There are over 175,000 swimming pools of all shapes and sizes in Victoria. They can be found in backyards, hotels, camping venues, body corporate building or at multi-million dollar multi-facility Leisure Centres.

Life Saving Victoria’s Aquatic Technical Operators course is ideal for pool owners and aquatic industry personnel responsible for the monitoring of pool water quality or the maintenance of plant equipment. It’s also a great qualification for pool lifeguards and swimming teachers who wish to broaden their skills and knowledge (and career opportunities) within the aquatics industry.

This course will equip participants with the skills and knowledge to safely contribute to the water treatment and plant operations of an aquatic facility. The course focus includes monitoring and maintaining pool water quality, operating plant / equipment, risk management and developing maintenance programs.

This course is recommended for any person responsible for the testing, treatment or maintenance of a swimming pool or its associated plant equipment. It is also recommended for Industry professionals and provides a great pathway for public leisure centre Lifeguard / operational or supervisor. Life Saving Victoria recommend that public facilities have an appropriately qualified person ‘Aquatic Technical Operator’ on duty at all times that the facility is open.

Unit – SISCAQU001 Test Pool Water Quality

1.1. Complete routine pool water tests according to public health regulatory requirements.

1.2. Interpret test results and compare with public health regulatory requirements.

1.3. Identify and report pool water test irregularities to appropriate personnel for corrective action.

1.4. Respond to contamination incidents within scope of own role.

1.5. Conduct regular sample collection and initiate corrective actions as required.

1.6. Perform regular visual checks of pool water quality, identify issues and initiate corrective actions when required.

2.1. Record pool water test results accurately.

2.2. Update swimming pool log according to aquatic facility specifications.

Unit – SISCAQU004 Develop and Implement Pool Water Maintenance Procedures

1.1. Evaluate pool water quality maintenance and treatment needs according to regulatory framework.

1.2. Develop and document systems for pool water maintenance in consultation with appropriate personnel.

2.1. Provide accurate and current information and instruction to staff about legislative and technical requirements.

2.2. Delegate testing and treatment tasks according to staff skills.

2.3. Test pool water quality following established procedures.

2.4. Interpret results of tests made by self and others and identify where correction is needed.

2.5. Calculate the amount of chemicals required to correct chemical imbalances in pool water.

2.6. Select and use chemical dosing equipment for treatment of pool water according to manufacturer specifications.

2.7. Monitor pool water quality on ongoing basis, identify issues of concern and respond according to agreed procedures.

2.8. Identify and respond to emergency situations according to agreed procedures.

2.9. Complete accurate documentation.

3.1. Assess effectiveness of pool water maintenance procedures against testing and treatment records.

3.2. Identify and document potential improvements to maintenance procedures.

3.3. Communicate improvements and changes to relevant staff and stakeholders.

Unit – SISCAQU003 Maintain Aquatic Facility Plant and Equipment

1.1. Inspect plant and equipment according to required schedule.

1.2. Conduct safety checks according to manufacturer instructions and safety requirements and local regulation.

1.3. Interpret and accurately record results of routine equipment tests.

1.4. Document the condition of plant and equipment.

1.5. Identify faults and irregularities and report to appropriate personnel.

2.1. Interpret and follow maintenance schedules for plant and equipment.

2.2. Identify and select tools and other resources needed to complete work.

2.3. Make work area safe and erect signs and barriers as required.

2.4. Remove, replace and repair faulty and defective equipment or consumables, within designated responsibility.

2.5. Report faults outside scope of own expertise to appropriate personnel.

3.1. Record repairs and maintenance activities in required format.

3.2. Notify appropriate personnel of faults rectified.

Unit – SISCAQU005 Develop and Implement Aquatic Facility Maintenance Procedures

1.1. Evaluate operational maintenance needs according to regulatory and business requirements.

1.2. Document uses and condition of the aquatic facility plant and equipment and identify priorities for action.

1.3. Identify potential sources of increased efficiency of the aquatic facility plant and equipment.

1.4. Identify human, physical and financial resources associated with needed maintenance of aquatic facility.

1.5. Integrate maintenance program with asset acquisition and disposal plans.

1.6. Schedule maintenance activities to minimise disruption to facility users and ensure that supplies are available.

1.7. Confirm, document and communicate maintenance procedures and costs according to organisational approval protocols.

2.1. Monitor completion of inspection and maintenance schedules.

2.2. Identify and assess failed or unsafe aquatic facility plant and equipment and determine underlying cause within scope of own role.

2.3. Identify and evaluate emergency situations and respond according to local regulatory and organisational procedures.

2.4. Remove defective equipment and/or facilities from operation and complete repairs within designated responsibility.

2.5. Arrange for required repairs to be carried out by qualified and/or licensed contractors and record actions taken.

2.6. Monitor maintenance records and take corrective action as required.

2.7. Communicate maintenance actions to appropriate staff or personnel.

3.1. Assess the effectiveness of maintenance systems against short and long-term maintenance requirements.

3.2. Identify and use alternative maintenance methods to maintain cost effectiveness.

3.3. Document and communicate improvements and changes to maintenance systems.

Unit – BSBRSK401 Identify Risk and Apply Risk Management Processes

1.1. Identify the context for risk management.

1.2. Identify risks using tools, ensuring all reasonable steps have been taken to identify all risks.

1.3. Document identified risks in accordance with relevant policies, procedures, legislation and standards.

2.1. Analyse and document risks in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

2.2. Undertake risk categorisation and determine level of risk.

2.3. Document analysis processes and outcomes.

3.1. Determine appropriate control measures for risks and assess for strengths and weaknesses.

3.2. Identify control measures for all risks.

3.3. Refer risks relevant to whole of organisation or having an impact beyond own work responsibilities and area of operation to others as per established policies and procedures.

