Manningham is partnering with Life Saving Victoria to provide a lifeguard training hub at Aquarena this month.

After months of COVID restrictions, more than half of all Victorian lifeguards have been unable to undergo and maintain their annual training and updates to their qualifications, leaving the industry at risk to not having a qualified workforce when reopening begins.

Aquarena, the Council-owned Aquatic Leisure Centre in Templestowe Lower would serve as a hub for lifeguards not only in Manningham but the entire region.

Manningham Council recognised the importance of having fully-trained lifeguards at all times, especially with restrictions lifting and summer just around the corner.

Run by Belgravia Leisure, Aquarena is one of the Victoria’s largest aquatic and recreation facilities offering indoor and outdoor pools.

Throughout October and November hundreds of lifeguards will have their annual training and qualifications updated at the facility, under COVID Safe measures. The course includes pool surveillance, rescue skills, spinal drills and evacuations.

Manningham is honoured to be only one of two facilities in Melbourne being used as a training hub.

Under the Department of Health and Human Services’ guidelines, the indoor and outdoor pools at Aquarena have re-opened to the public, with bookings required.