Lismore swim teachers and local kids are about to become the faces of a national water safety push, after Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre (GSAC) was chosen as the filming location for Australia’s 2026 SWIMSAFER campaign.
The whole country will get a look at Lismore’s premier aquatic facility when SWIMSAFER Week runs from Monday, 16 November to Saturday, 21 November.
Olympic gold medallist and SWIMSAFER Ambassador Giaan Rooney OAM came to GSAC for the shoot, joining local SwimSations instructors, children, and families as photography and video were captured for the nationwide campaign.
Lismore City Council Leisure Facilities Manager Natasha Everett said it was a proud moment for the facility.
“For GSAC to be chosen as the location for a national campaign is fantastic recognition of the quality of our facility, our programs and, most importantly, our people,” she said.
“Every day our Swimsations instructors help local children develop confidence and lifelong skills in the water.”
“Seeing those same instructors and local families become the faces of a campaign that will reach communities across Australia is incredibly special.”
Delivered by SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia, SWIMSAFER Week pushes the message “Skills Save Lives”, urging Australians to build lifelong swimming and water safety skills.
Rooney said swimming is one of the greatest gifts adults can give children.
“Swimming gives children confidence, independence and the skills to enjoy the water safely,” she said.
“Programs like SWIMSAFER remind us that water safety starts with each of us.”
SWIM Coaches & Teachers Australia Executive Officer Gary Toner said the campaign celebrates the thousands of teachers and instructors helping Australians become safer around water every day.
“SWIMSAFER is about empowering people with practical skills that save lives,” Toner said.
“We wanted to showcase a facility that reflects excellence in swim education, and GSAC was a wonderful example of that.”
Back in Goonellabah, Everett said the campaign carries a message that hits close to home for Northern Rivers families.
“The campaign reinforces the important role aquatic centres play in regional communities,” she said.
“Living in the Northern Rivers means we’re surrounded by rivers, beaches and pools.”
“Learning to swim and understanding water safety isn’t just recreation; it’s an essential life skill that can save lives.”
In the lead-up to SWIMSAFER Week, GSAC will feature nationally across promotional video, photography, and digital campaign material, putting Lismore’s local swim community and the importance of lifelong water safety skills in the spotlight.
To watch the campaign video featuring GSAC and Lismore’s local swim community, visit swimsafer.org.au.
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