Water activities are important recreational and sporting pastimes in Australia.

The NSW Government is committed keeping people safe while relaxing and enjoying the water and water sports on our many beaches and other waterways and public pools in NSW, particularly over summer.

Water Safety Practice Note

The Office of Local Government has published Practice Note No. 15 – Water Safety  since 1994 to help NSW councils to strengthen their water safety functions and responsibilities. These may include providing public swimming facilities, beach patrols, lifesaving services and regulatory activities in public places within a risk management framework.

The major topics that Practice Note 15 covers include:

• Water Safety Functions and Responsibilities
• Risk Management
• Australian Qualifications Framework and Staffing Levels
• Equipment, Facilities and Signage
• Legislation, Policy and Key Guidance Documents