6 November 2025
Making a splash in the Pilbara as Spirit Carnival returns to South Hedland
The Pilbara’s biggest celebration of swimming and water safety made a splash today, as the 11th Annual Pilbara Spirit Swimming and Lifesaving Carnival brought hundreds of students together at the South Hedland Aquatic Centre.
Over 100 students from eight Pilbara schools hit the pool for a day full of swimming races, lifesaving challenges, and aquatic games — all designed to help them build confidence and vital water safety skills.
Participating schools included Marble Bar Primary School, Roebourne District High School, Strelley Community School, Baler Primary School, Port Hedland Primary School, South Hedland Primary School and St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School. Making an impressive debut this year was Jigalong Remote School, whose students travelled more than eight hours to be part of the fun!
Thanks to the support of Principal Community Partner BHP and the Town of Port Hedland, the carnival once again delivered a mix of friendly competition and hands-on learning through activities like obstacle races, rescue tube relays, rope throw challenges, and even special sessions with Artistic Swimming WA, Water Polo WA, and kayaking instructors.
Royal Life Saving WA General Manager of Education and Training, Trent Hotchkin, said the day was a great reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together to make water safety a priority.
“The Pilbara Spirit Carnival is about more than just swimming. It’s about giving children the skills and confidence to stay safe around water for life.
“Children living in regional areas often have less access to swimming lessons, yet they face higher drowning risks. Events like this help bridge that gap by giving students hands-on experience in water safety, teamwork, and lifesaving skills, all in a fun and supportive environment. “
He added that Royal Life Saving WA is proud to work with local partners to make events like this possible.
“The Spirit Carnival is a great example of how communities can come together to make a real difference in children’s lives. The long-running partnership between Royal Life Saving WA, BHP, and the Town of Port Hedland continues to strengthen water safety education across the region, ensuring that all children, no matter where they live, have the opportunity to learn vital swimming and lifesaving skills.”
The Pilbara Spirit Carnival is part of Royal Life Saving WA’s ongoing commitment to reducing drowning in regional and remote areas, giving every Western Australian child the opportunity to swim, survive, and thrive around water.
Read more about our work in regional and remote areas at the link below.
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