October 2008

newsSPLASH
Keeping the Aquatic and Recreation Industry Informed

 

 

New Aquatics & Recreation Victoria CEO - Ian Swan

Ian has overseen the direct management of the $20m high-profile Monash Aquatic & Recreation Centre and the health and aquatic components of the newly constructed and contemporary $25m Clayton Community Centre.  He is also involved in the $10m re-design and development of the aquatic and leisure facilities at Oakleigh Recreation Centre.

 

Ian has had extensive event management experience through high-level involvement with the World Masters Games, the World Match Play and Australian Masters Golf tournaments and the Rescue 2006 World Life Saving Championships.  He also maintains an active involvement with surf life saving and currently sits on Life Saving Victoria’s Executive of Aquatic Sports and Community Aquatic Education Boards.

 

I congratulate Ian on his appointment and look forward to him joining Aquatics & Recreation Victoria in November and to his continued contribution to the industry in his new role.

 

Andrew Hocking - Chairman, Aquatics & Recreation Victoria

ARV Website Survey

 

A much-needed revamp of www.aquarecvic.org.au is currently in progress.  As a valued member of the industry, we welcome your feedback and suggestions.  Click on the link below to complete a very brief survey that will help develop a better website for you!

 

Complete ARV Website Survey

 

Northcote Outdoor Pool Re-Development

Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre in nearing the completion of its extreme makeover, which over the past two years has seen, amongst a range of other improvements, the resurfacing of the centre car park, the extension of the existing gymnasium, the provision of two new health suites and the installation of lighting around the outdoor 50-metre pool. 

 

Split over two financial years, the $2.15m capital works project comes as a result of the collaborative efforts of Sport & Recreation Victoria, YMCA Victoria and the City of Darebin.

 

A key element of the project's second stage of development is the refurbishment of the outdoor 50-metre pool itself.  Having commenced in June, industry representatives were able to witness first-hand, as part of a special presentation and site visit held on Wednesday 1 October, the work that has been undertaken by AVP Commercial Pools in the construction of the highly-regarded 'Myrtha Pool' at Northcote.  It is anticipated that the pool will open for business in November, and is a stunning example of the technology available to councils and private agencies in the growing challenge of re-vitalising their existing infrastructure. 

 

Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre's outdoor 50-metre pool is another illustration of the 'Myrtha Pool' technology, which utilises a patented pre-engineered modular system to create new water spaces or convert existing pools to match modern-day public expectations.  Northcote's challenge is one that is replicated across many municipalities around Victoria - preserving the legacy of the 50-metre pools that boomed in the middle of the 20th century.  The challenge for councils now is to design a pool for the next 30-50 years, considering that what was in vogue for the past 30-50 years may not be what is needed in the future. 

 

Councils are considering what they can add to their water space to satisfy the needs of ratepayers.  For example, the addition of spa beds and spa benches into facilities throughout Europe will become more commonplace in Australia in the future.  An outdoor 50-metre pool does not always have to be an outdoor 50-metre pool, with existing pools able to be transformed into new shapes and sizes - either by simply adding to the length or width of a pool, or converting a pool from a common rectangular shape to a free-form beach entry.

 

Thankfully technology is now providing alternatives that can reduce the significant down-time associated with pool refurbishment and therefore can maximise pool availability.

12th Australian Masters Games - Geelong 2009

 

The 12th Australian Masters Games are coming to Geelong from 20 February – 1 March 2009. The Games offers the opportunity for thousands of like minded people to participate in over 70 sports across 80 different venues throughout the Geelong region. As long as you fit the age requirement which is over 30 for most sports, the Games offer a unique opportunity for people to get involved regardless of sporting background or ability. You do not have to be a fitness junkie or an ex-Olympian you just need the confidence to give it a go. There is a literally a sport for everyone from bowls to bocce, swimming to surfing, canoe polo to equestrian events.

 

The event will require the support and the use of 80 facilities throughout the Geelong region including Kardinia Park (Netball, Cricket, Swimming and Pool Lifesaving), Leisuretime Centre (Badminton, Squash, Indoor Volleyball and FUTSAL) and the Stead Park Hockey and Softball Complex. These (and other) facilities in conjunction with the 70 sport organising bodies have been working together to ensure the event and facilities are maintained to the highest standard.

 

Working closely with local Councils and Barwon Water, issues to do with water restrictions, catering and risk management are being dealt with to ensure the facilities are in top condition come February 2009. Being part of such a large national sporting event will showcase the world class facilities that the Geelong region has to offer and will enable facility managers the opportunity to reach new clientele through such an event.

