26th - 27th August 2026
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
2026 WA Aquatic & Recreation Industry Awards
The WA Aquatic & Recreation Industry Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals, teams, and facilities across our sector. These prestigious awards recognise excellence in facility management, safety, programming, and innovation—honouring those making a lasting impact on aquatics and recreation in Western Australia.
The 2026 WA Aquatic & Recreation Industry Awards will be held on Thursday 27th August, the closing night of the Conference. This year we celebrate a record 120 nominees across 13 categories including the prestigious Smith Robertson Award and the President Award.
Tickets for the Awards can be purchased through the link.
At Jonas Leisure we aim to deliver software that provides real and lasting value for fitness, health and leisure businesses.
Supported by our Platinum Sponsor
Facility of the Year
Proudly sponsored by
Facilities that demonstrate outstanding operations and make a significant impact within their communities were invited to apply for the prestigious Facility of the Year Award. Open to facilities across Western Australia, this award recognises excellence in facility management, innovation, and industry best practice. In 2026 there were fifteen (15) outstanding facilities nominated for this category. Hover over the adjacent gallery to see the nominees
2026 Nominees
2026 Nominees
Aquatic Facility Safety Award
This award recognises demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement of aquatic health and safety outcomes through the creation and continuation of an outstanding safety culture. In 2026, eight (8) facilities rose to this challenge, setting new benchmarks for excellence in safety practices, staff training, and community engagement. Hover over the adjacent gallery to see the nominees.
Aquatic Technical Operator of the Year
Proudly sponsored by
Acknowledging individuals who excel in facility operations, this category celebrates outstanding leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to exceptional customer service and safety in roles such as Duty Manager, Supervisor, or Aquatic Technical Operator. Fifteen (15) exceptional operators were nominated by their organisations from across WA to be considered for this prestigious award in 2026—each one going above and beyond in their daily roles to ensure safe, efficient, and welcoming aquatic environments. Their dedication reflects the vital role operational staff play in the success and reputation of our industry.
2026 Nominees
Sustainability Award
This award recognises excellence in the performance of sustainability practices in the built environment, relating to the management and incremental improvement of energy and resource management and operational practices. From waste reduction to energy efficiency and water conservation, this award demonstrates leadership and innovation in creating more sustainable and environmentally responsible aquatic and recreation spaces. Hover over the adjacent gallery to see the nominees
2026 Nominees
Swim School of the Year
Proudly sponsored by
This award celebrates innovative and effective management practices that drive excellence in swim school operations. It recognises outstanding achievement across a range of areas including programming, human resources, customer service, risk management, community involvement, training and professional development, industry engagement and partnerships. Open to both public and private swim schools, this award highlights the incredible dedication and leadership within our sector. With a record number of eleven (13) swim schools nominated in 2026, the future of learn-to-swim in Western Australia is clearly in capable and passionate hands. Hover over the gallery to see nominees
2026 Nominees
Swim Teacher of the Year
Proudly sponsored by
The Swim Teacher of the Year Award acknowledges the commitment, contribution, and professionalism of individual teachers in promoting water safety and education. Receiving sixteen (16) nominations is an outstanding reflection of the dedication and impact swim teachers have within our communities, and the vital role they play in fostering safe aquatic environments. To see the nominees hover over the adjacent gallery
2026 Nominees
Watch Around Water
Facility of the Year
Proudly sponsored by
This award celebrates excellence in achieving the objectives of the Watch Around Water program, which focuses on promoting water safety for young children. It acknowledges facilities or individuals who effectively implement and uphold the program’s key principles, ensuring a safe and supervised aquatic environment. In 2026, six (6) facilities are vying for this honour, each demonstrating a strong commitment to child safety through innovative practices, staff training, and community education initiatives. Hover over the adjacent gallery to see all the nominees.
2026 Nominees
Emerging Leader Award
This award recognises someone aged 18 - 30 years of age who is committed, passionate, motivated and shows potential leadership abilities. In 2026, twelve (12) exceptional individuals from across Western Australia have been nominated for the Emerging Leader Award, each showing initiative, innovation, and a strong commitment to driving positive change in their teams, facilities, and communities. Their contributions are already shaping the future of our industry. To see the nominees hover over the adjacent gallery.
2026 Nominees
Pool Lifeguard of the Year
Proudly sponsored by
This award recognises excellence and commitment to lifeguarding, encompassing outstanding customer service, strong knowledge and practical skills, leadership and interpersonal capabilities, and a demonstrated commitment to safety. Ten (10) individuals have been nominated by their organisations for consistently upholding the values of this prestigious award and making a significant contribution to their facilities and communities. To see the nominees hover over the adjacent gallery
2026 Nominees
Community Impact Award
This award recognises facility-based aquatic recreation community programs using access and inclusion, enhancing the well-being of the local community to create a positive impact. This award highlights increased community impact, supports community user groups and supports behavioural change to a healthier lifestyle, or other health and social benefits. Congratulations to all twelve (12) nominees for their outstanding programs and commitment to making a meaningful difference in their communities. Hover over the adjacent gallery to see nominees.
2026 Nominees
Customer Service Officer
of the Year
This is a new award in 2026 which recognises an outstanding frontline Customer Service Officer who consistently goes above and beyond to deliver an exceptional experience for members and the community. CSOs are often the first point of contact and play a vital role in shaping the reputation of aquatic and recreation facilities. Ten (10) individuals have been nominated by their organisations for their outstanding service to their facilities and communities. Hover over the adjacent gallery to see nominees
2026 Nominees
Presidents Award
The LIWA Aquatics President’s Award recognises exceptional service delivered within the preceding twelve (12) months to the aquatic recreation industry in Western Australia. It acknowledges leadership, innovation, initiative or professionalism that has produced a clear, positive and measurable industry impact within a defined and recent timeframe.
Nominees and the winner will be announced at the Awards night.
Smith Robertson Award
The Smith–Robertson Award is the highest honour presented by LIWA Aquatics. It recognises an individual who has made an outstanding and enduring contribution to the Aquatic Recreation Industry over the course of their career, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity.
The award honours the legacy of Fred Smith and John Robertson, who were instrumental in the formation and early development of the Institute when it became the aquatic industry’s peak body in 1969.
The winner will be announced at the Awards night.