The Brisbane Aquatic Centre, located within the Sleeman Sports Complex, has been awarded Platinum Safety Endorsement under Royal Life Saving Queensland’s Platinum Pools Program for 2025-26, the highest level of recognition for aquatic safety, risk management and operational excellence.

The Platinum Pools Program, established in Queensland in 2021, sets a rigorous benchmark for public aquatic facilities in safety and compliance. Platinum endorsement is reserved for venues that demonstrate sustained excellence over time, achieving consistently high assessment outcomes and embedding best-practice safety systems across all aspects of operations.

Facilities are assessed against the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations (GSPO), relevant Australian Standards, and applicable state legislation. Achieving Platinum status requires not only strong compliance, but clear evidence of a proactive safety culture, continuous improvement, and leadership in aquatic risk management.

Royal Life Saving Society Queensland State Manager, Nikki Thornhill, said the achievement reflects the venue’s long-term commitment to safety and industry leadership. “The Brisbane Aquatic Centre has demonstrated sustained excellence across all areas of aquatic safety, from supervision and staff capability to governance and risk management,” Ms Thornhill said.

“Importantly, this achievement is supported by ongoing independent verification through monthly Mystery Guest Visits, which assess real-time supervision deployment and performance to ensure safety standards are consistently upheld in day-to-day operations.”

“As one of Queensland’s premier aquatic venues, their commitment sets a strong benchmark for the industry and reinforces community confidence in the safety of public aquatic environments.”

Platinum endorsement recognises performance across key areas including lifeguard supervision systems, emergency preparedness, staff training, work health and safety, and child supervision strategies. The Brisbane Aquatic Centre has also demonstrated consistent performance through the Royal Life Saving Aquatic Facility Safety Assessment and Lifeguard Mystery Guest Assessment programs.

Stadiums Queensland, Sleeman Sports Complex General Manager, Alex Hutchison, said the recognition reflects the dedication of the team and their focus on delivering a safe and high-quality experience. “We are extremely proud to achieve Platinum Safety Endorsement. This recognition highlights the commitment of our team to maintaining the highest standards of safety, while continuing to deliver a world-class aquatic facility for our community.” Mr Hutchison said.

“The ongoing partnership with Royal Life Saving Queensland, including the Mystery Guest program, ensures we continue to challenge ourselves and drive continuous improvement across all areas of operation.”

The Platinum Pools Program is open to public aquatic facilities, commercial swim schools, and educational institution pools across Queensland. Endorsements are tiered, with Platinum representing the highest level, and are only awarded to facilities that meet strict performance criteria over multiple assessment periods.

More information on the program or to sign up, please contact: aquaticservices@rlssq.com.au

Royal Life Saving acknowledges the support of its State/Territory and National partners in delivering this program.