Royal Life Saving Aquatic Infrastructure Symposium charts future for public swimming pools

Aiming to shape a future where every Australian community has access to a fit-for-purpose local swimming pool, last week’s National Aquatic Infrastructure Symposium saw the presentation of case studies and community stories - along with information on cutting-edge technology and sustainability strategies.

Hosted by Royal Life Saving Australia and held at Life Saving Victoria’s headquarters in Port Melbourne, the two-day Symposium set the stage for the development of a National Aquatic Infrastructure Framework.

Following on from Royal Life Saving’s extensive work in the area, including the recently-released State of Australian Aquatic Facilities 2025 report, more than 100 delegates gathered to hear keynote speakers from across academia, government, architecture and the aquatic industry. Experts also advised on the opportunities, challenges, technologies and imperatives facing the industry in the sustainability space.

The Symposium wrapped up with participants interacting in helping Royal Life Saving in helping shape a Framework and Facility Components on the needs of diverse communities across Australia.

Concluding the event, Royal Life Saving advised “together, we’re shaping a future where every Australian community has access to a great local pool”, adding “stay tuned as we continue this vital work in support of the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030.”

ASC to launch National Sports Infrastructure Strategy
The Symposium also heard Sue McGill, Director - Participation Growth at the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), advise that the body is set to launch data gathering for a National Sports Infrastructure Strategy.

The new strategy will form part of the wider Play Well Strategy which provides a common language, shared priority areas and maps out the sporting ecosystem in Australia.

National Aquatic Infrastructure Symposium backers 
Sponsors:
Commercial Aquatics Australia (Vic) - Steve Meikle
Myrtha Pools - Chiara Cenati
Lynxight - Daniel Mulvey
 
Media Partner:
Australasian Leisure Management - 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

A feature on Royal Life Saving’s blueprint for the future of public pool provision will be published in the March/April 2025 issue of Australasian Leisure Management.

Image: Delegates at the 2025 National Aquatic Infrastructure Symposium gather outside Life Saving Victoria’s headquarters in Port Melbourne.