![Peter Leaversuch RLSWA CEO [left] with Colin Hassell OAM [right]](https://www.royallifesavingwa.com.au/__data/assets/image/0005/125843/Colin-Hassell-OAM_feature_2026_1400x500.jpg)
27 January 2026
Colin Hassell awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for a lifetime of water safety leadership
Royal Life Saving WA is delighted to congratulate long-time member, respected leader and water safety pioneer Colin Hassell on receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2026 Australia Day Honours.
For decades, Colin has been one of the most respected and quietly influential figures in water safety and aquatic recreation in Western Australia. His connection with Royal Life Saving WA spans more than two decades as a Board Director, President, mentor and advocate, and his influence can still be felt across the organisation and the wider aquatic industry today.
Colin’s journey with Royal Life Saving began in England in 1960, when he joined the Royal Life Saving Society at just 12 years of age. After migrating to Western Australia in 1986, Colin played a pivotal role in shaping modern aquatic facilities across the state. From leadership roles with the City of Wanneroo Waterworld (now Craigie Leisure Centre) and Gosnells Leisure World, to guiding the redevelopment of the Geraldton Aquarena, his work has consistently focused on creating safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces that serve their communities year-round.
Colin saw each of these roles as opportunities to improve water safety outcomes for the communities he served. He actively supported the delivery of Royal Life Saving WA’s education programs, including Infant Aquatics, Swim & Survive and Bronze Rescue, and was committed to supporting people with disabilities to participate safely in aquatic activities.
A defining feature of Colin’s career has been his deep commitment to regional communities. He has consistently advocated for improved access to water safety education for people living outside the metropolitan area, including Aboriginal communities, and worked closely with industry and government to support the sustainability of regional aquatic facilities. In 2002, he organised an outback roadshow that took swimming and lifesaving instructors to remote towns including Wiluna, Meekatharra, Cue and Mt Magnet, helping bring vital programs to communities with limited access to aquatic education.
One of Colin’s most recognised achievements was leading the iconic Swim Across Australia event, which saw a purpose-built swimming pool travel more than 6,000 kilometres from Geraldton to Sydney. The event raised awareness and more than $20,000 for toddler drowning prevention and captured the attention of communities nationwide.
Colin joined the Royal Life Saving WA Board in 1999 and went on to serve for 22 years, including as President from 2017 to 2021. During that time, he played a central role in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction, championing initiatives that continue to reduce drowning risk across the state.
![Mia Davies MLA [left] with Colin Hassell OAM [centre] and Peter Leaversuch [right]](https://www.royallifesavingwa.com.au/__data/assets/image/0009/125847/Colin-Hassell-OAM-additional-captioned_2026_600x400.jpg)
Within Royal Life Saving WA, Colin is known not only for his professional impact, but for his quiet humility, generosity and sense of fun. His iconic rubber duck tie became a much-loved tradition, appearing at special events and milestones and delighting staff and volunteers.
In recognition of his service, Colin was awarded Life Membership of the Royal Life Saving Society Western Australia in 2014 and has also received a Meritorious Service Medal from Royal Life Saving Australia and a Service Cross from the Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth.
Peter Leaversuch, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Life Saving WA, said Colin’s recognition is richly deserved.
“Colin is a quiet and humble achiever who has dedicated his life to serving his community through his work and volunteer service. He provides the most genuine and inspiring example for others and is undoubtedly worthy of recognition for his contributions.”
Royal Life Saving WA extends its warmest congratulations to Colin on this well-deserved honour and thanks him for the lasting legacy he has created across the aquatic industry and the communities he has served.
For decades, Colin has been one of the most respected and quietly influential figures in water safety and aquatic recreation in Western Australia. His connection with Royal Life Saving WA spans more than two decades as a Board Director, President, mentor and advocate, and his influence can still be felt across the organisation and the wider aquatic industry today.
Colin’s journey with Royal Life Saving began in England in 1960, when he joined the Royal Life Saving Society at just 12 years of age. After migrating to Western Australia in 1986, Colin played a pivotal role in shaping modern aquatic facilities across the state. From leadership roles with the City of Wanneroo Waterworld (now Craigie Leisure Centre) and Gosnells Leisure World, to guiding the redevelopment of the Geraldton Aquarena, his work has consistently focused on creating safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces that serve their communities year-round.
Colin saw each of these roles as opportunities to improve water safety outcomes for the communities he served. He actively supported the delivery of Royal Life Saving WA’s education programs, including Infant Aquatics, Swim & Survive and Bronze Rescue, and was committed to supporting people with disabilities to participate safely in aquatic activities. A defining feature of Colin’s career has been his deep commitment to regional communities. He has consistently advocated for improved access to water safety education for people living outside the metropolitan area, including Aboriginal communities, and worked closely with industry and government to support the sustainability of regional aquatic facilities. In 2002, he organised an outback roadshow that took swimming and lifesaving instructors to remote towns including Wiluna, Meekatharra, Cue and Mt Magnet, helping bring vital programs to communities with limited access to aquatic education.
One of Colin’s most recognised achievements was leading the iconic Swim Across Australia event, which saw a purpose-built swimming pool travel more than 6,000 kilometres from Geraldton to Sydney. The event raised awareness and more than $20,000 for toddler drowning prevention and captured the attention of communities nationwide.
Colin joined the Royal Life Saving WA Board in 1999 and went on to serve for 22 years, including as President from 2017 to 2021. During that time, he played a central role in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction, championing initiatives that continue to reduce drowning risk across the state.
Within Royal Life Saving WA, Colin is known not only for his professional impact, but for his quiet humility, generosity and sense of fun. His iconic rubber duck tie became a much-loved tradition, appearing at special events and milestones and delighting staff and volunteers.
In recognition of his service, Colin was awarded Life Membership of the Royal Life Saving Society Western Australia in 2014 and has also received a Meritorious Service Medal from Royal Life Saving Australia and a Service Cross from the Royal Life Saving Society Commonwealth.
Peter Leaversuch, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Life Saving WA, said Colin’s recognition is richly deserved.
“Colin is a quiet and humble achiever who has dedicated his life to serving his community through his work and volunteer service. He provides the most genuine and inspiring example for others and is undoubtedly worthy of recognition for his contributions.”
Royal Life Saving WA extends its warmest congratulations to Colin on this well-deserved honour and thanks him for the lasting legacy he has created across the aquatic industry and the communities he has served.
