What does play have to do with aquatics? More than you might think.

In this episode of Aquatics Only, Luke Daly sits down with Lukas Ritson from Wearthy to unpack why play, confidence, challenge and connection matter so deeply in a child’s development and why that should matter to every swim school, aquatic facility and industry leader.

Lukas, known for his work around the ecology of play, brings a fresh but highly relevant perspective to the aquatics space. Together, Luke and Lukas explore the role our industry plays in the wider childhood experience, from building competence and confidence, to helping children regulate, connect and grow.

They also tackle some big questions:

• Why structured outcomes can sometimes get in the way of real learning
• How swim schools can better communicate the value of play to parents
• Why relationships and environment matter just as much as program design
• What leaders can do to create more welcoming, child-centred aquatic spaces
• How to recognise progress beyond just strokes, skills and levels

This is a thoughtful, practical conversation for anyone working in swim schools, aquatic education, leisure facilities or child-focused environments.

If you care about child development, water safety, and creating experiences that genuinely help kids thrive, this one is worth your time.

Connect with Lukas Ritson:

LinkedIn: Lukas Ritson

Podcast: Play It Forward

Website: Wearthy.co

Thanks for listening to Aquatics Only. If you’re in swim schools, aquatic facilities, lifeguarding, learn-to-swim, programs, products, or anything water safety related, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and if this one was useful, share it with someone in the industry.

Want to get involved or have a guest/topic suggestion? Reach out: [email protected]

Alright, we’re back on the mic. It’s been… longer than planned. Let’s call it a “quarterly release schedule” and move on. 😅

In this episode, Luke and David kick off with a proper catch-up, a few laughs, and a small detour into David’s latest life update and his ongoing journey to actually learn to swim.

Then we get into the stuff happening in the industry right now. There’s new drowning data out and the trend line is not what most people would guess, especially when you look at age groups. We talk through what’s behind it and what it could mean for how the sector talks about water safety without turning it into doom and gloom.

After that, it’s a quick lap of what’s been popping off across aquatics. International Women’s Day events, facility updates and tenders, a major venue story that’s been brewing for a while, plus a Queensland compliance heads-up that operators will want on the radar.

And we wrap with what’s ahead because SPARK 2026 is shaping up fast. Gold Coast, strong keynote list, and plenty of reasons to get excited.

Hit play for the full rundown.

Thanks for listening to Aquatics Only. If you’re in swim schools, aquatic facilities, lifeguarding, learn-to-swim, programs, products, or anything water safety related, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and if this one was useful, share it with someone in the industry.

Want to get involved or have a guest/topic suggestion? Reach out: [email protected]

In this episode of Aquatics Only, Luke sits down with Ben Wilkins, founder of Good Boost and one of the global leaders pushing the boundaries of aquatic rehabilitation. From Atlantic City to the UK to Australia, Ben has been championing a simple but powerful idea. Water works. And with the right technology behind it, it can change lives at scale.

Luke and Ben unpack how AI-driven aquatic rehab is reshaping what’s possible in public pools. They explore how personalised programs, group-based delivery, and smart wearables are giving facilities a viable pathway to deliver genuine health outcomes without relying on clinical staffing. They also dig into Pool Horizons, the movement redefining the role of pools in modern communities.

If you’re curious about the future of health in the water, or you’ve wondered how pools can become community health engines without blowing the budget, this one is well worth your time.

Thanks for listening to Aquatics Only. If you’re in swim schools, aquatic facilities, lifeguarding, learn-to-swim, programs, products, or anything water safety related, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and if this one was useful, share it with someone in the industry.

Want to get involved or have a guest/topic suggestion? Reach out: [email protected]

After a short “fortnight,” David and Luke are back in the saddle. We unpack the seasonal switch-on across Australia, celebrate a rare “on time, on budget” pool upgrade, and run through a few notable industry moves.

 Luke recaps SPARK, the joint ASSA x ARI NSW conference and we touch on recent Swimposium and global events on the horizon. 

We finish with a level-headed take on Royal Life’s latest drowning data. Stick around for the debut of “LDS: Leadership Download Snippet,” where a Lisbon monument turns into a lesson on teams, trade routes… and mullets.

Thanks for listening to Aquatics Only. If you’re in swim schools, aquatic facilities, lifeguarding, learn-to-swim, programs, products, or anything water safety related, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and if this one was useful, share it with someone in the industry.

Want to get involved or have a guest/topic suggestion? Reach out: [email protected]

Talking Crap, Crypto & Clever Design with Lesley Beech from Splash About

In this jam-packed episode of Aquatics Only, Luke flies solo (with David off enjoying Bali) and welcomes the show’s first international guest. Lesley Beech, Managing Director of Splash About, joining from the UK with a glass of Savvy B in hand.

From morning sunrises in Brisbane to dusky evenings in Yorkshire, this global chat dives deep into what makes Splash About’s iconic Happy Nappy such a game-changer for swim schools, recreational pools, and the planet. Lesley shares the wild journey behind creating the Happy Nappy DUO, a four-year science-backed mission to combat cryptosporidium outbreaks, reduce pool closures, and keep kids (and water) safer.

