Finding into death of Kyle William Vassil

Contributing factors

• acute submersion in cold water
• failure to conduct risk assessment of dam site
• inadequate supervision training in water safety
• supervisors unable to recognize signs of water distress
• delayed emergency response
• absence of safety equipment and lifesaving devices
• no individual swimming ability assessment
• poor visibility and water conditions
• absence of defibrillators
• lack of emergency management plan

Coroner's recommendations

1. All Victorian Catholic Schools should voluntarily adopt the DEECD (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development) protocol concerning management of safety issues relating to school student swimming and water-based sporting activity
2. The responsible Minister and Victorian Regulation and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) should promote voluntary adoption of DEECD protocols by all Victorian Schools through inclusion in VRQA Guide and related materials
3. VRQA should consider making compliance with DEECD protocols a condition of registration for all schools in Victoria
4. Aquinas School and other interested parties should purchase defibrillators and obtain instruction in their use for deployment at all student camps and sporting activities
5. All Catholic Schools should purchase and maintain appropriate safety equipment as advised by Lifesaving Victoria, including throw ropes, safety buoys, masks, flippers, and protective swimwear
6. All active 'organisation' members of the Australian Camps Association should purchase a defibrillator and obtain instruction in its use