BACKGROUND
The State of Australian Aquatic Facilities 2025 report provides a data-driven analysis of the current profile,
state, challenges, and opportunities facing aquatic facility planners, owners and operators and governments.
Using authoritative data sources this report presents a comprehensive assessment of the sector’s impact,
recent funding landscape and sustainability challenges.
KEY FINDINGS
Social & Economic Value
- 421 million visits to 2,103 aquatic facilities each year
- $12.84 billion annual social value inclusive of social, health and economic benefits
- $30.50 generated each visit to an aquatic facility in economic benefits
Infrastructure
- People living in many regional and outermetropolitan areas lack access to aquatic facilities for lessons, leisure and fitness. This gap in access contributes to social inequities
- New data shows a need for better planning frameworks that account for geographic distribution and population growth projections.
- 1 in 4 Australians have disadvantaged access to public pools
- The national average aquatic facility provisioning ratio is 1 aquatic facility per 12,826 population
Workforce & Safety Concerns
- 12.5% increase in major incidents responded to by pool lifeguards in 2024 (compared to 2023)
- Increasing trend of abuse and aggression towards staff at aquatic facilities by cohorts of the community
Sustainability & Climate Action
- Aquatic facilities are major energy consumers, requiring systematic upgrades to reduce environmental impact
- The majority of pools still rely on natural gas, necessitating more programs for electrification and renewable energy adoption
- Water waste and energy inefficiency remain key concerns, with leaks, evaporation, and outdated filtration systems contributing to excessive resource consumption
- Leading facilities showcase the potential for fully sustainable, net-zero energy operations
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE
- Establish a national public pool investment program
- Develop a national public pool planning framework
- Strengthen workforce protections & professional development
- Implement national sustainability standards for aquatic facilities
