Almost 500 of Queensland’s top lifesaving athletes will visit the region this weekend for the 2026 Queensland Pool Rescue Championships, to be held at the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre.
Competitors from clubs across the state will battle it out across a range of events that replicate rescue techniques and test speed, strength and accuracy in the pool with not only state honours on the line but also qualification places for the Australian Pool Rescue Championships in Adelaide in August.
SLSQ Surf Sports Manager Stuart Hogben said that the event was a celebration of lifesaving skill and community.
“Pool Rescue showcases the showcases the skills and athleticism at the heart of surf lifesaving and is a crucial part of preparing our athletes for real-life rescue scenarios,” he said.
“We’ve seen some incredible performances through the regional carnivals and expect the standard of competition this weekend to be exceptionally high.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing the Queensland State Pool Rescue Championships to the Wide Bay Barrier branch, with Bundaberg an ideal location.
“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.
Hosting the championships in regional Queensland also gives us a fantastic opportunity to grow the sport and connect with new communities.”
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.
“Just last week I had the pleasure of taking our own homegrown Olympic swimmer, Isaac Cooper, through the facility, 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.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase Bundaberg on a larger stage,” Mayor Blackburn said.
The 2026 Queensland State Pool Rescue Championships will be held at the Bundaberg Aquatic Centre on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July 2026.
