Lifesaving beacon and rescue tube saves two swimmers in Illawarra: Surf Life Saving NSW
Members of the public have rescued two swimmers struggling in a rip in the Illawarra on Monday night, with the help of a rescue tube affixed to the Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) Emergency Response Beacon (ERB) located at the unpatrolled Coniston Beach, just south of WIN Stadium.
New John Houston Memorial Pool an investment in Hay’s health, wellbeing and vibrancy
The fully refurbished John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool is more than a safe place to swim. It is more than being the largest capital project in Council history. In her official address during the opening ceremony on December 19, Hay Mayor, Carol Oataway said the pool complex was a community hub, a place where families gather, friendships are forged, and active, healthy lifestyles are encouraged.
Mural completed at Darlington Point pool just in time for Christmas
Darlington Point’s War Memorial Swimming Pool has been given a stunning new look, with a vibrant mural completed just in time for Christmas. The eye-catching artwork celebrates the area’s unique landscape and biodiversity, bringing native birds, bees and local flora to life.
Lake’s new steps
This summer, everyone — young, old or less mobile — will have a chance to enjoy the sparkling waters of Naracoorte Swimming Lake, thanks to a community-driven project that has transformed accessibility at one of the town’s most beloved landmarks.
Algae doesn’t swim between the flags: Tarzia, Basham
Businesses and families financially impacted by the harmful algal bloom have been left wanting by the State Government’s most recent announcement on how it plans to keep our beaches open during summer ... “While our lifesavers do an outstanding job keeping our beaches safe, algae doesn’t swim between the flags,” Mr Tarzia said.
Record beach patrols for summer: Malinauskas, Watt, Pearce
A record number of beaches along the metropolitan and southern coast will have seven-day Surf Life Saving patrols this summer, giving South Australians confidence they can safely swim between the flags amid the algal bloom. The ‘Between the Flags’ patrols will be funded through a partnership with Surf Life Saving SA and the State and Federal governments, as part of the Algal Bloom Summer Plan.
It’s time to get wet all over
The new season of swimming pool happiness has commenced. The tired old pool has had a remarkable makeover. Greg, the new manager with a history of managing swimming pools, recognised the work required to bring the pool up to standard.
PCYC aquatics ready to dive into Allora community
After being awarded a 3 year contract by Southern Downs Regional Council to operate the Allora Swimming Pool, PCYC Queensland is ready to take on the management when it reopens on 1 October - just in time for the summer season. This marks a major milestone for PCYC Queensland, one of the state’s largest providers of sport and recreation programs.
Pool redevelopment remains on time and on budget
The John Houston Memorial Pool remains on track to re-open on budget by mid-December. Work is progressing well with the redevelopment of the pool, with all piers completed for the 50m pool and earthworks and piering currently underway for the Learn to Swim and toddler's pool.
Tara dives into record books
Austinn Lane. Former Yorke Peninsula resident Tara Rawson has made history, becoming the deepest Australian female freediver and setting two national records at the AIDA Asian Freediving Cup in the Philippines last week.
Queensland champion
Bailey Harm claimed gold and the Qld School Sport Champion title for the 17-19 years 50m and 100m Freestyle events at the recent Qld Schools Championships in Brisbane ... Bailey clocked a 52.26 in the 100m Freestyle heats, going on to win the final.
Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre officially opens
It was a highly anticipated occasion for the Clarence Valley community who have waited more than two years to access the $29.1 million state-of-the-art facility.
Great Yamba performances at State Surf Lifesaving titles in Sydney
Jim Dougherty. A strong group of Yamba Surf Club members competed in the 2025 NSW State Surf Lifesaving Championships in Sydney over the last two weeks ... Cody Kratzmann once again led the way for the Yamba team with an all the way win in the U10 years male surf race final to retain the title he won last year in the U9 age group.
Hay at the forefront of evolutionary pool safety
Hay Shire Council has embraced evolutionary AI to take the new John Houston Memorial Pool to the next level of drowning prevention with advanced pool safety.
Community enthusiasm makes a splash as 50m pool opens in Grafton
As she positioned herself on the starting block, adjusted her goggles, and concentrated on her breathing while focusing on the water in front of her, it was a moment 16-year-old Andrea Thomson was determined to savour ... Andrea was one of the first swimmers to dive into the 50m Grafton Olympic Pool at the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre during its public opening on February 15.
Debt-free pool – $8M project fully funded
The replacement pool and facilities at the John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool will be constructed free of debt to Council and at minimal cost to ratepayers. The $8.067 million project received a further boost of $4.191 million last week following Council’s successful funding application under Round 2 of the Growing Regions Program.
Hazardous surf for parts of NSW: SLSNSW
With hazardous weather conditions forecast to impact parts of NSW over the coming days, including major Sydney beaches, Surf Life Saving NSW is urging the public to exercise caution when visiting the coastline.
Solar heating for new pool: Council considers options for renewable energy at replacement pools
Heating options for two of the replacement pools at the John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool are currently being investigated by the contractor, ELM Aquatics. Works are due to commence late next month, with the pool closing on February 24, to be completed for re-opening late November 2025. General Manager, David Webb said the replacement project includes three new pools, filtration equipment, solar heating, renewable energy supply, recreational facilities and landscaping.
Bailey cleans up at Yamba Ocean Swim
Bailey Armstrong from the Gold Coast has taken out both the 700m and 2km Ocean Swim events at Yamba, on Sunday. Bailey said that he was feeling a bit of pressure during the 700m event, which was the first event of the day.
Maclean Manta Rays swimmers achieve further success at national level
Six swimmers from the Clarence Valley represented the Maclean Manta Rays Swimming Club at the 2024-25 Speedo NSW Senior State Age Championships earlier this month. Held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre between December 6-12, the event attracted some of the best athletes from across the state.
Port Pirie chosen as host for 2026 Country Swimming Championships
The 2026 South Australian Country Swimming Championships are coming to the Port Pirie Aquatic and Leisure Centre, running from 4–7 January 2026. This highly anticipated event, secured by the Port Pirie Regional Council, will showcase the best of regional swimming talent while bringing families, supporters, and the wider country swimming community together in the heart of the region.
Griffith to host 2025 Country Regional Swimming Championships
Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre is set to host an exciting showcase of regional swimming talent as over 500 athletes from across New South Wales converge for the 2025 Country Regional Swimming Championships. Taking place on January 18-19, the event will highlight the state’s top regional swimmers as they compete for a place at the prestigious NSW Country Championships in February.