 

The Games provide a unique way for facilities to lure a new demographic into their programs by offering masters specific programs to ensure they are fit and ready for the Games. Registrations are now open for the Games. For more information on how to register or how you can assist in promoting the Games to your members please contact the Games Office on 1300 725 266 or go to the website at www.AustralianMastersGames.com

 

Why not start your training for the Australian Masters Games now and kick start a healthier lifestyle with the Good Health. Master it! Program. Fill out the Online Survey at www.AustralianMastersGames.com  and receive a FREE six month healthy eating program designed by Games Ambassador and Triple World Aerobic Champion Sue Stanley.

Aquatic Education Forum

Aqua Exercise Forum

 

At the recent AquaSummit conference an Aquatic Education forum was held to answer questions and discuss issues.  Below are a selection of questions raised at the forum and the panelists responses to these.  Over the coming, further discussion points emanating from the forum will be outlined in newsSPLASH.

 

What strategies can be used to look after you voice when you spend lots of time talking or teaching?

 

As a teacher of swimming and water safety you spend a lot of hours talking to students, often in environments that can be fairly noisy.  Below are strategies to help look after your voice.

• Watch the level of your voice.  Try not to yell.  Make the students quiet rather than yell over the top of them.

 

• Drink lots – this will stop your throat from being dry and therefore will help reduce the likelihood of losing your voice or getting sore throats

 

• Squat next to the pool, or get as close to kids as possible

 

• Hand up or hands on head system. When they have their hand up or on their head they must be quiet. This works well for getting them to be quiet too, rather than yelling, they will see the hand up and respond.

 

• Get their attention before you start to talk.

 

• Have a board meeting with your students. eg. All students put their board on the edge and their hands on the board to listen to meeting.

 

For re-registration it states “relevant” professional development. What is considered or approved as relevant professional development by AUSTSWIM?

• Training provided by a recognised training organisation

• Aquatic conferences

• In-house registered workshops

• Any professional development relevant to teaching children

• Any professional development relevant to child behaviour

 

Upcoming AUSTSWIM & CPR Courses

 

Aqua exercise has come a long way since VICSWIM (now Aquatics & Recreation Victoria) began delivering the program in 1987.  In those early days, there was no such thing as an Aqua Exercise qualification, there was no on-the-job training, pool deck practice was minimal, and equipment consisted of simple items such as empty milk bottles and plastic plates.  

 

While the aquatic education fraternity were having their questions answered by a panel of industry representatives at AquaSummit 2008, members of the aqua exercise community also gathered to discuss where their industry has come from and what challenges face them in the future.

 

Topics high on the agenda included the following - some of which will be further detailed in future editions of newsSPLASH.

 

• music and copyright restrictions

• aqua exercise internationally

• classes for different population groups

• new moves and activities

• relationships with aquatic facilities

• aqua exercise marketing

 

Annual General Meeting & Presentation

This presentation will showcase the real mix of services available at the Clayton Community Centre, and is an indicator of the possible direction for facilities in the future.

 

Further details on the program for Thursday 20 November, including how to register for the Annual General Meeting and associated presentations will be available shortly.

 

Aquatics & Recreation Victoria's can now announce that its Annual General Meeting for 2008 will be held on Thursday 20 November at the Clayton Community Centre. 

 

Starting at 2.30pm, the Annual General Meeting will be followed by updates on the Smart Water and Health & Activity projects being undertaken by the peak body, along with a special presentation (and site visit) on the development of the Clayton Community Centre, which opened only months ago.

 

Featured in the June edition of newsSPLASH, the $24.2m Clayton Community Centre is essentially a civic hub, incorporating an aquatics and health facility, public library, maternal and child health centre, a theatrette and pre-school.  Furthermore, it includes occasional care, youth and family services, meeting rooms and cafe.

 

Friendly Facilities

AUSTSWIM Course Development News

 

Aquatic centres have responded in great numbers to support candidates that have just completed their AUSTSWIM course. 

 

Following the Education Standing Committee’s call in newsSPLASH in 2007, over 60 venues have indicated their willingness to accommodate students looking to complete their competency hours – an essential component in achieving the AUSTSWIM qualification.

 

These ‘friendly facilities’ are listed on a dedicated page of the Aquatics & Recreation Victoria website – 'Friendly Facilities' for course candidates to easily arrange to complete their hours. 

 

A promotional flyer will soon be included in the course packs of those that have enrolled to complete an AUSTSWIM course through ARV.  If your facility has yet to express their interest in being listed, please email info@aquarecvic.org.au

The AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety course has recently undergone an extensive review. The updated course and training resources will be available from January 2009.  Revisions to this training course include:

 

• New training manual

• New training DVD in each manual

• On-line assessment

• New presenter delivery materials (including videos/DVD’s)

 

The AUSTSWIM Infant and Preschool course is undergoing a similar review, with the updated course and training resources to be available from mid 2009.  AUSTSWIM is looking forward to implementing these exciting new resources and training and assessment standards to the aquatic industry, in their efforts to continually improve the standard of courses, incorporate current technology and to better prepare candidates to be able to undertake their supervised hours. 

