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In a historic development for the aquatic industry in Queensland, four City of Gold Coast aquatic centres have become the first facilities in the state to achieve the prestigious Platinum Endorsement in the Royal Life Saving Society's Platinum Pools Program.

The Platinum Pools Program, introduced in Queensland in 2021, recognises aquatic facilities that meet the highest standards in safety and risk management. The Program involves a comprehensive quality audit by Royal Life Saving against the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations (GSPO), Australian standards, World Aquatics standards, and relevant state legislation.

Facilities participating in the Platinum Pools Program complete a combination of assessment processes every 12 months, including a Royal Life Saving Aquatic Facility Safety Assessment and two Royal Life Saving mystery guest visits.

The four facilities - the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, Pimpama Sports Hub, Upper Coomera Aquatic Centre and the Miami Aquatic Centre - have excelled in their assessments for the past three years achieving the Platinum Endorsement this year after achieving 100% compliance and scoring over 95% on safety measures.

Welcoming the remarkable achievement of the facilities’ commitment to aquatic safety and excellence, Executive Director of Royal Life Saving Society - Queensland, Paul Barry stated “the achievement of Platinum status in the Platinum Pools program by Gold Coast Aquatic Centres marks a significant milestone as the first facilities in Queensland to attain this prestigious endorsement.

"This recognition shows City of Gold Coast's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aquatic safety and excellence, as well as Royal Life Saving Queensland's commitment to ensuring all aquatic facilities are safe places to swim and recreate."

Barry also highlighted the dedication of the centre's staff and management, noting “it is a proud moment that reflects the hard work and dedication of the staff and management at Gold Coast Aquatic Centres.

“We look forward to many other facilities following City of Gold Coast's example in aquatic safety."

City of Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate added “safety is our number one priority, so, to see Gold Coast Aquatic Centres setting the Platinum Standard shows we are once again leading the way.

"This is wonderful recognition for our hard-working staff, whose passion always shines through. The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre is a legacy of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, so this recognition further highlights our world-class facility and its ongoing legacy for the City."

Images: Pimpama Sports Hub (top) and the Upper Coomera Aquatic Centre (below).

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