- The event celebrated the commencement of the new Service Level Agreement between the Miles Government and Royal Life Saving Society Queensland.
- The new four-year funding agreement of $2.5 million is the biggest on record, and is an almost 50% increase on the previous funding provided to RLSSQ.
- Several pools across the Gold Coast were also recognised with Platinum Endorsement. This nationally recognised accreditation standard demonstrates the highest commitment to safety and risk management for aquatic facilities.
Making a splash with their new Service Level Agreement (SLA), the Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) Steve Gollschewski APM and Minister for Police and Community Safety Mark Ryan MP joined Royal Life Saving Society Queensland (RLSSQ) to acknowledge and celebrate the occasion at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre in Southport.
The new four-year funding of $2.5 million is part of the new Service Level Agreement with the Miles Government that commenced on 1 July 2024. This new funding agreement is an almost 50% increase on the previous level of funding provided to RLSSQ.
The event also recognised Queensland's first Platinum Endorsed Pools at Upper Coomera, Gold Coast and Miami Aquatic Centres as well as Pimpama Sports Hub.
The Platinum Endorsed Pool Program is a nationally recognised accreditation standard that demonstrates the highest commitment to safety and risk management for aquatic facilities.
The partnership agreement with RLSSQ transitioned to the QPS on 1 October 2023 as part of the Miles Government's watershed Disaster and Emergency Management reform program and the record funding for the new SLA is being provided by the Miles Government.
In addition, the day's activities included a demonstration from the Pool Lifeguard Challenge Team took place to highlight their abilities and their teamwork, expertise and collaboration in aquatic safety across south-east Queensland.
There was also a demonstration from members from the KARI Foundation's water safety education program, a First Nations youth program for ages 0-3 years and 4-16 years.
As stated by the Honourable Mark Ryan, Minister for Police and Community Safety:
"This record funding is part of the Miles Government's Community Safety Plan, because the Miles Government is doing what matters for Queensland by supporting the safety of every Queenslander on both land and in the water.
"I commend RLSSQ and the QPS on their partnership and I acknowledge the important work undertaking by the QPS in managing and supporting the SLA with RLSSQ. By working together, we can enhance safety for all Queenslanders.
"The funding will ensure the Royal Life Saving Society is able to maintain effective delivery of community and school educational water safety programs throughout Queensland.
"This means that Queenslanders have improved community awareness of safety issues in aquatic environments throughout Queensland."
As stated by Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski:
"With this funding arrangement, we can help ensure critical drowning prevention and water safety education programs can continue to support communities and their volunteers.
"The funding will also help deliver industry training to support local talent in obtaining nationally accredited qualifications.
"I have great confidence the RLSSQ will use this funding to increase community water safety awareness and help prevent drowning tragedies from occurring."
As stated by Royal Life Saving Society Queensland President, Nicky Sloan:
"I want to express our sincere gratitude to the Queensland Police Service.
"Your support is invaluable in our mission to prevent drownings and promote water safety.
"Together, we can achieve remarkable progress and save lives."
