Published 29 May 2026
Royal Life Saving Australia to host the National Aquatic Infrastructure Symposium 2026
Royal Life Saving Australia will host the Second National Aquatic Infrastructure Symposium in 2026, building on the momentum of last year’s highly commended event and continuing the national conversation about the future of public aquatic facility infrastructure in Australia.
The two-day, invitation-only Symposium will bring together senior industry leaders, local governments, architects, planners, policymakers, and academics to strengthen a shared vision for the future of aquatic facilities and help ensure every community has access to a great local pool.
Australia’s public aquatic infrastructure remains at a critical juncture. Forty per cent of public pools are expected to reach the end of their functional lifespan by 2030, while many established facilities in growing suburbs are already under significant pressure as population density rises and demand outpaces capacity.
At the same time, Royal Life Saving Australia’s research says 1 in 4 Australians lack equitable access to a public pool, reinforcing the need for stronger planning, better evidence and more targeted investment.
RJ Houston, General Manager – Capability and Industry at Royal Life Saving Australia, said the Symposium reflects years of research, advocacy and industry collaboration focused on building a stronger national case for aquatic infrastructure.
“This Symposium stands on our track record of more than a decade of research, frameworks and facilitating cross-sector collaboration, which has built a globally unparalleled evidence base and movement for investment in community swimming pools, and it all reinforces a simple point: public pools matter, but our planning and funding frameworks must catch up,” said Mr Houston.
“When 1 in 4 Australians still lack equitable access to a public pool, and many established facilities are operating at or beyond their intended capacity, we have to be serious about long-term, evidence-informed investment and planning,” he said.
Stakeholders can contribute to the program as presenters, panellists and workshop participants, helping shape the priorities, tools and partnerships needed to guide future aquatic infrastructure planning across Australia.
Attendance is by invitation only, with stakeholders invited to apply via an Expression of Interest. A small registration fee will apply to cover event costs.
Expression of Interest / Pre-event Survey: EOI / Pre-event Survey for the National Aquatic Infrastructure Symposium (2026)
About Royal Life Saving Australia
Royal Life Saving Australia is a public benevolent institution, established in 1894, dedicated to bringing people together to eliminate drowning and empower communities to be safe around water. As a leading national drowning prevention and water safety organisation, we believe drowning is preventable, being able to swim is a human right, and access to safe places to swim builds healthier, more connected communities. Through our leadership, research, advocacy and education, we foster inclusion, build resilience and develop lifelong skills so that every Australian can enjoy the water safely.
Media contact
RJ Houston
M: 0403 340 033
