National Aquatic Industry Committee

Following the call for nominations to the National Aquatic Industry Committee (NAIC), Royal Life Saving Society - Australia (RLS) are pleased to confirm the membership for the NAIC into the 2021-2023 period.

The NAIC has the goal of strengthening the health, safety and viability of aquatic facility ownership and operations across Australia and is responsible for the development and endorsement of industry initiatives such as the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations (GSPO), National Aquatic Industry Workforce Profile, Economic Benefits of Aquatic Facilities Report, and other national research and advocacy initiatives.

The NAIC will consist of:

• Royal Life Saving Society – Australia
  • RJ Houston (Chair)

• Representatives from national swimming-based organisations
  • Kym McMahon, Swimming Australia
  • Carl Patridge, Australian Council for Swimming and Water Safety Teachers (AUSTSWIM)
  • Gary Toner, Australian Swim Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA)

• Representatives of state entities with a focus on aquatic facility management
  • Kathy Parton, Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV)
  • Andrew Beamer, Aquatic Recreation Institute (NSW)
  • Steve Good, Leisure Institute of Western Australia Aquatics (LIWA)
  • Wayne Pollock, Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA)

• Representatives of aquatic facility builders and maintenance groups
  • Lindsay McGrath, Swimming Pool and Spa Association Australia (SPASA)

• Representatives of local government
  • Amanda Locke, City of Greater Geelong, VIC
  • Jake Boerema, City of Norwood, SA
  • Brad page, Moreton Bay Regional Council, QLD
  • Matt Howes, Sunshine Coast Council, QLD

• Representatives of facility managers
  • Liam O’Brien, Aligned Leisure
  • Todd McHardy, Bluefit
  • Trent O’Hara, Belgravia Leisure
  • Sean Hodges, VIVA Leisure
  • Mel Rahtz, YMCA NSW
  • Alex Ash, YMCA VIC

• Representatives of state lifesaving entities
  • Alek Olszewski, Life Saving Victoria
  • Les Mole, Royal Life Saving Queensland
  • Nick Au, Royal Life Saving New South Wales
  • Stephen Gazzola, Royal Life Saving Northern Territory.

“Royal Life Saving has been encouraged by the overwhelming industry response to calls for nomination to the NAIC,” says NAIC Chair and RLSSA National Manager – Aquatics, RJ Houston.

The Aquatic & Recreation Institute (ARI NSW) is pleased that Andrew Beamer will be representing ARI NSW on the National Aquatic Industry Committee.  

Andrew is currently the Transition Manager for Lifeguarding Services Australia (LSA) and a Technician for Crane Aquatics. He has 20 plus years’ experience in the aquatic industry in Local Government operated venues, including 13 years in management roles with Leichhardt and then Inner West Councils. He also had a short stint as a casual Aquatic Facility Safety Assessment auditor for Royal Life NSW. 

Andrew is currently an ARI NSW Board Member has been involved with ARI NSW since June 2013.  He has represented ARI NSW on the National Aquatic Industry Committee (NAIC) since 2015 (when it was the National GSPO Review Group).

For more information visit the National Aquatic Industry Committee page for further details.