We also chat business smarts, sustainability stats that’ll make your stomach turn, and the surprising environmental toll of disposable nappies (spoiler: it's a lot). There’s plenty of laughs, a few poop jokes (naturally), and even a “poonami” reference or two. If you’re in aquatics, parenting, or just love a story where science meets entrepreneurship, this one’s for you.

Plus, Lesley and the Splash About Australia team are headed to SPARK Conference, so listen in for a sneak peek at what’s to come.

A-O? Let’s go!

Thanks for listening to Aquatics Only. If you’re in swim schools, aquatic facilities, lifeguarding, learn-to-swim, programs, products, or anything water safety related, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and if this one was useful, share it with someone in the industry.

Want to get involved or have a guest/topic suggestion? Reach out: [email protected]

In this podcast episode, Luke Daly interviews Shane Vardy from Atlantis Liquid Dynamics, discussing the importance of local manufacturing in the aquatics industry, innovative designs for splash pads and aquatic facilities, and the technical challenges involved in creating engaging water experiences. 

Shane shares insights into various projects, the creative inspirations behind them, and the engineering processes that ensure functionality and safety. 

The conversation emphasises the significance of community impact and pushing the boundaries of traditional aquatic design.

Thanks for listening to Aquatics Only. If you’re in swim schools, aquatic facilities, lifeguarding, learn-to-swim, programs, products, or anything water safety related, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and if this one was useful, share it with someone in the industry.

Want to get involved or have a guest/topic suggestion? Reach out: [email protected]

Luke Daly and David Stennett are back together on the mic for a jam-packed episode covering everything from iconic pool project blowouts to the rising tide of aquatic aggression. They dive into:
– The $64 million North Sydney Pool drama
– Sea hare invasions and $2 swims in Newcastle
– Real talk on infrastructure, investment and innovation
– Harassment stats making waves across lifeguard teams
– New builds, new jobs and swim school success
– Plus, Dave’s vulnerable (and hilarious) first steps in learning to swim as an adult

It’s insight meets irreverence—with serious industry updates and just the right amount of splashy banter.

Listen now—and maybe send Dave some encouragement.

Thanks for listening to Aquatics Only. If you’re in swim schools, aquatic facilities, lifeguarding, learn-to-swim, programs, products, or anything water safety related, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and if this one was useful, share it with someone in the industry.

Want to get involved or have a guest/topic suggestion? Reach out: [email protected]

In this engaging podcast episode, Luke Daly interviews John Harker, a professional commentator and swimming leader, discussing the evolution of swimming in Australia, the importance of coaching, and the legacy of Forbes and Ursula Carlile. They explore the challenges of bridging learn-to-swim programs with competitive swimming, the need for better infrastructure, and the joy of swimming as a lifelong skill. John shares insights on the impact of leadership in sports and the unique nature of swimming as a sport that allows for personal improvement alongside competition.

Thanks for listening to Aquatics Only. If you’re in swim schools, aquatic facilities, lifeguarding, learn-to-swim, programs, products, or anything water safety related, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and if this one was useful, share it with someone in the industry.

Want to get involved or have a guest/topic suggestion? Reach out: [email protected]

In this episode of the Aquatics Only podcast, David Stennett and Luke Daly discuss the importance of development in the aquatic industry. They dive into a recent visit to the Royal Life Saving Infrastructure Symposium in Melbourne, highlighting key takeaways and lessons learned. They also explore the role of swim schools in the broader aquatic ecosystem, touching on infrastructure, staff challenges, and how the industry is evolving. David opens up about his personal journey of learning to swim at nearly 48 years old, sharing the challenges and triumphs of facing a lifelong vulnerability. The episode also features an exciting announcement about the launch of the AO Influencers 30 Under 40initiative, recognizing emerging leaders in the aquatic space.

Thanks for listening to Aquatics Only. If you’re in swim schools, aquatic facilities, lifeguarding, learn-to-swim, programs, products, or anything water safety related, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and if this one was useful, share it with someone in the industry.

Want to get involved or have a guest/topic suggestion? Reach out: [email protected]

In this episode of Aquatics Only, host Luke Daly speaks with Sarah Morgan from Bespoken Agency about her journey from journalism to marketing, the importance of swimming as a life skill, and the need for better storytelling in the aquatic industry. They discuss the alarming statistics regarding swimming skills among children in Australia and the role of media in shaping public perception. Sarah emphasises the importance of telling positive stories and engaging effectively with media to promote the good work being done in the industry.

Thanks for listening to Aquatics Only. If you’re in swim schools, aquatic facilities, lifeguarding, learn-to-swim, programs, products, or anything water safety related, you’re in the right place.

Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and if this one was useful, share it with someone in the industry.

Want to get involved or have a guest/topic suggestion? Reach out: [email protected]