Aquatics & Recreation Victoria launches Future-proofing our Industry: Bouncing back from COVID-19 resources

On Tuesday, 5 April, Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) held an industry networking breakfast forum - Future-proofing our Industry: Bouncing back from COVID-19 –showcasing the outcomes of the Victorian Government’s Working for Victoria Initiative.

To support the industry’s recovery from the impacts of COVID-19, a suite of industry resources was developed by 6 industry organisations (Aligned Leisure, Aquatics & Recreation Victoria, Belgravia Leisure, Bluefit, Clublinks and YMCA). These organisations collaborated to deliver critical industry projects that responded to - and addressed – key issues emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. 
The 8 key projects include: 

• COVID-19 Impacts & Recovery Survey Report – A comprehensive report quantifying the impacts of COVID-19 on Victorian Aquatic & Recreation facilities and their local communities. Underpinned by quantitative and qualitative data provided to ARV by Victorian LGAs, this report also highlights future considerations for rebuilding the industry.
• ARV’s Industry Hub – ARV’s “one stop shop” for key industry research, data and resources designed to support experienced stakeholders and new entrants alike. 
• Access & Inclusion Guide – This interactive guide was noted to be the first of its kind and is a significant step towards promoting access and inclusion throughout the sector. Provides best practices and case studies specific to the Victorian Aquatics & Recreation industry to support implementation.
• Digital Strategy - Provides case studies outlining best practices for digital communication and advice on how to drive efficiencies and capitalise on the online shift that has resulted from COVID-19.
• Swim Teacher Recruitment Strategy – Provides six practical strategies to support the recruitment and retention of swim teachers. This guide documents the outcomes of Bluefit’s recruitment efforts to support the wider industry.
• Covid Safe Guide – An overview of best practices relating to the implementation of COVIDSafe plans within Aquatic & Recreation facilities. Designed to reduce transmission within facilities, improve operations, protect staff and review existing practices. 
• Communication Strategy – A summary of articles/stories shared by the YMCA promoting the social, health and wellbeing benefits of Aquatic & Recreation facilities. This guide is designed to help increase awareness and build consumer confidence amongst the Victorian community
• Environmental Action Strategy – A strategic resource providing practical examples and a step-by-step, action-based approach to support the minimisation of the industry’s carbon footprint and reduce operational costs.

These resources have been welcomed by the Victorian Aquatics & Recreation industry and acknowledged as a valuable step forward in the industry’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.