A young lifeguard has been violently attacked by a group of teenage thugs after he allegedly asked them not to perform dangerous stunts near other swimmers.
The 19-year-old was on duty at the Casey Acquatic and Recreation Center pool in Narre Warren, in Melbourne's south-east, when he was attacked about 5.50pm on Sunday.
It is believed he had previously spoken to the group of about eight men about not performing somersaults and other stunts that could endanger other swimmers.
The 19-year-old was then headbutted, kicked and punched by the group who fled the scene and remained on the run.
The lifeguard, whose uniform was covered in blood, was taken to Dandenong Hospital to be treated for cuts and scratches on his upper body.
He has since been fired.
Victoria Police have released photos of a group of Middle Easterners who could assist with investigations.
Victoria Police have released these photos of a group they want to speak to about an incident involving the beating of a lifeguard
Julie Thorne Pemberton said it was her black-clad son who tried to help the embattled lifeguard.
“That's my son in the black vest taking away the chair they used to punch the young lifeguards in the face,” she posted on social media.
'He entered the group to help. I've seen footage his girlfriend had and it's quite full and disgusting.'
Ms Thorne Pemberton said the lifeguard had only been doing his duty to protect other swimmers.
'He asked them to stop diving and doing backflips in the pool. “They had already been notified and had a timeout period, but they went ahead anyway,” she said.
La Trobe MP Jason Wood shared footage of the wild attack on social media and urged anyone who recognized the perpetrators to contact police.
The video shows the lifeguard surrounded by teenagers in board shorts, while others throw plastic chairs at the edge of the pool.
The lifeguard was taken to Dandenong Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, including bruises, cuts and scratches to his upper body (photo, injured lifeguard's shirt)
The attack came just weeks after a national campaign was launched to try to end senseless violence against staff at aquatic centres.
Royal Life Saving's analysis shows that every year there are more than 2,000 incidents of abuse, violence and aggression directed at staff working in water facilities across the country.
'Violence and aggression towards lifeguards and swimming teachers are unacceptable. Our campaign is designed to reinforce a culture of respect, collaboration and zero tolerance for aggression in aquatic facilities,” said Royal Life Saving spokesperson RJ Houston at the launch of the campaign several weeks ago.
'Lifeguards and swimming teachers play a vital life-saving role for the community and are there to keep everyone safe. When they provide instruction to swimmers, it is to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
'Water facilities should not only be safe places to swim, but also for staff to work. That's why we encourage everyone to 'keep a cool head at the pool' this summer and support our lifeguards and swimming teachers by standing up against professional violence and aggression.”
Casey Crime Investigation Unit Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Luke Shore told reporters on Wednesday that police would be increasing patrols at Casey's community centres.
“We are organizing reassurance patrols at (Casey) facilities… we have outsourced a number of tasks to our frontline to ensure there is a visible police presence in our local facilities wherever and whenever possible,” he said.
The police officer described the offense as 'cowardly'.
The 19-year-old lifeguard was headbutted, kicked and punched by the group (the attack is in the photo)
“The lifeguard was just trying to do his job and keep the community safe,” he said.
'We understand it was an eight-on-one attack, there were other staff trying to intervene and objects on the pool floor were also used. It's really concerning and really disturbing.”
Police still claim they have no idea who the attackers are.
“We don't know who they are or where they come from, we're just trying to identify who they are,” the detective said.
'We believe these people will be known. There will be people in the community, given the quality of the CCTV footage, who will be able to recognize and identify these people, and we encourage those people to make a confidential CrimeStoppers report.”
Mayor Stefan Koomen of the City of Casey told 9News that his municipality had taken “immediate steps to increase safety” at the aquatic centers.
“On behalf of the council, I would like to reassure our community that we are strongly committed to making our water facilities safe for everyone to enjoy,” he said.
'We actively support the police investigation and provide all necessary assistance. We are taking immediate steps to increase safety at all our aquatic centers to ensure a safe environment for everyone.”
Aussies also used social media to repel the attack.
'This incident makes me very angry. Unfortunately, kindness is mistaken for weakness. I hope this young lifeguard gets the support he deserves,” someone wrote on X.
'I regularly take my daughter to this pool, violence has increased in recent weeks, including a stabbing at Fountain Gate the week before. Very worrying,” said one concerned mother.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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