COVID-19 information
The latest information, resources and links will be posted here to assist in providing Life Saving Victoria (LSV) members and stakeholders with the most relevant and up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.
Information is changing quickly, we take advice from the Federal Government through the State Government’s Department of Health and Human Service (DHHS) and will use their information for the most up-to-date advice. For the most up-to-date information, including the latest government advice and updates, visit the DHHS website.
Below you will find information including:
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new virus that can cause an infection in people, including a severe respiratory illness.
People of all ages have been diagnosed with COVID-19, but those known to be most at risk of severe illness are elderly people and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
The most common coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms reported are:
- Fever
- Respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
Visit DHHS – About Coronavirus for more information about the virus.
Coronavirus hotline – 1800 675 398
If you suspect you may have the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) call the dedicated hotline – 1800 675 398 – open 24 hours, 7 days.
Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
Latest Alerts:
From 11.59pm on 22 November 2020, metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria moved to the last step restrictions.
- There is a roadmap that outlines the steps Victoria is taking to reopen.
- Last Step restrictions apply throughout metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
- Use of fitted face masks is mandatory indoors, unless and exemption applies, throughout Victoria. This includes settings such as public transport, including when waiting at stations, ride shares, hospitals, care facilities and shopping.
Staying Safe
- As restrictions ease it is more important than ever that we take steps every day to keep ourselves and others safe. The steps below can help protect you from coronavirus (COVID-19).
- Stay safe as restrictions ease by washing your hands regularly, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, and keeping at least 1.5 metres from others.
- Keep your friends and family safe by meeting outdoors. There is a lower risk of spreading coronavirus (COVID-19) between people if you are outdoors. From 11.59pm on 6 December, groups of up to 100 people will be able to meet outdoors.
- Face masks are no longer required outdoors, except where physical distancing cannot be maintained, but must be worn by all Victorians indoors unless an exemption applies.
- If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) get tested and stay home. Stay at home if you feel unwell.
We have developed a dedicated page where you can find all information on LSV’s COVID-19 recovery support for lifesaving clubs. Go to www.lsv.com.au/clubcovidrecovery
LSV updates
From 11.59pm on 22 November Victoria is in Last Step restrictions.
- Stay safe as restrictions ease by washing your hands regularly, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, and keeping at least 1.5 metres from others.
- Keep your friends and family safe by meeting outdoors. There is a lower risk of spreading coronavirus (COVID-19) between people if you are outdoors. From 11.59pm on 6 December , groups of up to 100 people will be able to meet outdoors.
- Face masks are no longer required outdoors, except where physical distancing cannot be maintained, but must be worn by all Victorians indoors unless an exemption applies.
- If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) get tested and stay home. Stay at home if you feel unwell
Pools
From 11.59pm on 22 November, metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria moved to Last Step restrictions.
Indoor pools, including swimming lessons, can open with a cap of 150 patrons, subject to density requirements, with no group size limits.
Outdoor pools, including swimming lessons, can open with a cap of 300 patrons, subject to density requirements, with no group size limit.
Indoor and outdoor pools can open at the same time, subject to the separate limits in each area.
For further information visit: Summary of Last Step restrictions from 11.59pm 22 November 2020
LSV Return to Play Plan
Each time restrictions are updated, LSV updates its Return to Play Plan for the Aquatic Industry. Aquatic facilities are encouraged to use this plan t0 guide their reopening arrangements.
Coronavirus – A Return to Play Plan Template for Aquatic Facilities (Version Seven)
Further Information and Resources
For more information and to download COVIDSafe plan templates visit: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/covidsafe-plan.
Royal Life Saving Australia Guidelines for Safe Pool Operation – COVID-19
DHHS Business and industry – coronavirus (COVID-19)
DHHS – Financial support for businesses and workers
- There are more than 1,077 aquatic facilities, the majority owned by local councils.
- There are more than 1,176 swim schools, including many small businesses.
- The aquatic industry sector employs approximately 67,000 frontline workers.
