many people can be in that space.
• Display messaging for players, officials and spectators to stay home if unwell.
• Manage the flow of people to promote physical distancing, particularly where people enter and leave the venue.
• Encourage spectators to keep 1.5 metres away from other people/groups they do not know.
• Discourage gatherings in communal areas.
• Limit the sharing of equipment as much as possible.
• Clean equipment between each use.
• Open communal facilities (such as changerooms) after doing a risk assessment and implementing a strict cleaning regimen.
• Open canteens only when appropriate physical distancing and cleaning procedures are in place.
• If appropriate, place markers on the floor where people can queue.
• In swimming pools, manage the number of people in the pool at any one time as per the allowed indoor and outdoor capacity. Although no limits apply on the number of swimmers per lane, advise swimmers to minimise contact with other swimmers, particularly at the end of each lane.
• Allow competition and squad swimming within the allowed venue occupancy. Request only one parent or spectator per swimmer attend.
• Clean high-touch areas and objects frequently – download the WorkSafe cleaning checklist for more information.
• Encourage physical distancing of 1.5 metres between people and groups that don’t know each other.
• Encourage staff, officials, players and spectators to stay home if they are not feeling well.

Current as at 22 February 2021

• Must ensure the number of people at a swimming pool facility does not exceed one person per 2 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

All businesses are required to lodge a COVID-19 Safety Plan by filling out the relevant checklists available.

If you are a Northern Territory (NT) business or organisation that has been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, the NT Government has created steps to help you restart your business while managing your safety responsibilities around coronavirus (COVID-19).

Chief Health Officer Directions require businesses to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan to demonstrate how they meet the key principles of physical distancing and hygiene practices.

These requirements are specified in CHO Directions – Directions for Safety Measures for Places, Businesses, Activities, Services and Premises.

A COVID-19 Safety Plan checklist must be completed and submitted online. The checklist forms the businesses COVID-19 Safety Plan.

The CHO Directions also require businesses to comply with and review their COVID-19 Safety Plans at least every six months to make sure they continue to address any required safety responsibilities.

Events and gatherings

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, the approval of events and public gatherings is founded upon physical distancing and hygiene principles to protect the community from the spread of COVID-19.

A major public event is an event or public gathering that is ticketed or open to the public at a private location or a public place. A major public event also requires the appointment of a
COVID-19 Safety Supervisor.

Businesses with a COVID-19 Safety Plan must also appoint a COVID Safety Supervisor to facilitate the implementation of their businesses COVID-19 Safety Plan.

The COVID-19 Safety Plan must be available to show to an authorised officer upon request.

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

Current restrictions

Gatherings: 50 people allowed to gather in homes and 100 in public spaces across Queensland.

Indoor premises: One person per 2m2 (e.g. restaurants, cafés, pubs, clubs, museums, art galleries, places of worship, convention centres and Parliament House), including standing eating and drinking. Indoor play areas and unattended amusement and wellbeing machines) within a premises can open with a COVID Safe Checklist.

Indoor events: 500 people permitted at indoor events with a COVID Safe Event Checklist. Larger events require a COVID Safe Plan.

Ticketed venues: 100% capacity at seated, ticketed venues with patrons encouraged to wear masks on entry and exit (e.g. theatre, live music, cinemas, indoor sports, universities and other higher education institutions). Performers can distance from audience at 2m, except choirs which remain at 4m from the audience.

Outdoor events: 1500 people permitted at outdoor events with a COVID Safe Event Checklist. Larger events require a COVID Safe Plan.

Open air stadiums: 100% seated capacity (with a COVID Safe Plan). All patrons encouraged to wear masks on entry and exit.

Contact tracing information: All hospitality industry businesses (i.e. pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafés) in Queensland must comply with electronic contact information collection requirements.

Large lectures in universities and other higher education institutions (such as TAFEs and RTOs) are now allowed up to 100 per cent capacity if seating is ticketed and allocated.

All restricted businesses can open, in line with the COVID Safe Framework.

All restricted businesses may now have one person per 2 square metres on their premises, other than a hospitality business that does not comply with the requirement to collect contact details electronically.

Businesses that have never been required to close (e.g. grocery stores) can continue to operate as they have been.

Note, physical distancing rules still apply. So wherever possible, people should remain 1.5 metres away from others.

For full details, read the Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction (No.14).

COVID Safe Framework

The COVID Safe Framework sets out what requirements businesses under the Direction must comply with. Depending on the type of business or event, these requirements will be different. Find out more about COVID Safe Business.

COVID Safe Industry Plans and COVID Safe Checklists are key compliance categories of the COVID Safe Business Framework—helping businesses to better understand what they need to do to keep themselves and the community ‘COVID safe’.



Swimming Pool and Aquatic Centre COVID Safe Industry Plan available at  https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/approved-industry-covid-safe-plans/swimming-pool-and-aquatic-centre  

The Public Activities COVID-19 Direction is still in place.

Activities that require a COVID Marshal

A COVID Marshal is required for the following prescribed operations:

• The onsite purchase and consumption of food or beverages (indoors or outdoors).
• Religious or faith-based ceremonies (other than wedding ceremonies or funeral services).
• Supermarkets and hardware stores.
• Gatherings of 51-200 people at residential premises.
• Distribution centres (including associated transport operations).
• Gymnasiums and fitness centres.
• Swimming pools used by the public.
• Sporting clubs.
• Any activity where a COVID Management Plan is required.
• Any operation which may be defined by the state coordinator.

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 2 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/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/254883/Public-Activities-Table-26-Feb-2021.pdf

Current restrictions in place for Tasmania include:

Gathering limits are determined by the density of the area, up to a maximum of:

 250 people for an undivided space in an indoor premises; and

1,000 people in the outdoor space of a premises.

Maximum density limit is one person per 2 square metres.

Where the number of people permitted according to the density limit is less than the gathering limit, the lower number applies.

For sporting and recreation facilities with multiple indoor spaces, the gathering cap applies separately to each single undivided indoor 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). However, the maximum of 1,000 people outdoors of a premises at one time, applies regardless of whether there are multiple outdoor areas.

The maximum number of people permitted on a premises includes coaches, athletes, staff, volunteers, children and babies.

Where practicable, attendees should maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from other people.

https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/families-community/current-restrictions

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

From 11:59pm 17^th June the following restrictions apply for our industry in regional Victoria:

Recreational facilities including swimming pools, steam rooms, saunas, gyms are open but the 4 sqm rule applies and up to 300 people per indoor space and 1000 people per outdoor space (not including staff). Group classes are limited to 50 people.

The following restrictions apply in metropolitan Melbourne:

Indoor swimming pools, spas, saunas and steam rooms can open with up to 150 patrons including 50 people indoors and a density quote of 1 person per 4 sqm. Maximum groups of 10 people indoors and 20 people outdoors apply.

https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/how-we-live

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