Bundaberg Aquatic Centre has hosted the prestigious Queensland Pool Rescue State Championships on 11 and 12 July, bringing almost 500 of the region’s leading lifesaving athletes, officials and spectators to Bundaberg for a two-day competition focused on water safety, rescue skills and athletic excellence.
Competitors, including two of Bundaberg Aquatic Centre’s own team members, Ben Rice and Drew Woods, have tested themselves in a range of pool rescue events designed to simulate emergency rescue situations during the championships.
Not only were state honours on the line, but also qualification for the Australian Pool Rescue Championships in Adelaide in August.
Hosting the championships showcases everything Bundaberg Aquatic Centre has to offer, while also highlighting the important role regional venues play in supporting lifesaving sport and water safety education.
Local team members competing on home ground
Bundaberg Aquatic Centre team members have swapped their uniforms for competition gear as they took to the pool in pursuit of championship success. Ben and Drew, also members of the Elliott Heads Surf Lifesaving team, competed on home ground against some of the state’s strongest lifesaving athletes.
“Competing at a State Championship in our home venue was a fantastic feeling,” the pair said.
“We enjoyed racing against some of Queensland’s best lifesaving athletes and it’s special to have had the opportunity to do that in front of our local community, family and friends.”
Supporting sport and water safety in regional Queensland
Hosting the Queensland Pool Rescue State Championships provided opportunities to encourage healthy community participation and economic benefits for local businesses through increased visitation to the region, said Venue Manager Caitlin Hird.
Caitlin added in an interview with Bundaberg Today that the team was thrilled to welcome athletes and visitors to Bundaberg.
“We’re excited to have hosted the first major event for the venue. It gave us a chance to celebrate our community and region and events like this show our role in supporting lifesaving, water safety, local businesses and local athletes.”
Mayoral and Olympian support for an elite championship event
Ahead of the event, Mayor Helen Blackburn said the event would deliver strong benefits for both the community and competitors while showcasing Bundaberg as a premier destination for sport.
“The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre is a top-tier venue and we’re excited to see it come alive with elite competition,” she said.
“Just last week I had the pleasure of taking our own homegrown Olympic swimmer, Isaac Cooper, through the venue and he was blown away at the standard of the centre saying it was one of the best he’s seen.”
“These championships are a win for everyone – they give competitors a high-quality platform to compete and qualify for national events, while also bringing visitors into our region to support local businesses and accommodation providers.”
Bundaberg will host the Championships in both 2026 and 2027.
With elite athletes, community spirit and local representation on display, the championships promise to be a memorable event for both competitors and spectators alike.
To learn more about Bundaberg Aquatic Centre visit the website.
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