The Queensland Police Service (QPS) are making a splash with their new Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Royal Life Saving Society Queensland (RLSSQ).
RLSSQ are the peak body for drowning prevention and aquatic safety in Queensland, they work very closely with partner organisations such as Surf Life Saving Queensland.
An event was held at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre in Southport on July 17 to acknowledge and celebrate the new SLA.
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.
Attendees included Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski, along with the Honourable Mark Ryan MP, Minister for Police and Community Safety.
All About the Service Level Agreement
The RLSSQ SLA transitioned from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) to QPS on October 1, 2023, as part of the Queensland Government's Disaster and Emergency Management reform program.
The new SLA commenced on July 1, 2024, for a four-year term.
The new four-year funding total of $2.5 million includes $1.7 million ($425, 000 per annum) from the State Government and an additional $800, 000 ($200, 000 per annum) contribution by QPS.
"With this funding arrangement, we can help ensure critical drowning prevention and water safety education programs can continue to support communities and their volunteers," said Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski.
Through this SLA, Queenslanders can expect high quality beach patrol, surveillance, community education and rescue services.
The SLA will ensure RLSSQ is able to maintain effective delivery of community and school educational programs throughout Queensland as well as contribute to youth and leadership development opportunities within the water safety and the aquatic industry.
Commissioner Gollschewski cut the cake and ate it too in celebration of the commencement of the new SLA.
World Drowning Prevention Day, July 25
The new partnership between QPS and RLSSQ commenced shortly before annual World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25.
Drowning doesn't have a single cause, or a single solution. But it can be prevented. Drowning is an issue that affects every nation of the world. Globally, nearly a quarter of a million people lose their lives to drowning every year. Almost 82,000 of them are children.
"I have great confidence the RLSSQ will use this funding to increase community water safety awareness and help prevent drowning tragedies from occurring," said Commissioner Gollschewski.
Four ways you can take action to prevent drowning
As the Sunshine State, we are fortunate to be able to swim all year round, which is why drowning prevention is so important.
- Enrol in swimming lessons.
- Supervise children.
- Check pool fence and gate.
- Wear a lifejacket.
