Why a young lifeguard was viciously attacked by a gang of teenagers at a Melbourne aquatic centre

A young lifeguard has been violently attacked by a group of teenage thugs after he reportedly asked them not to perform dangerous stunts near other swimmers. 

The 19-year-old was on duty at the Casey Acquatic and Recreation Centre pool in Narre Warren, southeast Melbourne, when he was set upon at about 5.50pm on Sunday.

It’s understood he had previously spoken with the group of about eight males about not performing flips and other stunts that might endanger other swimmers.

The 19-year-old was then headbutted, kicked and punched by the group who fled the scene and remain on the run.

The lifeguard, whose uniform was left splattered with blood, was taken to Dandenong Hospital to be treated for cuts and scratches to his upper body.

He has since been discharged. 

Victoria Police has released photos of a group of Middle Eastern appearance who  may assist with inquiries. 

Julie Thorne Pemberton said it was her son dressed in black that attempted to help the embattled lifeguard. 

‘That’s my son in the black vest taking the chair away that they were using to slam into the young lifeguards face,’ she posted to social media. 

‘He pushed into the group to help. I’ve seen footage that his girlfriend had & it’s pretty full on & disgusting.’

Ms Thorne Pemberton said the lifeguard had only been doing his duty to try and keep other swimmers safe. 

‘He asked them to stop doing dives & backflips into the pool. They had already been told & had a timeout period but kept going anyway,’ she said. 

La Trobe MP Jason Wood shared footage of the wild attack on social media and urged anyone who recognised the culprits to contact police. 

In the video, the lifeguard is seen being surrounded by teenagers in boardshorts as others threw plastic chairs on the side of the pool. 

The attack came just weeks after a national campaign was launched to try and stop mindless violence against staff at aquatic centres. 

Royal Life Saving analysis shows that there were are than 2,000 incidents of abuse, violence, and aggression directed at staff working in aquatic facilities around the country every year. 

‘Violence and aggression towards lifeguards and swim teachers is unacceptable. Our campaign has been developed to reinforce a culture of respect, cooperation, and zero-tolerance for aggression in aquatic facilities,’ Royal Life Saving spokesman RJ Houston said upon launch of the campaign just weeks ago.

‘Lifeguards and swim teachers provide a critical lifesaving role to the community and are there to keep everyone safe. When they give instructions to swimmers, this is to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all.

‘Aquatic facilities should be safe spaces not only for swimming but for staff to work. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to “Keep Their Cool at the Pool” this summer and support our lifeguards and swim teachers by standing against occupational violence and aggression.’

City of Casey Mayor Stefan Koomen told 9News his council had taken ‘immediate steps to increase security’ at its aquatic centres.

‘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,’ he said. 

‘We are actively supporting the police investigation and providing all necessary assistance. We are taking immediate steps to increase security at all our aquatic centres to ensure a safe environment for everyone.’

Aussies also took to social media to slam the attack. 

‘This incident makes me very angry. Unfortunately kindness is mistaken for weakness. I hope this young lifeguard gets the support he deserves,’ one wrote on X. 

‘I take my daughter to this pool regularly, there has been an increase of violence in the past weeks as there was a stabbing at Fountain Gate the week before. Very concerning,’ a concerned mother said. 

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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