Royal Life Saving – Australia

This story in The Guardian speaks directly to the heart of our mission. Australia’s deep connection with water is part of our identity, yet we’re seeing worrying trends that challenge the idea of us being a nation of strong, safe swimmers. Royal Life Saving will continue to advocate for universal access to swimming and water safety education, and to support communities to prevent drowning in all environments. We thank The Guardian for shining a light on this critical issue. Parents, if you have a ten year old who can’t swim, now is a great time to fix that. Head to your local pool, and ask about lessons. 📖 Read the full article: https://bit.ly/42aQGye

Off the back of a highly successful symposium last week, we're excited to share a highlight video of our latest research into the State of Australian Aquatic Facilities. Public pools are more than places to swim — they’re vital infrastructure that support community wellbeing, prevent drowning, and provide enormous social, economic and health value. Yet access is far from equal. The State of Australian Aquatic Facilities 2025 report reveals: 📉 1 in 4 Australians, mostly in regional and outer metro areas, lack access to a public pool. 📈 This could rise to 1 in 3 by 2032 without strategic investment. 💡 Every visit to a public pool generates $30.50 in economic and social benefit. ⚠️ Yet ageing infrastructure, rising costs, workforce pressure and safety concerns are putting our pool network at risk. Public pools need targeted, national investment to remain accessible, sustainable, and safe for future generations. 🎥 Watch the video to learn why it’s time to act: Invest in pools. Invest in people. Invest in community. #PublicPools #AquaticFacilities #CommunityWellbeing #DrowningPrevention #HealthInfrastructure #EquityInAccess #WaterSafety #RoyalLifeSaving

One Week to Go! The 2025 National Aquatic Industry Workforce Survey closes in just one week! Don’t miss your chance to have your say and help shape the future of the aquatic industry. Plus, you’ll be in with a chance of winning one of 20 x $150 eGiftcards! Complete the 2025 survey by visiting: https://lnkd.in/gEQesStw #AquaticsIndustry #AquaticsWorkforce #WaterSafety

That’s a wrap on the National Aquatic Infrastructure Symposium 2025!   From case studies and community stories to cutting-edge technology and sustainability strategies, the past two days have set the stage for the development of a bold, National Aquatic Infrastructure Framework.   A huge THANK YOU to our presenters, delegates, and partners - including keynote speakers from across academia, government, architecture, and the aquatic sector.   Together, we’re shaping a future where every Australian community has access to a great local pool.   A huge thank you to the National Aquatic Industry Committee and our event and program supporters for making this exciting event possible: Sponsors: Commercial Aquatics Australia (Vic) / Steve Meikle Myrtha Pools / Chiara Cenati Lynxight / Daniel Mulvey Media Partner: Australasian Leisure Management magazine / Nigel Benton Program Supporters: Warren Green Otium Planning Group / Kate Maddock IAKS Australia & New Zealand / Michelle Nolland Smart Connections Consulting / Martin Sheppard FCIMPSA, MSAPIA WARREN AND MAHONEY / Brett Diprose LIWA Aquatics / Travis Doye Event Hosting: Life Saving Victoria   Stay tuned as we continue this vital work in support of the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030. #AquaticInfrastructure #SustainableCommunities #CommunityWellbeing #InfrastructureInnovation #EquityInAccess #AWSS203

At the National Aquatic Infrastructure Symposium today, we dive into research and case studies that explore community 'save the pool' campaigns and chart swimmable places across cities with presentations from: Dr Elizabeth Taylor (Monash University) Dr Rebecca Olive (RMIT University).   We will hear from key experts as to the opportunities, challenges, technologies and imperatives facing the industry in the sustainability space and those driving innovation with presentations from: Derek Harbinson (Negawatt Projects) Nick Yannakis (Beca) Jeremy Smith (Fluidra Australia & New Zealand) Chiara Cenati (Myrtha Pools) Daniel Mulvey (Lynxight) Jason Hellwig (Swimming Victoria) PANEL DISCUSSIONS INCLUDE:   When It Comes To Community Aquatic And Recreation Centres, Is Bigger Always Better? Kelly-Sean O'Connell (City Venue Management) Brooke Atkins (LARCAN) Kara Monaghan (Brooks) (Belgravia Leisure)   Current Challenges And Opportunities In Safe Design For Aquatic Facilities Craig Roberts (Royal Life Saving NSW | ACT | TAS) Alek Olszewski (Life Saving Victoria) Nikki Thornhill (Royal Life Saving Society Queensland Inc) Kate Barnett (YMCA Victoria) Current Challenges And Opportunities For Regional And Remote Australian Communities Travis Doye (LIWA Aquatics) Kimberley Nitschke (Townsville City Council) Ray Smith(City of Greater Bendigo) Kacey McEwan (Lifeguarding Services Australia)   Sustainability: Challenges and Solutions Steve Meikle (Commercial Aquatics Australia (Vic) Alexia Morgan (Belgravia Leisure) Alan Pears (Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity)   Our final workshop of the day will bring together key insights and conversations from across the Symposium, guiding participants to help shape a Framework and Facility Components tailored to diverse community profiles. It’s a chance to connect the dots, collaborate, and co-create meaningful solutions.   An exciting and impactful day ahead!   #AquaticInfrastructure #SustainableCommunities #CommunityWellbeing #InfrastructureInnovation #EquityInAccess #AWSS2030

