On Thursday, May 1st, the aquatic community came together in style at Le Montage, Sydney, to celebrate outstanding achievements at The Aquas 2025 Awards Gala.

Hosted by Royal Life Saving NSW, the evening honoured excellence across the sector—from lifesaving sport and industry leadership to cultural inclusion and innovation—with more than 230 guests, finalists, sponsors, and special guests in attendance.

The evening kicked off with an official Acknowledgement of Country, followed by a warm welcome from Royal Life Saving NSW CEO Michael Ilinsky, who highlighted the incredible milestone of celebrating 130 Summers of Royal Life Saving. With a record-breaking 111 nominations and 66 finalists across 14 categories, the 2025 awards demonstrated the strength and passion of the aquatic industry.

Throughout the night, guests enjoyed an inspiring series of awards presentations, dinner, entertainment, and special highlights, including a Q&A with Olympic diver and social media advocate Sam Fricker.

Congratulations to all winners of The Aquas 2025:

🏆 Competitor of the Year (sponsored by Badge of Honour)

Winner: Brayden Woodford

Recognised for his outstanding achievements on the national and international lifesaving stage.

🏆 Outstanding Contributions to Lifesaving Sport (sponsored by Sport NSW)

Winner: Rozlynn Grey OAM

Honoured for over 60 years of leadership, mentoring, and dedication to pool lifesaving.

🏆 Pool Lifeguard of the Year (sponsored by Laerdal)

Winner: Melissa Sweeney

Celebrated for her proactive leadership, lifesaving skill, and dedication to safety.

🏆 Swim Teacher of the Year (sponsored by Australian Training Company)

Winner: Sarah Harwood

Known for her vibrant teaching style, inclusivity, and impact on young swimmers.

🏆 Poolie of the Year (sponsored by Trisley’s Hydraulic Services)

Winner: Chad McCamley

Recognised for transforming facility operations and safety across two community pools.

🏆 Industry Leader of the Year (sponsored by Vorgee)

Winner: Simon Duck

Awarded for visionary leadership in shaping inclusive, community-centred aquatic facilities.

🏆 Supplier of the Year (sponsored by R&D Technical Services)

Winner: Para Mobility

Celebrated for advancing accessibility across aquatic centres nationwide.

🏆 Aquatic Facility of the Year (sponsored by Statewide Mutual)

Winner: Parramatta Aquatic Centre

Honoured for setting a new benchmark for excellence, accessibility, and innovation.

🏆 Excellence in Cultural Diversity (sponsored by Primary Communications)

Winner: A Splash of Colour Swimming (Founder: Ennia Jones)

Recognised for breaking down barriers and promoting water safety among CALD communities.

🏆 Excellence in Access and Inclusion (sponsored by Para Mobility)

Winner: Macquarie University Sport and Aquatic Centre

Acknowledged for creating a welcoming, accessible environment for all community members.

🏆 Excellence in Training and Education (sponsored by International Quadratics)

Winner: Cameron McFarlane

Awarded for delivering transformative CPR and water safety education across Australia and internationally.

🏆 Excellence in Innovation (sponsored by Fluidra Commercial)

Winner: Inverell Aquatic Centre

Celebrated for pioneering facility design, sustainability, and community impact in regional Australia.

🏆 Excellence in Drowning Prevention (sponsored by Specialised Engineering Services)

Winner: Muswellbrook High School

Honoured for a three-decade legacy of lifesaving education and community leadership.

🏆 Royal Life Saving President’s Award (sponsored by aXcelerate)

Winner: Belgravia Leisure

Recognised for their outstanding contribution to safety, inclusion, and industry leadership.

The evening was made possible thanks to the generous support of event sponsors, including Gold Sponsor Specialised Engineering Services, Silver Sponsors Trisley’s Hydraulic Services, Statewide Mutual, Badge of Honour, and R&D Technical Services, and a host of Bronze Sponsors.

As the formalities concluded, the celebrations continued with music, dancing, and plenty of memories made at the photo booth—fitting for a night that celebrated the heart, dedication, and future of the aquatic industry.

Congratulations once again to all finalists and winners—you truly embody the spirit of lifesaving, innovation, and community impact.