5 December 2025
Three decades of making waves in swimming education
Atefeh, known to many as Ati, has been sharing her love of swimming for over 30 years. Her journey began at just 17, teaching children how to swim, and it quickly became a lifelong passion. Today, Atefeh continues to help swimmers of all ages and abilities gain confidence and feel safe in the water.
Atefeh teaches at Goldfields Oasis in Kalgoorlie, where she combines her role as a swimming instructor and Senior Aquatic Officer. Over the years, she has taught countless students—from children taking their first strokes to adults overcoming a fear of water—always prioritising patience, encouragement, and enjoyment.
“I love seeing the moment when someone realises they can do it, especially if they were nervous at first,” Atefeh said.
“Knowing I can help someone reach that point is what keeps me passionate about teaching after all these years.”
Atefeh also specialises in multicultural lessons, drawing on her own experience as someone who migrated to Australia. She enjoys meeting people from different backgrounds and helping them feel safe and confident in the water.
“Many students come in nervous or unsure, and it’s amazing to see them slowly build trust and enjoy swimming.”
“Supporting students who aren’t comfortable in the pool and seeing them gain new skills is incredibly rewarding.”
Although she never competed extensively in swimming herself, Atefeh has always loved being in the water and passing that enthusiasm on to others. She finds joy in watching her students grow, progress, and overcome fears, whether it’s a child taking their first independent swim or an adult finally floating confidently.
A typical day for Atefeh is busy and varied, balancing her teaching duties with her role as Senior Aquatic Officer. She carefully plans each lesson to ensure every student receives the support and guidance they need, making the water a safe and enjoyable environment.
Some of Atefeh’s most memorable moments come from small but significant victories. She recalls helping an adult who was initially very afraid of water, and with patience and support, they finally swam on their own.
“The smile on their face was unforgettable,” she said.
“Moments like that remind me why I love teaching.”
For those considering a career as a swimming instructor, Atefeh’s advice is clear: be patient, stay flexible, keep learning, and have fun.
“Your enthusiasm really makes a big difference for your students,” she said.
The multicultural programs Atefeh delivers are run by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s Goldfields Oasis and supported by Royal Life Saving WA and its Principal Community Partner, BHP. With Royal Life Saving WA working alongside the Goldfields Oasis to deliver these initiatives, Atefeh continues to make a meaningful impact in our community, helping students from all backgrounds gain confidence, safety, and joy in the water.
Are you interested in becoming a swim teacher? Learn more about how to get started at the link below.
