Ensuring Every Australian Has Access to Safe and Inclusive Aquatic Facilities
Royal Life Saving Australia (RLSA) continues to lead the way in advocating for accessible, safe, and sustainable aquatic facilities across the country. Their latest report, State of Australian Aquatic Facilities 2025, highlights crucial insights into the current state of public pools, emphasising the growing divide between those who have access and those who do not. This report is a call to action for policymakers, local governments, and industry leaders to address accessibility gaps and ensure that aquatic facilities remain vital community assets for all Australians.
Key Findings from the Report
The 2025 report provides critical updates across several key areas, including:
- The Social, Health & Economic Value of Public Pools – Reinforcing the importance of aquatic facilities for physical health, mental well-being, and social connection.
- Workforce & Safety Data – Understanding how well-supported lifeguards and aquatic staff contribute to overall community safety.
- Visitation Trends – Evaluating the number of Australians using public pools and identifying barriers to access.
- Infrastructure Mapping & ‘Pool Deserts’ – Identifying the 50 most disadvantaged communities lacking adequate aquatic facilities.
- Funding & Architectural Considerations – Analysing the sustainability and future viability of public pool infrastructure.
- A Proposed National Framework for Aquatic Facility Infrastructure – The first step towards a unified strategy to ensure long-term access and equity.
Addressing the Growing Divide in Aquatic Access
One of the most compelling findings of the report is the increasing inequality in public pool access. Currently, 1 in 4 Australians face significant disadvantages in accessing these facilities, with the greatest impact felt in growing outer-metropolitan suburbs. This means that thousands of families, children, and individuals are missing out on the life-saving benefits of swimming education, recreation, and water safety training.
The Role of Local Governments and Investment
The report underscores the challenges faced by local governments, who are responsible for managing and maintaining public pools despite limited funding. Without increased investment in feasibility studies, planning, and infrastructure development, many existing pools will fall into disrepair, further exacerbating the accessibility gap.
To combat this, Royal Life Saving Australia is bringing together key stakeholders to co-design a national framework aimed at securing the future of aquatic facilities across the country. By recognising these pools as essential community assets, RLSA hopes to secure sustainable funding, strategic development, and inclusive accessibility measures.
A Shared Vision for the Future
At Para Mobility, we strongly support the work of Royal Life Saving Australia in advocating for inclusive aquatic facilities. Accessible pools are not just recreational spaces—they are vital hubs for health, community connection, and water safety education.
We encourage our industry partners, policymakers, and communities to explore the findings of the report and take action in ensuring that no Australian is left behind when it comes to aquatic access.
Let’s work together to champion accessible, safe, and sustainable aquatic facilities for all Australians!
