Dive into the Future: Launching the 2025 State of the Aquatic & Recreation Workforce Report

Australia’s aquatic and recreation sector is more than just pools and splash zones—it’s a vital workforce whose training, diversity, retention, and capacity underpin water safety, community health and wellbeing. On Thursday 25 September 2025 at 12:00 pm AEST (online via Zoom), we invite you to join Royal Life Saving Australia, on behalf of the National Aquatic Industry Committee, for the launch of the State of the Aquatic & Recreation Workforce 2025 Report.

Why this matters

This landmark research delivers the most comprehensive insights to date into the workforce supporting aquatic and recreation facilities across Australia. The report uncovers:

• Workforce capacity — How many workers are in the sector now, how that has changed over time, and whether there are enough people in all parts of the country to meet community needs.

• Training & credentials — What qualifications, licenses, and accreditation are in place, what gaps remain, and how people are accessing upskilling.

• Diversity & inclusion — How the workforce reflects our communities, who is represented in different roles, and how labour force participation can be broadened.

• Retention & turnover — What makes people stay, what makes them leave, and how we can build a more stable, experienced workforce.

• Challenges & opportunities — Emerging trends in demand, safety, funding, technology, career progression—and what needs doing to keep the sector strong and resilient.

  
  

At the launch, you’ll get a guided walkthrough of the report findings, hear from sector leaders and researchers, and walk away with practical recommendations for operators, policy makers, and industry leaders.

How this connects with the National Aquatic Workforce Framework

The report aligns closely with and builds upon the National Aquatic Workforce Framework, another initiative from Royal Life Saving and the National Aquatic Industry Committee. The Framework was designed to:

• Improve the attractiveness of aquatic industry careers, so more people see these as viable, valued, long-term options.

• Define the competencies and capabilities needed for key roles—lifeguards, swim teachers, aquatic coaches and instructors, duty managers, customer service staff (aquatics), etc.—so that what people need to know and be able to do is clear.

• Provide clear pathways for professional growth, helping people move up, specialize, or diversify across roles.

• Strengthen systems around safety outcomes (licensing, accreditation), workforce planning, and training package design.

  
  

The Workforce Report 2025 will provide the data that grounds this Framework—showing where progress has been made, where gaps remain, and where efforts should be focused to make the Framework truly effective in shaping a resilient, capable workforce.

Who should attend

This webinar is for everyone with a stake in aquatic and recreation facilities:

• Operators and managers of pools, leisure centres, swim schools, aquatic safety programs

• Policy makers and government agencies responsible for water safety, recreation, public health

• Training providers and educators who deliver the qualifications and professional development

• Researchers and sector bodies interested in workforce data and trends

• Anyone passionate about ensuring safe, vibrant aquatic and recreation services in their communities

  
  

What you’ll gain

By attending, you’ll:

• See first-hand the findings of the 2025 Report—and get a sense of where the sector is heading

• Hear from experts who can put those findings in context and help you think about what action is needed

• Learn what the Framework suggests as best practice in workforce development and how your organisation can use it

• Discover strategies to recruit, retain, train, and develop your aquatic workforce more effectively

How to get involved

👉 Don’t miss this chance to contribute to a stronger aquatic and recreation sector. Register now to secure your place for Thursday 25 September 2025, 12:00 pm AEST. Webinar Registration - Zoom

Let’s work together to make sure our workforce is ready—not just to keep up, but to lead.