WA Governor His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Mrs Darrilyn Dawson, Shania Frivet, Lara Burford, Chris Martin, Preston Hodge and Kim McMinn (absent: Duncan Carse Sanchez)
3 February 2026
Aqualife staff demonstrate value of teamwork and training
In September 2024, staff members at the Aqualife Centre in Victoria Park observed a patron who became lightheaded and disoriented after exiting the 25-metre pool.
Lifeguards Preston Hodge and Duncan Carse Sanchez responded immediately, with Preston’s radio call alerting Swim School Coordinator Kim McMinn who was in the office.
“I heard Preston saying that there was a situation on pool deck,” recalls Kim. “I stood up and saw him running to the office door. I met him at the door and he asked where the oxygen kit was kept, I grabbed the oxygen kit from behind the lifeguard stand and took it to him and Duncan who were attending to a lady in the middle of the pool hall.”
Kim then called Swim School Assistant Chris Martin down from the office to support the aquatics team and call an ambulance, while he cleared the pools of patrons.
“After a few minutes the lady’s condition went downhill fast,” says Kim. “At this point, I decided to evacuate the aquatic areas both inside and out.”
The patron had been placed on the ground and a defibrillator attached, with the 000 operator instructing Preston to commence CPR. Meanwhile, swim teachers Shania Frivet and Lara Burford had arrived for their swim school shifts.
“Kim approached quickly and instructed me to assist with evacuating the centre,” says Lara. “I quickly put my bag down, grabbed a radio and advised the customer service officer at our front desk of the situation. I requested that he ask everyone to evacuate the centre over our PA system and to prevent further patron entry into the facility.
“I began guiding patrons out of the building and directing them away from the incident site. There wasn’t much time to think in the moment, I just wanted to help in any way I could. I was focused on what I could do to support the situation so that those directly involved in the CPR could concentrate on the patron without distractions.”
The lifeguards continued performing CPR while Lara conducted a sweep of the facility to ensure all patrons were safely evacuated and Shania waited outside for the ambulance to arrive.
Paramedics arrived shortly after and transported the patron to hospital, where she was able to make a full recovery after a brief stay. Once the ambulance team had left, the staff involved had a debrief and then reopened the pool in time for the afternoon swim classes. Lara described having a mix of emotions after the adrenaline wore off.
“It reinforced how critical our training is, and the importance of everyone in the team having at least a basic understanding of emergency procedures so they can contribute effectively and support those providing direct care,” she said.
For their actions, Kim, Preston and Duncan were awarded Royal Life Saving Gold Medallion Bravery Awards while Chris, Lara and Shania received Bravery Commendations.
Lara says the award, which was “a complete surprise and great honour”, will serve as “a reminder of the strength in teamwork, the value of consistent training, and the crucial role of staying calm during critical moments.”
We couldn’t agree more, and extend our congratulations to the Aqualife team for demonstrating professionalism and dedication to patron safety.
