A Paddle On-Country session at Kalgan Creek Swing Campground proved to be a great way for the Talent Pool crew and local kids in Newman to wrap up 2025!

In late December, Royal Life Saving WA’s Talent Pool team headed out with a small group of children and community members to Kalgan Creek Swing Campground in the Ophthalmia Range near Newman. Organised by Genevieve Masa, Talent Pool Regional Coordinator, the session was delivered as part of the Inland Communities Water Safety Program and gave kids the chance to get out on the water and spend time learning about safety at a popular local inland waterway.

Like many waterways in the Pilbara, Kalgan Creek relies on seasonal rainfall, but on the day of the session, the creek was flowing well and conditions perfect for kayaking. With Sandy Creek, the team’s usual Paddle On-Country location dried up over summer, Kalgan Creek offered a welcome change of scenery and gave kids the chance to paddle and explore the surroundings which include rugged ranges and native wildlife, such as fish, turtles and even the occasional python.

Kids took part in guided paddling activities, got comfortable around the creek and talked through how to stay safe around inland waterways. Spending the day outdoors gave them the chance to try something new and build confidence in and around the water. While attendance numbers were smaller due to the holiday period, the day delivered big outcomes, strong connections and valuable learning for everyone involved.

On-Country water safety programs help build confidence around inland waterways while respecting cultural connection to land and water. They also provide practical water safety awareness and skills that children can carry with them into everyday life.

“Overall, the trip provided valuable insights and a strong foundation for future inland waterways activities,” said Genevieve. “It was a great way to close out the year and has set us up well for delivering more successful programs moving forward. The kids who attended had a great time, logistics ran smoothly, and the food and overall experience were clearly enjoyed by the children.”

Initiatives like this are especially important in regional Western Australia. In the past ten years, nearly 1 in 10 children aged 5–14 who drowned were Aboriginal, with the Pilbara and Kimberley regions continuing to record the highest drowning rates in the state for this age group.

For the Talent Pool team, the session was a chance to trial new activities at a new location and and refine how similar experiences can be delivered at a larger scale in the months ahead. With planning underway for Term 1, the team is looking forward to more inland water safety adventures that reflect local conditions and support children to stay safer in and around the waterways where they live and play.

We are grateful for the continued support of our Principal Community sponsor BHP in delivering programs across regional WA. Thank you also to The Y WA and Newman Women’s Shelter for taking part in this Paddle On-Country session and supporting a welcoming day for participants.

This program is part of the Inland Communities Water Safety Program with the support of Royal Life Saving Australia and the Australian Government.