Today’s conversations at the National Aquatic Infrastructure Symposium 2025 have been both inspiring and thought-provoking.   We gained insights from architects, planners, designers, and operators on the successes, challenges, and key lessons from recent aquatic facility projects, shaping the future of sustainable and community-focused infrastructure. We heard from Northcote, Palm Beach, Geelong , Carnegie and Fawkner Aquatic Centres.   Further, we explored challenges and opportunities across funding, access and inclusion, and how planning models will need to change to address urgent needs to modernise aquatic facilities across Australia.   Thanks to our speakers, partners and participants for driving this critical discussion forward.   SPEAKERS TODAY INCLUDED:   Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre Jessie Pigott (Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre) and Brett Diprose (WARREN AND MAHONEY)   Palm Beach Aquatic Centre and Gold Coast Community Hubs Tim Goward (Service Gold Coast)   Geelong Aquatic Centres Tammy Beck (William Ross Architects) and Amanda Locke (City of Greater Geelong)   Carnegie Aquatic Centre Daniel Pike (CO.OP Studio) Fawkner Leisure Centre Kim Critchley and Jared Murphy (Merri-bek City Council)    PANEL DISCUSSIONS:   State Of The Infrastructure Funding Landscape Philip Saikaly (SPORT & RECREATION VICTORIA); Sue McGill (Australian Sports Commission); Victoria MacKirdy GAICD (City of Victor Harbor); Kate Maddock (Otium Planning Group); Ben Manning (Solucio)   Planning Models And Frameworks Warren Green (Warren Green Consulting); Dr John Tower (Victoria University); Ricki Jones (Data Consulting); Michelle Nolland (LARCAN)   Current Challenges And Opportunities In Access, Inclusion & User Groups Carly Sanders (YMCA Victoria); Sam Watson (Swimming Australia); Matthew Haanappel OAM PLY (WynActive); Dr Carleigh Yeomans (Swinburne University of Technology)   We’re excited for what Day 2 will bring!   #AquaticInfrastructure #SustainableCommunities #CommunityWellbeing #InfrastructureInnovation #EquityInAccess #AWSS2030

The National Aquatic Infrastructure Symposium 2025 is now underway in Melbourne, bringing together over 100 leaders from government, planning, design, and the aquatic sector. Hosted by Royal Life Saving Australia on behalf of the National Aquatic Industry Committee, this event is setting the stage to co-design a national framework for the future of aquatic facilities in Australia. This morning, Dr Justin Scarr (Royal Life Saving Australia) opened the symposium with a powerful call to action, followed by invaluable insights from Darryl Condon (HCMA, Canada), and compelling research on access and equity from RJ Houston and Dr William Koon (Royal Life Saving Australia). Over the next two days, the Symposium will explore key challenges and opportunities – to work together to co-design a national framework that is equitable, sustainable, and future-ready. #AquaticInfrastructure #SustainableCommunities #CommunityWellbeing #InfrastructureInnovation #EquityInAccess #AWSS2030

Join us for an inspiring global conversation! We're shining a light on the incredible women leading the way in drowning prevention around the world. 🗓 Wednesday 26 March 2025 🕗 8pm NZ | 6pm Syd & Melb | 3pm WA | 7am UK Hear from an expert panel of women from Japan, Norway, India, the US, and the Maldives as they share their experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future - all through the lens of this year’s International Women’s Day theme: March Forward. 🎙 Facilitated by Stacey Pidgeon – Royal Life Saving Australia 👥 Featuring: 🇯🇵 Yasuko Nakagawa – Japan Lifesaving Association 🇳🇴 Mia Bergmann – Flyte 🇮🇳 Dr Medhavi Gupta – The George Institute for Global Health 🇺🇸 Leslie Schwene, MPS – Huntington Beach Fire Department 🇲🇻 Aminath Zoona (Zuna) – Ocean Women Project 🇦🇺 Ennia Jones, Splash of Colour Swimming 👉 Register now: https://bit.ly/4c4cPmv #IWD2025 #DrowningPrevention #WomenInWaterSafety #MarchForward

Registrations are now open for the National Water Safety Summit 2025! Join experts, advocates, and industry leaders as we come together to strengthen alignment with the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030. 📅 Date: 24 & 25 July 2025 📍 Location: Aerial Function Centre, UTS, Sydney Royal Life Saving – Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia are proudly presenting this event on behalf of the Australian Water Safety Council. Secure your spot today! Register now: https://bit.ly/3DYsGGA #WaterSafetySummit #DrowningPrevention #AWSS2030 #WorldDrowningPreventionDay https://bit.ly/3DYsGGA

The Royal Life Saving Training and Workforce Development Committee met over the past two days in Sydney, to workshop strategy for the coming year. We can't understate the value of coming together as a committee to work on projects that will have a significant impact on how we train new entrants to the aquatic industry and continue to strengthen its existing workforce. There was a lot of great discussion, sharing of ideas and industry insights from the diverse contexts in which Royal Life Saving operates across the country. This workshop will play a crucial role by informing how we continue to pursue our broader mission to prevent drowning and build safe, resilient communities. Thank you to everyone who made this an energising and productive workshop: Penny Hodgers Ian Brown Michelle Williams Kevin Brabazon Andy Dennis Shaun Jackson Rebecca Gawne Jaqui Byala Nina Calvet #Training #Workshop #AquaticIndustry