SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre

14/09/2026

NATIONAL PEACEKEEPERS’ DAY | 14 SEPTEMBER

On Saturday night at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, we were reminded of something easy to forget:

Peacekeeping does not mean the lack of conflict.
One often finds oneself in the middle of the situation, either unarmed or with only light arms, having no more than a white UN vehicle, a radio and a blue beret when facing the other sides.

One particular story remained with us.
In Cyprus a peacekeeper named Ian Ward, who was 25 years old and from Australia, was killed in 1974 when his Land Rover hit an unmarked mine.
The vehicle remained in place for nearly 50 years. It is now located in the peacekeeping gallery of the Australian War Memorial.

When Matt Anderson PSM went to Cyprus to help bring the wreck back, he placed a poppy from the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier on it.
The car returned to Canberra exactly fifty years after the day on which Ian was killed.

The poppy was still in the crate when it was opened.
Australia has taken part in 69 peacekeeping missions, and since 1947 there has not been a day when an Australian was not serving somewhere in the world in a peacekeeping role.

It is also about the ones who returned today. The effects of serving were felt years before they became noticeable. Which is why the work of Peacekeepers Australia – APPVA is so important. And the reason Virtual War Memorial Australia is important as well. Behind each mission, each medal and each figure there is a person, a family and a story.

We are proud that at both the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre and the Adelaide Aquatic Centre, veterans, current Defence Force members and former peacekeepers swim, train, undergo rehabilitation and gather in our facilities.
A pool might seem far from Cyprus, Rwanda or East Timor.
When people return home, health, routine, friendship, connection, and a sense of belonging matter.

Sometimes support takes the form of a program.
It's often just a swim, a coffee and seeing a friend.
Today we remember the people who stood between conflict and peace while wearing the blue beret.
They were never merely statistics.
They were Australians who fought for peace.
Lest we forget.

09/09/2026

FREE Clinic with an Olympian!

Join us at the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre for a FREE Water Polo Clinic on Saturday 12 September from 11am-12pm.
Whether you're brand new to the sport or keen to build your skills, this fun and supportive session is a great chance to get in the pool and give water polo a go.
You'll also have the opportunity to learn from two of Australia's leading water polo figures, Olympian Gabi Palm and Stingers Assistant Coach & Water Polo SA General Manager Eddie Dennis.
Expect plenty of fun, skill-building activities, water confidence and an introduction to one of Australia's most exciting aquatic sports.

Spots are limited, secure your spot today! https://saaquatic.ymca.org.au/news-events/saalc-water-polo-day-clinic

08/09/2026

A friendly reminder for parents and carers visiting the Centre, and for parents of swimming lessons students 👶

To help keep our pools clean and comfortable for everyone, infants are required to wear a snug-fitting aqua nappy whenever they're in the water.

If your little one is attending swimming lessons, please make sure their aqua nappy fits securely around the legs and waist before class.

Thanks for helping us maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all our swimmers! 😊

05/09/2026

☕ Happy Father's Day!

Celebrate with a FREE coffee on us this Sunday. Simply make any café purchase and enjoy your complimentary coffee.

For all dads, grandads and father figures. T&Cs apply.

04/09/2026

Open from Saturday 5 September. 🌊☀️

Months of planning, hard work and dedication have led to this moment, and the results speak for themselves. The Splash Park and Leisure Pool have been completely rejuvenated, creating a vibrant space where families can play, relax, learn and make memories together.

From the fresh new Splash Park with mini slides and the much-loved big bucket, to the refreshed Leisure Pool area, these upgrades ensure even more opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy being active, staying connected and having fun in the water.

We're proud to welcome the community back to these much-loved spaces and can't wait to see them enjoyed for years to come.

Come in and experience the brand new Splash Park and rejuvenated Leisure Area for yourself. Please check opening times and availability on the website before your visit: https://saaquatic.ymca.org.au/swim/leisure-swimming

03/09/2026

Come down to the Centre on Sunday, 6 September and celebrate Father's Day with a free coffee. ☕

Free coffee is available with any café purchase and is limited to 1 per person.
Whether you're spending the day swimming, training or simply relaxing, enjoy a coffee on us.
This is our way of saying thank you to all the dads, grandads and father figures who make a difference every day. 💙

T&Cs apply.

03/09/2026

From Friday 4 – Saturday 5 September, SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre will host the 2026 Diving SA State Junior Championships.

We wish all competitors the very best of luck as they take to the boards and showcase their skills.

▶ Lap lane availability will be very limited and will be unavailable at times. Please check our lap swimming guide before visiting.
▶ The centre and car park will be busier than usual.
▶ Access to the leisure area will be via the aquatic hallway doors next to the Change Village.

Thank you for your understanding while we host this exciting event.

31/08/2026

Congratulations to Rowan on completing 50-100 double 🥇🥇 at the 2026 Para Pan Pacific Championships.

Well done Rowan!

The 50-100 double for Rowan! 🥇🥇

Rowan Crothers backed up his 100m freestyle gold with another win in the 50m freestyle, completing the sprint double at Para Pan Pacs.

And with Tom Gallagher 🥈 and Alex Tuckfield 🥉 alongside him, it was another Australian clean sweep! 🔥

31/08/2026

What an amazing weekend!

We had a fantastic time hosting the Swimming SA Short Course Championships and seeing so many South Australian swimmers racing hard, having fun, and achieving their best. Congratulations to everyone who walked away with a medal, personal best, or even a new record!

A special shoutout to Marion Swimming Club, who claimed multiple shields and trophies and were crowned overall Championship winners. We're incredibly proud of the team and all they achieved.