Aquatics Awards 2025 - announcing the winners

Our annual Aquatics Awards recognise the innovation, leadership, and dedication at the heart of New Zealand’s aquatics sector. This year, the awards were held on Thursday 21 August in Ōtautahi Christchurch, bringing  together professionals from across the motu to celebrate this year’s outstanding achievements.

Congratulations to our winners

OPSEC National Pool Lifeguard Competition

The OPSEC National Pool Lifeguard Competition brings together lifeguard teams from across Aotearoa, offering them a chance to test their skills, knowledge, and teamwork in a bid to be crowned New Zealand National Pool Lifeguard Champions.

Winner: Auckland Council claimed the top spot for the third year in a row with their team Guardians of the Deep End, Vol. 3.

Aquatic Innovation Award – Operations

This award recognises the success of a project that shows innovation, community engagement, industry leadership, and overall sustainability. It celebrates innovations that enhance the aquatic experience, improve facility operations, and contribute to the wider industry.

Merit awards: Auckland Council (Karanga Plaza Harbour Pool), and Hamilton City Council (Partner Pools Programme).

Winner: Selwyn District Council for The Deep End of Innovation: AI and Pool Safety, a project integrating AI into lifeguarding.

Aquatic Innovation Award – Programme

This award recognises the success of a programme that demonstrates innovation, community engagement, industry leadership, and sustainability. It celebrates initiatives that enhance the aquatic experience and contribute to the broader aquatics sector.

Merit Award: Bay Venues for BaySwim: Commercially Community.

Winner: Selwyn District Council for WAVES, one of New Zealand’s largest and most inclusive swim programmes.

Outstanding Pool Award

This award honours an exceptional aquatic facility, where the principal purpose of the structure is recreation. Judging considers factors such as usage, finance, and Poolsafe® status.

Winner: Bay Venues’ much-loved Mount Hot Pools took home the award.

Lifeguard of the Year Award

This award recognises an outstanding lifeguard who contributes to their facility, community, and the aquatics industry in Aotearoa. It celebrates exceptional individuals who enhance the aquatic experience for customers and staff through enthusiasm and professionalism.

Winner: Kate McMullen from Auckland Council.