 

AUSTSWIM National Awards Dinner

Rebecca Wade, winner of the AUSTSWIM Teacher of Infant & Preschool Aquatics at the 2007 Victorian Aquatic & Recreation Awards has now taken out higher honours - claiming the same award at the 2008 AUSTSWIM National Awards.  Rebecca teaches at the Jubilee Park Swim School and presented at AquaSummit 2007.  Aquatics & Recreation Victoria congratulates Rebecca on her most recent accolade.

Water Safety Week 2008 (29 November - 7 December)

 

 

Facilities are encouraged to register for 'Watch Around Water' as soon as possible to ensure all staff training is complete before summer.

 

‘Watch Around Water’ has been developed to educate the public about adequate supervision and to encourage parent/guardians to take on this responsibility when visiting a public aquatic facility.

 

‘Watch Around Water’ is a valuable and worthwhile program that will benefit every facility in Victoria. 

 

Click on the links below for Watch Around Water Package Details and for the Registration Form to become involved in the program.

If you have registered for Water Safety Week 2008, you should have received confirmation of your involvement.  If you have not received these details by Monday 20 October, please contact Sharon Brasher on (03) 8843 2000 or via email to marketing@aquarecvic.org.au

For facilities that have yet to express an interest but would still like to be involved in this year's 'Water Safety Week', please contact Sharon Brasher (refer to contact details above) as soon as possible, as resources for facilities are now being finalised.

 

Don't forget to visit the Water Safety Week 2008 page of our website.  These pages include resources developed by recipients of the 'Water Safety Week' Award at the Victorian Aquatic & Recreation Awards, and other downloads including 'Ideas on How to Simulate a Open Water Environment at Your Pool' and a 'Water Safety Activity Guide'.  These pages will be updated with new resources in the lead-up to Water Safety Week.

 

Over 280 delegates enjoyed another successful AquaSummit conference at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre on October 4-5.  This two-day event provided valuable professional development and networking opportunities to individuals working in the aquatic industry. 

 

Delegates were exposed to a variety of strategies, drills and activities across the 25 sessions.  Some of the weekend's highlights included the following:

 

• Keynote Presentation - Australian Olympic Silver Medallist, Brooke Hanson, openly discussed the challenges she had faced over her swimming career, and her plans for the future away from the pool.

 

• Happy Hour - delegates, presenters and trade gathered following Saturday's last session.  As always, this was a fantastic opportunity to network with industry colleagues. 

 

• Industry Forums - aquatic education and aqua exercise forums provided an opportunity for delegates to come together to discuss and share information in relation to industry issues.  Outcomes from the forums will be available to the broader industry in the coming months.

 

Aquatics & Recreation Victoria would like to thank the delegates that attended AquaSummit 2008 and hope that you enjoyed and benefited from the extensive and innovative professional development. 

 

We would also like to thank the presenters, along with the sponsors and trade exhibitors and for their  contribution and involvement in this year's conference.

 

You can still view details of the presenters and sponsors / trade exhibitors that participated in AquaSummit by visiting the AquaSummit page of our website.

 

Attended AquaSummit?  Completed Your Evaluation?

 

Your feedback is vital to the continued improvement of AqauSummit.  If you attended AquaSummit  in 2008 and have yet to complete an evaluation, visit the AquaSummit page of our website to download the relevant Evaluation Forms.  

 

 

 

Interested in work over the Summer holidays?

 

If you answered 'yes', contact Aquatics & Recreation Victoria.  Swim teaching positions are now available for the 2009 Summer VICSWIM Holiday Programs - at both pool and open water locations, which are becoming increasingly popular.  To register your interest in a teaching position with VICSWIM, please contact us:

 

Phone – (03) 8843 2000     Email – info@aquarecvic.org.au

 

 

Program Dates - Summer 2009

 

Monday 5 – Friday 9 January 2009 (Summer - Week 1)

Monday 12 – Friday 16 January 2009 (Summer - Week 2)

Monday 19 – Friday 23 January 2009 (Summer - Week 3)

 

Enrolments

 

Enrolments for the VICSWIM Summer 2009 Program will open in late October.  Please refer to the VICSWIM website - www.vicswim.com - later this month for your copy of the brochure, including the enrolment form and venue list.

 

Previous Editions of newsSPLASH     click here

Direct your newsSPLASH enquiries, comments and submissions by phone (03) 8843 2000 or email info@aquarecvic.org.au