Sdy pools boast a unique brand of whimsical charm due to their name which suggests a place where tides and human activity are intrinsically linked. Built during the 19th and early 20th centuries along New South Wales’ wild coastline as an alternative to surf, these tidal pools regularly fill and drain of seawater, offering swimmers a protected place where they could swim or sunbathe without fearing predatory waves or their forceful force. Still today, these beautiful spots still hold that allure for pilgrims who come early enough. Before surfers and soft sand runners arrive, pilgrims clutching towels and goggles cut through the spray to reach these patches of calm ocean. Here they swim, float or sit, immersing themselves in its cold salty water that has drawn them for 200 years.

Beaches attract families, children and older people from all backgrounds looking to swim, walk, talk and relax. Swimming pools tend to be shark free (these creatures prefer harbor waters over beach sand) and act as a hub of social activity; picnic blankets, towels, hats and sunscreen litter the sand while local cafes serve sandwiches, cakes and drinks with lifeguards patrolling nearby waters. Aquarobics classes and swimming lessons also help keep swimmers active and in shape.

Royal Life Saving Australia supports any initiative which lowers barriers to public pool access and water safety education, and encourages people to enjoy swimming as part of a healthy and happy aquatic lifestyle. Royal Life Saving Australia strongly backs initiatives which increase accessibility of swimming spaces like this one and can assist individuals who may otherwise find accessing one prohibitively difficult or impossible. We applaud any initiative which reduces those barriers so everyone has safe, accessible swimming options available locally – we see them as providing healthful water play! The local public pool remains by far the safest way of swimming option and Royal Life Saving Australia proudly backs any initiative which facilitates equal participation by all ages in all swim events – with our supporter base helping us all make sure everyone has equal access to their local public pool so everyone can stay healthy and happy in water!

Sydney residents live within 20-minute driving distance of an aquatic centre of high quality; however, access isn’t equally distributed: some council areas host up to 134,000 residents per aquatic center while other – like Mosman – host less than 7,000 per facility.

Sydney is an incredibly diverse city, and residents’ needs and aspirations vary widely. Therefore, investing in our communities to provide them with access to high-quality aquatic centres that are both cost effective and easy to reach is essential. Your community’s health and wellbeing depend on it. Research shows that when community pools are better connected to public transport, more people visit and stay longer at the pool – building stronger communities while decreasing government expenses. Leveraging NSW Government infrastructure as well as partnerships with local groups and businesses we can deliver a world-class network of community pools across the state with your support – start taking steps now to make this dream a reality!