New $13 Million 50m Pool Opens at Arena Joondalup with Advanced AI Safety Features
Swimmers in Perth's northern suburbs have gained access to a cutting-edge aquatic facility, with the official opening of a new 50m lap pool at Arena Joondalup on Friday. This $13 million upgrade, funded by the State Government, marks a significant enhancement to the venue's offerings, designed to cater to growing community demand and support active lifestyles for years to come.
State-of-the-Art Design and Flexible Functionality
The centrepiece of the upgrade is a modern 10-lane pool, which took just over 12 months to complete. It features starting blocks at both ends and upgraded timing technology, making it suitable for competitive events. A key innovation is a submersible dividing wall, allowing the pool to convert to short-course mode with up to 20 lanes. This flexibility supports a range of aquatic programs, including water polo and recreational swimming, ensuring the facility can adapt to diverse community needs.
AI-Powered Safety and Enhanced Accessibility
Safety has been a top priority in the redesign, with the installation of artificial intelligence-powered drowning detection technology in both the new lap pool and the refurbished family leisure pool. This system has already proven its effectiveness, having saved a swimmer's life at Stirling Leisure—Inglewood in June last year when a man experienced a medical episode underwater. The upgrade also includes improved accessibility features, such as ramp and stair access into the pool, upgraded change rooms, and universal access toilets within the aquatic hall, making the facility more inclusive for all users.
Community Impact and Government Support
Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti, who attended the opening, highlighted the importance of this investment for Perth's rapidly expanding northern suburbs. "Arena Joondalup is already one of the busiest venues in Western Australia, and this upgrade ensures it continues to meet the needs of the community for decades to come," Ms Saffioti said. "Swimming pools bring communities together, and this investment will support active, healthy lifestyles for Western Australians for many years to come." The project involved demolition, design, and construction of new aquatic facilities, reflecting a commitment to enhancing public infrastructure.
Versatility and Future Prospects
VenuesWest CEO David Etherton described the new pool as a game changer for the centre, noting its versatility for everything from family recreation to elite competition. "This facility offers features that were simply not possible in the previous pool," Mr Etherton said. "We sincerely thank our members and the community for their patience during construction, and look forward to welcoming Arena Swim Club back, along with local swimmers and families, to enjoy the new pool." With over 1.3 million visitors in 2024–25, second only to Optus Stadium in the VenuesWest portfolio, the upgraded Arena Joondalup is poised to remain a hub of community activity.
Celebratory Events and Ongoing Engagement
To mark the opening, Arena Joondalup is hosting a free family fun day on Monday, March 2, featuring activities such as water slide access, come-and-try fitness classes, pickleball, and ice blocks for the first 1000 guests. This event underscores the venue's role in fostering community engagement and promoting healthy, active living across the region.
