Royal Life Saving research shows millions of Australians missing out on access to public pools

A new report from Royal Life Saving Society - Australia has revealed that millions of Australians are now missing out on public pools.

Released today, the State of Australian Aquatic Facilities 2025 report has specifically identified 50 communities across the country that are most disadvantaged by a clear lack of access to swimming pools.

It shows that millions of Australians - particularly in outer metropolitan and low cost housing areas - are clearly disadvantaged when it comes to accessing public pools.

The research highlights how public pools contribute to healthier, safer and happier communities, while exposing major gaps that leave many Australians disadvantaged by a lack of access to these essential facilities.

It highlights that this lack of access to pools means fewer opportunities for children to learn to swim, pointing to excessive waiting lists for swimming lessons. 

It also notes that nation’s 2,103 public pools are buckling under too much pressure with far too few facilities in growing areas as well as reports of growing levels of violence towards pool lifeguards.

State of Australian Aquatic Facilities 2025
With over 421 million visits annually, public pools deliver an estimated $12.84 billion in social value each year, supporting drowning prevention, physical activity, mental wellbeing, and community cohesion. Yet, access is far from equal.

The report’s cutting-edge data analysis and modelling reveal that millions of Australians, particularly those in outer metropolitan and low-cost housing areas are disadvantaged when it comes to accessing public pools. This lack of access means fewer opportunities for children to learn to swim, reduced options for fitness and recreation, and diminished community connection and wellbeing.

Despite their immense social, health and economic value, nearly 500 public pools are approaching the end of their operational lifespan, placing additional pressure on local governments and facility operators to secure funding for maintenance and redevelopment. Without strategic intervention, the gap between those who have access to public pools and those who do not will continue to grow, exacerbating health and safety inequities.

Commenting on the findings, Royal Life Saving Chief Executive, Dr Justin Scarr (pictured below) stated “public pools are much loved essential community infrastructure that support community wellbeing and the Australian approach to drowning prevention.

“But for one in four Australians, particularly those in growing communities, there are simply no local options for safe access to swimming, aquatic exercise, and water safety education.”

The report establishes several key metrics that can assist planners and policy makers in ensuring equitable access to the right pools in the right communities, such as average population to pool ratios and the types and features of pools appropriate for different community profiles.

RJ Houston, General Manager - Capability & Industry at Royal Life Saving, added “research shows the planning approach to public pools is often ad hoc and politicised which can result in inappropriate facilities that do not align with the local community capacity, burdening councils with expensive assets that they cannot maintain.

“By developing a national framework for public pool planning and provisioning we can support better pool planning policies and grant programs which prioritise long-term community outcomes, which will ultimately support our goal that all Australians have a fair go when it comes to safe places to swim.”

To address these challenges and ensure equitable access to public pools, Royal Life Saving Australia is convening a National Aquatic Infrastructure Symposium in March 2025 which is targeting the development of a national public pool planning framework.

Top 50 Australian Communities where the most people have to drive more than 10 minutes to access a public pool

Click here to read the report.

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.