PRESS RELEASE: Pool Update 1

03rd December 2025


PRESS RELEASE: Pool Update 1

Strengthening Swimming Pathways Through Sustainable, Community-Led Progress

The Vanuatu Aquatics Federation (VAF) continues to deepen swimming opportunities across the country through practical, community-led development and long-standing partnerships.

Over the past decade, VAF has grown from a small volunteer initiative into a national federation delivering learn-to-swim programmes, water safety education, community sport, and pathways to elite competition. With the ingenuity of volunteers and the generosity of supporters, VAF introduced Vanuatu’s first floating pool system donated by Bred Bank in 2016, enabling 25-metre and 50-metre races in open water. These temporary facilities—assembled through collective effort—have provided safe access to aquatic sport while longer-term infrastructure planning continues.

The most recent contribution to this growing ecosystem is the donation of a 17mx4mx1.5m above-ground training pool from supporters who believe deeply in expanding access to swimming from Nambawan Cafe. We are thrilled to be allocated space for a modest pool and changing rooms, giving our federation it’s first ever hub at the Vanuatu Tennis Club. In these early stages, the pool will be used specifically for VAF-run activities, including organised learn-to-swim lessons, junior and senior squad training, water safety sessions, supporting fellow federations with cross discipline training and, in time, closely supervised lap swimming. The intention is to create a small, structured training hub that strengthens skill development while broader plans for aquatic facilities continue to evolve.

As with any pool facility, responsible planning is essential. Installation, maintenance, and operational sustainability require careful assessment, and VAF is taking the time needed to determine the most practical approach for broader aquatic facilities. Our focus is simple: grow safely, grow sustainably, and grow in a way that benefits communities for the long term.

A Decade of Growth: From Grassroots Beginnings to Global Competition

VAF’s journey began in 2014 through Wan Smolbag’s learn-to-swim outreach programme. In 2015, VAF officially became a national federation under Vanuatu Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (VASANOC). With no permanent aquatic facility and no paid staff, VAF relied on resourcefulness and partnership—particularly the foundational support of Wan Smolbag, US Embassy in PNG, BRED Bank, and committed volunteers.

Since then, the federation has achieved significant milestones:

Today, VAF delivers learn-to-swim, water safety training, youth leadership development through water polo, community aquatic events, open-water competitions, and coach development programmes across the country based on trust and partnerships with community leaders and community members.

Looking Forward

VAF is governed by a seasoned group of volunteer board members with decades of experience in sport for development, learn to swim, sport administration and governance building, as well as experienced staff in developing and leading youth programming. “We have always grown step by step,” said the VAF President. “We honour the generosity of those who support us, we work with what we have, and we make decisions carefully. This donated pool represents another opportunity to expand access to skills that save lives and create pathways for young ni-Vanuatu swimmers. We will integrate it in a way that is safe, sustainable, and strengthens our long-term vision.”

VAF’s next phase of work continues to prioritise:

VAF extends its deep appreciation to all individuals, communities, organisations, volunteers, and partners—local and international—who continue to invest time, expertise, and resources in the future of swimming in Vanuatu, especially the Australian Government for their long standing support for locally led learn to swim programs and developing education pathways for sports coaches, VASANOC through their support for both development programs and high performance support, World Aquatics and Oceania Aquatics for high performance and governance support, and Vanuatu Tennis Federation for their vision in uniting sports for the betterment of the sector. Every contribution helps build a national pathway grounded in safety, inclusion, excellence, and sustainable growth. 

After over a decade of delivering swimming in oceanside villages, VAF is thrilled with the recent donation of the above ground pool, which will enable the federation to provide learn to swim and junior squad programs in Port Vila.

As the federation grows and demand for the sport increases, VAF is hopeful that plans for a larger pool will eventuate. In the meantime, for official events VAF will continue to utilise the floating sea pool donated by BRED Bank in 2016 for 25m and 50m events.  Collaboration with partners and stakeholders will be crucial in determining the best approach for any future aquatic facility growth to ensure larger facilities can sustained through a suitable business plan and be safely maintained.

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