5th May 2023 - Worksafe Victoria have charged the Belfast Aquatics Community Pool and Fitness Centre and the Department of education under Section 26(1) and Section 23(1) of the OHS Act 2004 (Vic) respectively. These charges have come two years after a Year 2 student drowned at the Belfast Aquatics Community Pool and Fitness Centre. WorkSafe will allege the pool failed to test the swimming ability of the students before allowing them to use an inflatable obstacle course, have currently qualified lifeguards on duty and instruct lifeguards on the safe use of the inflatable. While WorkSafe will allege the Department failed to inform the pool of the children's swimming abilities or ensure their abilities were tested.
The matter is listed for a filing hearing at Warrnambool Magistrates' Court on 29 May 2023.