Industry Leaders Convene for Final NAIC Meeting of the Term

Life Saving Victoria attended the National Aquatic Industry Committee (NAIC) Meeting 25.1 on 9–10 October 2025. Facilitated and chaired by Royal Life Saving Australia, the NAIC brings together national industry leaders to guide the development of the GSPO, consider emerging evidence, and strengthen consistency across aquatic facility operations. This meeting marked the final gathering of the current NAIC term.

The agenda covered several key discussion areas. Research briefings on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, alongside the 2025 Workforce Report, highlighted ongoing challenges relating to psychosocial risk, workforce capacity, and the need for a more coordinated, sector-wide approach to inclusion and wellbeing. Child safeguarding was also a major focus, with discussion centred on the changing regulatory landscape and lessons emerging from the childcare sector.

Members also examined the updated draft Diving Safety Guideline, reviewing consultation feedback from key organisations and considering recent incident data and the implications of minimum depth and clearance requirements across teaching, recreational use, and competitive starts.

The committee further reviewed the proposed revision to New and Modified Safety Equipment (SE2), which shifts toward a OHS-aligned, risk-based process for operators when assessing novel first aid and emergency equipment.

Additional sessions explored updated guidance on airborne contaminants, as well as national insights and trends emerging from aquatic facility safety assessments.

With several items pending release, LSV anticipates further detail will be available once the two draft guidelines are issued.