_{Shire of Augusta Margaret River Manager Sport & Community Recreation Dylan Brown (right) accepting his Bravery Award from LIWA Aquatics Executive Officer Leith Fradd.}

15 November 2025

Margaret River Recreation Centre staff honoured for courage and compassion

In February this year, during a Swimming Women session at the Margaret River Recreation Centre, a participant experienced a serious medical emergency in the pool.

Coach Charlotte O’Beirne was the first to identify the situation and responded immediately, entering the water to provide urgent assistance and alerting staff for further support.

Working alongside Recreation Centre Manager Dylan Brown, they carefully assisted the participant out of the water and relocated her to a safe position for further assessment. A call to 000 was made promptly, and Dylan took the lead in managing the participant’s care.

Charlotte and Dylan remained at the participant’s side, continuously reassuring her and monitoring her condition, maintaining her stability until paramedics arrived and a handover was completed.

Meanwhile, pool lifeguard Ella Arbel played a key role in managing the scene, keeping the wider swimming group informed and reassured, and helping ensure the facility remained operational without causing alarm. Staff also ensured the participant’s children, who were present at the Centre, were sheltered and comforted as much as possible during a very distressing time, minimising their exposure to the unfolding medical emergency.

Their coordinated effort and calm, swift actions contributed to stabilising the participant as much as possible, reassuring her and ensuring she received urgent medical attention. They demonstrated extraordinary calm, courage and compassion in a life-threatening situation.

In a regional setting where immediate medical access can be limited, their prompt and coordinated actions and their exemplary teamwork under pressure reflected the highest standards of community service and emergency response. Sadly, the participant passed away with her family the following day. Charlotte, Dylan and Ella were each honoured with a Royal Life Saving WA Bravery Commendation for their efforts during the emergency.

Dylan attended the LIWA Aquatics South West Seminar in Margaret River in October where he received his award.

“This award is a reflection of everyone who was involved that day,” said Dylan. “It was truly a team effort, and I’m grateful to work alongside such dedicated and skilled colleagues. We support each other and our community in moments of emergency, and I’m proud to be part of a team that responds with professionalism and care when it matters most.”