Competitors from across the state will be making a splash at the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre when the 2026 Queensland State Pool Rescue Championships is hosted in the region.
The two-day event will bring together Queensland’s best pool rescue athletes to compete for state honours and qualification places at national level competition.
Surf Life Saving Queensland Surf Sports Manager Stuart Hogben said Bundaberg was a natural choice to host one of the organisation’s flagship pool competitions.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing the Queensland State Pool Rescue Championships to the Wide Bay Barrier branch, with Bundaberg an ideal location,” he said.
“The Bundaberg Aquatic Centre is a great facility that will give our athletes the ideal environment to perform at their best and fight for selection at the national level.”
“Pool rescue is a dynamic and exciting discipline that showcases the skills and athleticism at the heart of surf lifesaving.
“Hosting the championships in regional Queensland gives us a fantastic opportunity to grow the sport and connect with new communities.”
“We’re anticipating a highly competitive field, and we’d encourage everyone in the Bundaberg region to come down and witness the calibre of these athletes firsthand,” he said.
Bundaberg Regional Council is proud to support the 2026 and 2028 Surf Life Saving Queensland Pool Rescue State Championships at the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre, welcoming athletes, officials and visitors to the region.
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 facility and we’re excited to see it come alive with elite competition,” she said.
“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.”
Mayor Blackburn said hosting the event across two years would further strengthen its impact.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase Bundaberg on a larger stage,” she said.
The 2026 Queensland State Pool Rescue Championships will be held at the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July 2026.
Further information on competition schedules, registration and event details will be available via the Surf Life Saving Queensland website.