- Approximately 1.5 million children 0-14 years participate in organised swimming (lessons, coaching) outside of school programs every year.
- We estimate more than 106 million individual pool visits annually.
LSV Industry Services
Training
LSV training services are continuing to operate across Victoria with some modifications or suspensions to training delivery, in line with Restrictions for Metropolitan Melbourne and Restrictions for Regional Victoria.
We have a range of measures in place to ensure the safety of our candidates in areas where face to face courses can still be delivered and LSV will continue to extend a 25% discount on aquatic courses (Swim Teacher, Pool Lifeguard, ATO) until December 31, 2020.
There are some variations in what we can offer for these regions, as outlined below. The table below sets out the current delivery status of LSV Pool Lifeguard, Community Surf Lifesaving Certificate, Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety and Aquatic Technical Operator training courses, following recent Government announcements.
Metropolitan Melbourne – Effective for Third Step (28 Oct)
| Course Type | Key Courses | Public | Group/ Onsite | Remote Delivery |
| Aquatic | Community Surf | Yes | Yes | |
| Pool Lifeguard | Yes | Yes | ||
| Swim Teacher | Yes | Yes | ||
| Aquatic Technical Operator | Yes | Yes | ||
| Emergency Care | Provide CPR | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Provide First Aid | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Other First Aid | Yes | Yes |
Metropolitan Melbourne – Effective for Third Step (9 Nov)
| Course Type | Key Courses | Public | Group/ Onsite | Remote Delivery |
| Aquatic | Community Surf | Yes | Yes | |
| Pool Lifeguard | Yes | Yes | ||
| Swim Teacher | Yes | Yes | ||
| Aquatic Technical Operator | Yes | Yes | ||
| Emergency Care | Provide CPR | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Provide First Aid | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Other First Aid | Yes | Yes |
Regional Victoria – Effective for Third Step
| Course Type | Key Courses | Public | Group/ Onsite | Remote Delivery |
| Aquatic | Community Surf | Yes | Yes | |
| Pool Lifeguard | Yes | Yes | ||
| Swim Teacher | Yes | Yes | ||
| Aquatic Technical Operator | Yes | Yes | ||
| Emergency Care | Provide CPR | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Provide First Aid | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Other First Aid | Yes | Yes |
Remote delivery options
LSV will continue to offer CPR and First Aid Webinar Training for essential services workplaces. To book a Webinar contact (03) 9676 6950.
CPR@Home and First Aid@Home for individuals and workplaces are available to book online: www.lsv.com.au/training
Education
To support a return to business trading once safe and appropriate, LSV a is providing support for swim schools to restart and become stronger than before.
The LSV Swim School Support Services will include a FREE one hour Swim Teacher PD session each week providing swim teachers with skills to deliver swimming lessons under appropriate and phased physical distancing requirements.
Facilities will also be offered swim school programming options to help:
- Maximise pool occupancy with physical distancing restrictions
- Understand economic measures vs public health measures
The Swim School Programming Options’ will be distributed via a free resource along with the option to customise and tailor this to your specific facility and clientele.
For tailored support for your swim school contact schoolswimming@lsv.com.au for a quote.
Water Safety @Home
Life Saving Victoria have developed a new ‘Water Safety @Home’ online activity suite, to provide schools, industry and the community with interactive virtual resources to encourage the continuation of swimming and water safety education during the COVID-19 period. These activities include new Swimming & Water Safety Toolkit resources; CPR & First Aid for Kids @Home + Everyday Lifesaver App; Swimming @Home; Nippers @Home; and the Water Safety Watch & Learn video series.
Visit www.lsv.com.au/watersafetyathome for more information and to access all resources.
Pool Safety Services
LSV are pleased to continue to offer a 25% discount on Pool Safety Services including:
-Pool Safety Assessments
-Supervision Plan Validation Audit
-SwimSafe new registrations
-Watch Around Water new registrations
-Supervision Plan development
-Emergency Planning Services
Where possible, Pool Safety services will be performed remotely. Where a site visit is required, aquatic facility staff and LSV assessors are required to follow all health department advice throughout the duration of the assessment – including the wearing of masks, maintaining physical distancing and adhering to the 1.5m and 4m2 rules.
