Gold Coast Studies Bringing Back Ocean Pools

Imagine introducing your child to ocean waves without worrying about rip currents or teaching your grandmother to float in saltwater without fear. That's the promise behind Gold Coast's renewed look at bringing back ocean pools after a 40-year absence.

The Gold Coast City Council has agreed to conduct a feasibility study on ocean pools, responding to massive community support. A 2020 petition gathered over 13,000 signatures from residents eager to see protected saltwater swimming areas return to their beaches.

Ocean pools offer a sweet spot between swimming pools and open ocean. They fill naturally with seawater but provide protection from strong currents and waves, making them ideal for weak swimmers, children, and people with disabilities who want to experience the ocean safely.

The Gold Coast once had two ocean pools. The Burleigh Heads pool opened in 1953, while Snapper Rocks launched in 1956 and even featured tourist attractions like shark and porpoise pools. Both were closed and filled in during the 1980s, leaving the coast without this amenity for decades.

The idea hit a roadblock in 2021 when councillors rejected a proposal after estimates suggested a pool could cost $10 million to build. But renewed interest has brought the conversation back to life.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate expressed cautious optimism. "If we can do it in the past, I think people would welcome being able to swim in saltwater safely so the younger generation can be introduced to the waves early on," he said.

Coastal engineer Angus Jackson pointed out that neighboring New South Wales has about 100 ocean pools, roughly half the world's total. He noted costs could range from $10,000 to $20 million depending on size and location, with annual maintenance running $100,000 to $200,000.

The Ripple Effect

If approved, an ocean pool could transform beach access across the region. Advocates say it would be particularly valuable for people who currently can't safely enjoy the ocean, opening up saltwater swimming to families with young children, seniors, and the disability community year round.

James Sullivan, president of Bring Back Snapper Rocks Ocean Pools, sees potential beyond accessibility. "It definitely would be a tourist attraction," he said, noting the opportunity ahead of the Olympics.

Environmental groups have requested careful planning. Lois Levy from Gecko Environment Council suggested restoring the existing pool structure at Snapper Rocks rather than building new, which would protect rock platform ecosystems while still meeting community needs.

The feasibility study will examine Snapper Rocks as a potential location, where remnants of the old pool structure still remain, potentially reducing construction costs and environmental impact.

For thousands of Gold Coast residents who signed that petition, the study represents real hope that protected ocean swimming could return to their shores.