3.4. Choose and implement control measures for own area of operation and/or responsibilities.

3.5. Prepare and implement treatment plans.

4.1. Regularly review implemented treatment/s against measures of success.

4.2. Use review results to improve the treatment of risks.

4.3. Provide assistance to auditing risk in own area of operation.

4.4. Monitor and review management of risk in own area of operation.

The assessment for this course includes three key components. These are the i) the On-the-Course assessment workbook, ii) the On-the-Job assessment workbook and iii) practical based assessments. These are based on the content taught during the course and are completed under exam conditions by each individual candidate.

The On-the-Course Assessment Workbook is completed during the face to face component of the course and provided to the Trainer at the end of the course. It is a combination of hands on skills, written questioning, work samples, oral examination, role play and scenario simulations. The assessment tasks are based on the different sections of the course and you will be guided through them by your LSV Trainer.

The On-the-Job Assessment Book is completed after the course at a workplace / facility of the candidates choice. The assessment is a combination of written questions, work samples and scenario responses supporting the demonstration of the skills and required knowledge. This document is emailed to LSV upon completion and will comprise the final assessment for each candidate.

All instruction on whether assessment items should be i) answered in a written format, ii) discussed / demonstrated on the course or iii) provided to the LSV Assessor is set out in the two documents.

1. Are there any prerequisites?

The minimum recommended age for candidates is 18 years.

2. How long is my qualification valid for?

This course does not currently have an expiry period. Candidates are required to maintain Industry currency.

3. How can I best prepare for the course?

In order to get the most out of the day, please ensure you arrive on time so the course can run to schedule. The venue address and any relevant information will be listed on your confirmation email. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring along the following:

What happens if I don’t pass?

As the course is competency based, you will need to ensure that you can demonstrate all the necessary requirements of the three units of competency. If you unable to perform a specific task on the day of the course, you will be deemed ‘not yet competent’ in that skill. You will be given the opportunity to attend a course at a later date (at no charge), in order to retrain and be reassessed on the particular skill or area of knowledge.

(For more Frequently Asked Questions, please refer to the FAQ’s on the left panel of the training menu).

There are over 175,000 swimming pools in Victoria, in all shapes and sizes. They can be found in backyards, hotels, camping venues, body corporate building or at multi-million dollar multi-facility Leisure Centres.

Life Saving Victoria’s Pool Water Testing course is ideal for pool owners and aquatic industry personnel responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of pool water. It’s also a great qualification for pool lifeguards and swimming teachers who wish to broaden their skills and knowledge as well as career opportunities within the aquatics industry.

This course will equip participants with the skills and knowledge to safely contribute to the water testing of a swimming pool or aquatic facility. The course focus includes monitoring and maintaining pool water quality within the required parameters.

This course is recommended for any person responsible for the testing and maintenance of a swimming pool. It is also recommended for Industry professionals and provides a great pathway for public leisure centre Lifeguard / operational or supervisor. Life Saving Victoria recommend that publically operated facilities only ensure qualified staff are involved in pool water testing.

Unit – SISCAQU001 Test Pool Water Quality

1.1. Complete routine pool water tests according to public health regulatory requirements.

1.2. Interpret test results and compare with public health regulatory requirements.

1.3. Identify and report pool water test irregularities to appropriate personnel for corrective action.

1.4. Respond to contamination incidents within scope of own role.

1.5. Conduct regular sample collection and initiate corrective actions as required.

1.6. Perform regular visual checks of pool water quality, identify issues and initiate corrective actions when required.

2.1. Record pool water test results accurately.

2.2. Update swimming pool log according to aquatic facility specifications.

Unit – SISCAQU004 Develop and Implement Pool Water Maintenance Procedures

1.1. Evaluate pool water quality maintenance and treatment needs according to regulatory framework.

1.2. Develop and document systems for pool water maintenance in consultation with appropriate personnel.

2.1. Provide accurate and current information and instruction to staff about legislative and technical requirements.

2.2. Delegate testing and treatment tasks according to staff skills.

2.3. Test pool water quality following established procedures.

2.4. Interpret results of tests made by self and others and identify where correction is needed.

2.5. Calculate the amount of chemicals required to correct chemical imbalances in pool water.

2.6. Select and use chemical dosing equipment for treatment of pool water according to manufacturer specifications.

2.7. Monitor pool water quality on ongoing basis, identify issues of concern and respond according to agreed procedures.

2.8. Identify and respond to emergency situations according to agreed procedures.

2.9. Complete accurate documentation.

3.1. Assess effectiveness of pool water maintenance procedures against testing and treatment records.

3.2. Identify and document potential improvements to maintenance procedures.

3.3. Communicate improvements and changes to relevant staff and stakeholders.

1. Are there any prerequisites?

The minimum recommended age for candidates is 18 years.

2. How long is my qualification valid for?

This course does not currently have an expiry period. Candidates are required to maintain Industry currency.

3. How can I best prepare for the course?

In order to get the most out of the day, please ensure you arrive on time so the course can run to schedule. The venue address and any relevant information will be listed on your confirmation email. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring along the following:

What happens if I don’t pass?

As the course is competency based, you will need to ensure that you can demonstrate all the necessary requirements of the three units of competency. If you unable to perform a specific task on the day of the course, you will be deemed ‘not yet competent’ in that skill. You will be given the opportunity to attend a course at a later date (at no charge), in order to retrain and be reassessed on the particular skill or area of knowledge.

(For more Frequently Asked Questions, please refer to the FAQ’s on the left panel of the training menu).