12 September 2025
Highlights from the 2025 Royal Splash Seminar
Swim teachers from across WA came together at Royal Life Saving WA’s head office last weekend for our biggest Royal Splash Seminar yet!
This year’s professional development conference welcomed more than 80 aquatic professionals, including participants who had travelled from Narrogin, Dunsborough, Dalwalinu, Geraldton, Busselton, Tooday and Karratha. The energy in the room showed just how much everyone valued the chance to learn, connect, and share their experiences in the industry. 
The morning kicked off with four presentations that covered everything from working with children with behavioural disorders, to life as a swim teacher in some of WA’s most remote communities. Family Psychologist Darin Cairns opened the seminar with strategies for supporting children with neurodiverse needs such as ASD and ADHD. He highlighted the importance of recognising every child as an individual and provided tools to help teachers create supportive learning environments for all students.
Next up Bernie Eagan, Remote Pool Manager and Remote Swim Teacher, shared stories about the challenges and rewards from her time teaching in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands and offered practical advice for anyone considering work in remote communities. Trainer and City of Bayswater Team Leader, Nicole Durrant, quickly had everyone on their feet and moving with her imaginative ways to use pool equipment and keep students engaged during lessons. The final morning presentation was delivered by Royal Life Saving WA Training Manager Leanne Coverley-Brandis, who reminded us how important it is to support new teachers and return to the basics when passing on foundational skills.
After lunch, the action shifted to the pool. Teachers rotated through four interactive Infant Aquatics water familiarisation activities led by our Swim Teacher Trainers, each designed to spark ideas for building water confidence in babies and young children. The rotations were fast-paced, interactive, and fun, with plenty of laughter along the way!
The afternoon wrapped up with two water workshops. Leanne demonstrated stroke improvement drills and techniques to help swimmers perform better. Meanwhile, Swim Teacher Trainer Alicia Coppin explored creative ways to use equipment to fix common swimming challenges.
The feedback we received was glowing! “A very enjoyable day, loved the networking and having a chat,” said Christopher from City of Bayswater. Yvette from Karratha Swim School, added “I have been blown away by the passion of all presenters. Wonderful to be part of such an enthusiastic group and learning so much to take it all back to the team in Karratha.” Others shared that they’re already looking forward to next year and plan to bring their entire team along.
Between the networking opportunities, interactive workshops, and inspiring presentations, this year’s Royal Splash Seminar was our most successful yet. Thank you to everyone who attended and made the day so memorable. We can’t wait to see you again next year!