For more info head to: https://lsv.com.au/pool-safety-services/ or email us at: assessments@lsv.com.au or call at 03 9767 6985
Are planned LSV industry events going ahead?
A number of upcoming activities and events which will be impacted by the current state of emergency. While some activities will need to be cancelled, where possible activities will be postponed or conducted via an alternative method. See LSV event advice for a full list of changes.
Pool Lifeguard Challenge
The 2020 Pool Lifeguard Challenge will not be held.
Aquatic Industry Summit
The 2020 Aquatic Industry Summit will go ahead in a blended delivery with a virtual offering streaming live from 9am on Friday 30th October 2020.
To watch the live stream, visit: https://lsv.com.au/aquatic-industry-summit/
Aquatic, Fitness and Recreation (AFAR) – Professional Development Series
Following the success of the AFAR PD series during the COVID-19 State of Emergency, LSV has taken the decision to continue providing FREE VIRTUAL PD to industry personnel once per month via a Microsoft Teams event.
These sessions will be held on the 2nd week of every month – starting 8th July 2020.
The session will be divided into three themes:
- 10am-10:30am – Safety & Operations
- 10:30-11:00am – Swimming and Water Safety Education
- 11:00-11:30am – Leadership
To participate head to: https://lsv.com.au/pool-safety-services/afar/
LSV training services are continuing to operate across Victoria with some modifications or suspensions to training delivery, in line with Restrictions for Metropolitan Melbourne and Restrictions for Regional Victoria.
We have a range of measures in place to ensure the safety of our candidates in areas where face to face courses can still be delivered and LSV will continue to extend a 25% discount on aquatic courses (Swim Teacher, Pool Lifeguard, ATO) until December 31, 2020.
There are some variations in what we can offer for these regions, as outlined below. The table below sets out the current delivery status of LSV Pool Lifeguard, Community Surf Lifesaving Certificate, Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety and Aquatic Technical Operator training courses, following recent Government announcements.
Metropolitan Melbourne – Effective for Third Step (28 Oct)
| Course Type | Key Courses | Public | Group/ Onsite | Remote Delivery |
| Aquatic | Community Surf | Permitted Workers | Permitted Workers | |
| Pool Lifeguard | Permitted Workers | Permitted Workers | ||
| Swim Teacher | Permitted Workers | Permitted Workers | ||
| Aquatic Technical Operator | Permitted Workers | Permitted Workers | ||
| Emergency Care | Provide CPR | Permitted Workers | Permitted Workers | Yes |
| Provide First Aid | Permitted Workers | Permitted Workers | Yes | |
| Other First Aid | Permitted Workers | Permitted Workers |
Metropolitan Melbourne – Effective for Third Step (9 Nov)
| Course Type | Key Courses | Public | Group/ Onsite | Remote Delivery |
| Aquatic | Community Surf | Yes | Yes | |
| Pool Lifeguard | Yes | Yes | ||
| Swim Teacher | Yes | Yes | ||
| Aquatic Technical Operator | Yes | Yes | ||
| Emergency Care | Provide CPR | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Provide First Aid | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Other First Aid | Yes | Yes |
Regional Victoria – Effective for Third Step
| Course Type | Key Courses | Public | Group/ Onsite | Remote Delivery |
| Aquatic | Community Surf | Yes | Yes | |
| Pool Lifeguard | Yes | Yes | ||
| Swim Teacher | Yes | Yes | ||
| Aquatic Technical Operator | Yes | Yes | ||
| Emergency Care | Provide CPR | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Provide First Aid | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Other First Aid | Yes | Yes |
Remote delivery options
LSV will continue to offer CPR and First Aid Webinar Training for essential services workplaces. To book a Webinar contact (03) 9676 6950.
