Gold Coast aquatic centres achieve platinum endorsement from Royal Life Saving

July 23, 2024

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).

22nd July 2024 - Royal Saving Society secures funding to review Northern Territory report on swimming pools in remote areas

18th July 2024 - Royal Life Saving Society Queensland secures record Government funding deal and announces state’s first ever Platinum Endorsed Pools

17th July 2024 - Royal Life Saving releases finalised National Aquatic Workforce Framework

16th July 2024 - Plans revealed for roof to be added to Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

29th July 2021 - Upgraded Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations hub now open

17th September 2021 - Royal Life Saving Webinar to mark 30 years of the GSPO and 25 years of aquatic facility safety assessments

12th March 2024 - Drowning death at Cairns swimming hole highlights need for improved safety signage

28th February 2024 - Aquatic Industry event highlights achievements of drowning prevention campaigns

28th January 2024 - World Conference on Drowning Prevention organisers invite input on closing statement

12th April 2024 - Strategy Summit looks to drive cohesion across the aquatic and recreation industry

25th April 2023 - 2023 Australian Swimming Championships delivers one of biggest events at Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

7th January 2022 - Staff shortages impact Gold Coast’s lifeguard team and close Upper Coomera Aquatic Centre

14th May 2021 - Miami Aquatic Centre reopens following major upgrade

20th April 2021 - Rackley Swimming recruits Rio Olympic Team swimming coach Richard Scarce at Miami Aquatic Centre

17th December 2021 - Pimpama Sports Hub designed to be 100% energy self-sufficient

8th February 2021 - City of Gold Coast opens Phase One of its Pimpama Sports Hub

3rd August 2023 - New era for Queensland aquatics with ARQ launch

20th September 2019 - Gold Coast Council moves forward with new aquatic and sporting facilities

5th December 2017 - ALFAQ calls for greater investment in Queensland’s public pools

31st May 2017 - Plans revealed for $56.5 million aquatic and recreation facility on the northern Gold Coast

25th November 2016 - Royal Life Saving forms committee to review the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations

30th June 2014 - Council to manage Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

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