By Ethan Benedicto
A 19-year-old man was assaulted at Casey ARC on Sunday 19 January while on shift by a group of youths at around 5:50pm.
Police are currently investigating the incident and the man sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
The offenders fled the scene and were last spotted heading along Overland Drive.
The City of Casey’s Mayor, Stefan Koomen said that while authorities are investigating the issue, “our staff are fully cooperating with their enquiries”.
“On behalf of the council I want to reassure our community that we are deeply committed to making our aquatic facilities safe for everyone to enjoy, we are actively supporting the police investigation and providing all necessary assistance,” he said.
The facility’s gym operates on a 24-hour basis, but the remainder, which includes the pools and the saunas, are manned by staff and lifeguards during the same hours as reception, which is from 5:30am to 10pm from Tuesday to Thursday, until 8pm on Friday, and from 8am to 8pm on Monday, Saturday and Sunday.
The youths, who attacked the lifeguard, had been using the pools prior to the incident; all who remain at large.
Local community members have commented that these types of incidents are rare at the facility, with several expressing their shock at how the events transpired.
“I mean it happens down the road at the shopping centre pretty often, but it’s sad to see it there, a lot of kids go there,” one shopper said.
According to Mayor Koomen, the council, partnered with Aligned Leisure, is providing support to the lifeguard and all of the staff involved.
“We are taking immediate steps to increase security at all our aquatic centres to ensure a safe environment for everyone,” he said.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