CPR@Home and First Aid@Home for individuals and workplaces are available to book online: www.lsv.com.au/training
Please take care of yourself and others during this difficult time and stay connected, these are really trying times and sometimes we all need some additional support.
DHHS mental health resources
Helplines
If you would like to talk to someone now, you can contact:
Lifeline | 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au
Kids Helpline | 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au
Head to Health | headtohealth.gov.au
Eheadspace 1800 650 893 | headspace.org.au/eheadspace/
Love me Love you | lovemeloveyou.org.au
National Coronavirus Helpline | 1800 020 080
You can also access a number of other National help lines and websites
Support groups and online forums; talking about what’s going on with others who understand – or may be going through something similar – can really make a difference.
Our friends at Black Dog Institute have a list of support groups in every state and territory that can help you connect with groups of people who meet regularly to discuss their experiences, their problems and their strategies for coping.
The Beyond Blue online forums are also a great way to connect with people online, in a safe and anonymous environment, to discuss anxiety, depression, suicide and a range of life issues. Anyone in Australia can participate in discussions, connect with others and share their experiences with our community.
About #InThisTogether
The National Mental Health Commission has come together with mental health organisations, experts and leaders to develop #InThisTogether – a national conversation that everyone can join in on, sharing practical tips online to support the mental health and wellbeing of Australians during #COVID-19.
Resources
The following section provides a selection of resources to assist you, your families, workplaces and clubs to stay connected, talk and support.
Phoenix Australia resources
From our friends at Phoenix Australia a number of useful resources, click through the link above for contact and additional information.
Resources for community members
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Tip sheet: Taking care of yourself and your family
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Tip sheet: Isolation activities for children and adolescents
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Video: Keeping yourself mentally well
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Video: 4 ways to look after yourself during self-isolation
Resources for organisations
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Video: Looking after the mental health of your workforce
Other helpful resources from our networks
Sport Australia – helpful tools, resources and videos from the team at AIS
RUOK? – tools and tips for staying connected
Tip Sheet Children and COVID-19 – Ambulance Victoria developed resource to assist with talking to children and young children
Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak – information from the World Health Organisation on key mental health considerations
LSV Trauma Support resources
LSV Critical Incident information provides information on reactions, tips and information on Trauma response to stressful situations. Members can contact LSV Comms for further support.
Critical Incident Management Brochure
Stay active
Physical activity is a proven way to reduce the effects of stress. Look for online content that could help you exercise, do yoga or learn a new healthy pastime. Dust off your home exercise equipment, and use the downtime to improve your fitness!
VicHealth has reviewed the best smartphone applications for healthy living.
LSV Partner Support
Westpac has supported their customers and community through the good and tough times for more than 200 years and they continue to be there for you as the COVID-19 situation evolves.
Visit the Westpac COVID-19: Customer Support page to find out more
Resources
World Health Organisation (WHO) COVID-19 myth buster information
DHHS Heath Provider Quick Reference Guide
DHHS COVID-19 self-assessment checklist
Posters
Slowing the spread of coronavirus (PDF)
Wash your hands regularly poster
Wash your hands regularly poster – Simplified Chinese (PDF)
Wash your hands regularly poster – Arabic (PDF)
Cover your cough and sneeze poster
Cover your cough and sneeze poster – Simplified Chinese (PDF)
Cover your cough and sneeze poster – Arabic (PDF)
Swimming and Water Safety Online Resources
Learning activities that can be completed in the classroom or at home
Fun family activities for school holidays and weekends at home
LSV Podcast
LSV Event Advice
LSV would like to advise our members and stakeholders that in the interest of our community, the following events have been postponed/cancelled.
These decisions have been made in response to the current and evolving circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 virus, in the best interested of the health and wellbeing of our members, staff, stakeholders and wider community.
We share the disappointment this news brings and apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused.
| Month | Scheduled Dates | Event | Status |
| September | September/October | ILS Lifesaving World Championships 2020 (Riccione, Italy) | POSTPONED |
| October | October |
|
ONLINE |
| November | |||
| December |
