This session will present the findings of the State of Australian Aquatic Facilities 2025 report, a
comprehensive analysis of public aquatic infrastructure, social value, access equity, and sustainability. The report reveals that over six million Australians (24%) live more than a 10-minute drive from a public pool, with this figure expected to rise to 7.3 million (29%) by 2032. Additionally, nearly 500 pools are nearing the end of their lifespan, and local governments face mounting financial pressures in maintaining existing infrastructure.
Key recommendations include the establishment of a National Public Pool Investment Program, principles for needs-based facility planning, and guidelines for sustainability and climate resilience. Delegates will explore early principles from Royal Life Saving's upcoming National Aquatic Infrastructure Symposium and discuss how cross-sector collaboration can strengthen the role of public pools in health promotion, drowning prevention, and social equity.

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  RJ Houston

  General Manager at Royal Lifesaving Australia

Cryptosporidium is a resilient parasite that poses significant health risks in aquatic environments,
particularly for swimmers who may inadvertently ingest contaminated water. This presentation will
discuss the challenges presented by Cryptosporidium, examining its impact on public health and aquatic facility operations.
This presentation will also provide aquatic facilities with strategies to reduce contamination risks and how to respond and manage cryptosporidium contamination of pool water effectively

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  Sarah Cresswell

  Principal Training Consultant at Wai Skills

We expect our swimming pools to serve as inclusive spaces to accommodate individuals of all abilities.This presentation will examine strategies to enhance accessibility across various scopes of improvement—from small-scale modifications to comprehensive renovations, pro-active planning in new-build projects, and management/operational practices. It highlights the significance of incremental changes, such as installing grab bars, handrails, or accessible seating, while exploring impactful solutions like ramped entries, lift systems, and universal design principles for newly constructed facilities. Audit examples from various aquatic centres across NZ will corroborate our comments. By emphasizing that minor changes can lead to a profound impact, this session aims to inspire industry professionals, aquatic centre management, and local council to see the benefit to all of accessibility and to foster swimming environments that welcome everyone. By sharing practical insights and innovative proven approaches, we will equip those in attendance with the tools to make accessibility a cornerstone of their projects, transforming pools into spaces of equity and inclusion.

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  Katie Bourke

  Access advisor and educator at CCS Disability Action

In the aquatics sector, we’re not short on data—but too often, the real question gets missed: So what? This presentation will unpack how the right data, framed the right way, can move us beyond reporting and compliance, and into genuine community engagement. Drawing from real-world projects across Aotearoa and Australia, we’ll explore how aquatic providers and councils are using insights to design better services, reach underserved communities, and prove their impact—without getting bogged down in dashboards and KPIs.
We’ll share practical examples of how to link data with decisions that matter: from identifying who’s not using your facilities (and why), to backing up planning submissions with evidence to shaping programmes that reflect the unique needs of different communities. We’ll also look at how to simplify the process—cutting through complexity to tell a story that sparks action.
This isn’t about having more data. It’s about making it meaningful. If you're keen to shift your team from “good reporting” to “great engagement,” and if you’ve ever asked
yourself so what? when looking at a spreadsheet or insights software—this session is for you.

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  Ricki Jones

  Prinicpal Consultant

How well does facility design on paper translate to facility operations. In this session we will sit down in groups and look at facility design from an operational point of view

Drowning remains a global health challenge, claiming thousands of lives annually across recreational and aquatic environments. The Selwyn District has taken a pioneering step by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance swimmer safety and prevent drowning incidents at the Selwyn Aquatic Centre. This presentation explores the transformative journey of installing and integrating Lynxight's AI-powered drowning prevention technology, from initial conceptualisation to full-scale implementation.We will delve into the multifaceted process of adopting this cutting-edge solution, beginning with the critical assessment of existing safety processes and the decision-making process for adoption. We examine the intricacies of AI technology integration into existing practices and how real-time monitoring capabilities assist enhancing traditional lifeguarding methods.Key highlights include the technology's advanced computer vision algorithms that detect potential drowning incidents with unprecedented accuracy, the challenges of adapting the system to diverse aquatic environments, and the change management approach required for staff and stakeholders’ engagement. We will discuss key data points from the analytics of the system, the technology's ability to distinguish between normal swimming activities and genuine distress situations, and the broader implications for water safety management. Attendees will gain insights into the potential of AI to revolutionise drowning prevention, transforming safety protocols in swimming pools. We will do a deep dive into the Lynxight system to showcase the benefits of real AI powered drowning prevention.The integration of AI in drowning prevention at the Selwyn Aquatic Centre represents a significant advancement in public safety. This initiative not only supports lifeguards but also sets a precedent for other regions to adopt similar technologies, ultimately contributing to the reduction of drowning incidents.

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  Dan Mulvey

  General Manager Australia & NZ at Lynxight
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  James Richmond

  Head of Sport and Recreation at Selwyn District Council

How does lifeguarding look internationally? What lessons can be learnt and are Aquatic Facilities in
Aotearoa ahead or behind? Participation in the International Aquatic Safety School (IASS) in Abu Dhabi hoped to shed a little light on this. This presentation will discuss the concept of IASS, what is different about the approach to lifeguarding based on the Ellis and Associates training program and more importantly the benefits it can provide our approach to Aquatic safety, training, and accreditation.
Fair warning -includes a mind-numbing slideshow of the presenter's experience which can only be
compared to your auntie's annual trip to Tasmania to see the rellies

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  Alex Calwell ARPro

  Principal Aquatics Specialist at Thrive Spaces and Places

Named after Hiwa-i-te-Rangi, the youngest star in the Matariki cluster, Hiwa symbolises aspiration, growth,
and ambition.
The 26,000sq m facility features an eight-lane swimming pool, dive pool, spa pool and sauna, bouldering wall, rooftop multi-sport turf, and more.
This presentation will not only look through the project but more importantly the approach to starting from scratch, getting back to basics and how team culture and leadership is at the centre of it all.

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  Sarah Clarke

  Aquatics Manager at University of Auckland