Trainers, swim teachers and staff came together at Royal Life Saving WA’s Head Office last week to shine a light on the people helping build safer communities across the state.

The End of Financial Year Sundowner brought together 32 members of our training and swim teaching network, including attendees from the Midwest, Goldfields and South West regions. The event was a chance to reflect on another successful year of lifesaving education and recognise those making a significant contribution to drowning prevention.

Four members were acknowledged for their outstanding achievements and ongoing commitment to water safety, first aid and lifesaving skills in their communities:

Dionne Adams, a Midwest-based VET Trainer, Community Trainer and Swim Teacher, received the Outstanding Service Order for more than 20 years of service. Since joining Royal Life Saving WA in 2005, Dionne has been someone the team can always count on, always willing to step in, adapt and help make sure courses run smoothly.

Swim teacher Noriko Suizu received a Certificate of Appreciation for her contribution to Royal Life Saving WA’s multicultural water safety programs, including Children’s, Women’s Only and Men’s Only Swim and Survive lessons. Most recently, Noriko stepped into a Supervising Instructor role, supporting more than 200 participants during their lessons.

Dianne Crisp received the Long Service Order for her contribution to water safety education and the Goldfields community. As a VET Trainer, Community Trainer and Swim Teacher, Di has helped grow the Multicultural Children’s program in Kalgoorlie and generously shares her time and experience to mentor new swim teachers.

Finally, Sheridan Duke received a Certificate of Appreciation for her contribution to water safety education across regional and remote Western Australia. As a Swim Teacher and Community Trainer, she is well known for the care, compassion and warmth she brings to her work, particularly when supporting schools and communities throughout the Kimberley.

The event was organised by the Royal Life Saving WA Membership Team and highlighted the important role educators play in strengthening community safety.

“It was wonderful to thank our Swim Teachers and Trainers in person for the vital role they play in helping prevent drowning across WA, and to formally recognise several individuals for their outstanding service and achievements,” said Jodi Tholon, Member Support Coordinator at Royal Life Saving WA.

With 49 lives tragically lost to drowning in Western Australia during the 2024–25 period, teaching lifesaving skills remains one of the most important ways we can help keep communities safer in and around the water.

Congratulations to all our award recipients and a huge thank you to every Royal Life Saving WA teacher and trainer who continues to help prevent drowning and strengthen communities across the state!