In August, the Western Australian aquatic and recreation community came together for the 2025 WA Aquatic Recreation Industry (ARI) Awards Dinner. The event brought more than 270 guests to the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre Ballroom to celebrate the people and programs that make aquatic facilities safe, inclusive and key to reducing drowning across the state.

The ARI Awards, held alongside the annual LIWA Aquatics Conference, play an important role in recognising the dedication of people working across Western Australia’s pools, swim schools, and leisure centres. From swim teachers and lifeguards, to technical operators and facility managers, these individuals ensure our aquatic environments remain welcoming spaces where everyone can enjoy the water safely.

Royal Life Saving WA is proud to have sponsored the Swim Teacher of the Year Award, presented as part of the evening’s celebrations. The award recognises excellence in teaching and a commitment to helping people of all ages build confidence and safety skills in the water. Helen Harris, from Aqualife Swim School, Town of Victoria Park, was named Swim Teacher of the Year, recognised for her exceptional commitment to inclusive aquatic education and her dedication to teaching water safety skills that help prevent drowning.

Among the highly commended recipients were Sacha Dewit and Cyrus Milne from Water Ponyz Swim School, and Ryan Lee from Beatty Park Leisure Centre. Cyrus is also a former Swim and Survive teacher for Royal Life Saving WA’s Multicultural Men’s Only Program. His recognition reflects his passion for making swimming lessons accessible to all and his growing leadership within the industry, further demonstrated by taking home the Emerging Leader of the Year.



The recent National Aquatic Industry Workforce Report 2025 shows that more than half of industry workers view aquatics as offering strong career opportunities, with 51% planning long-term futures in the sector. Swimming teachers, lifeguards and customer service staff form the core of a workforce that helps Western Australians stay active, confident and connected through water.

As Royal Life Saving WA looks ahead to another busy summer, the achievements recognised at the 2025 ARI Awards serve as a reminder of the shared commitment across the sector to prevent drownings and strengthen communities through water safety education.