20 May 2026
Connected Communities event brings together regional aquatic professionals
The Pilbara and Kimberley aquatic community may be spread far and wide, but for one afternoon last weekend they came together at Karratha Leisureplex for Royal Life Saving WA’s inaugural Connected Communities event!
The event focused on connection, conversation and practical learning to help regional communities stay safer in and around the water. It brought together 25 swim teachers, aquatic trainers and aquatic professionals from Karratha, Port Hedland, Dampier, Tom Price, Wickham and Yandeyarra, and even from as far as the Kimberley towns of Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek and Warmun!
Delivered by the Royal Life Saving WA Membership team, the day featured presentations from Amanda Viljoen, Swim Teacher and Halls Creek Pool Coordinator, and Royal Life Saving WA’s Leanne Coverley-Brandis. Sessions explored engagement, building confidence and practical strategies for teaching swimming and water safety to children in regional and remote communities; how to support new swim teachers and what language they are being taught in class ready for on the job learning; plus an in-water session focusing on safety awareness, skill development, learning, and participant engagement.
For swim teachers and community trainers working in regional WA, these kinds of events can be few and far between. The strong turnout showed just how welcome the opportunity was, with participants able to compare notes, learn from each other and leave with fresh ideas for their own programs.
With regional residents nearly three times more likely to drown than those living in major cities, supporting and providing upskilling opportunities to local swim teachers and aquatic trainers is vital. They know their communities and play an important role in helping people build the skills and confidence to stay safer around water. 
Karratha Leisureplex’s Aquatic Supervisor Aidan Gawel says the event was hugely beneficial for regional aquatic staff.
“Opportunities like this can be hard to access in regional and remote areas,” said Aidan. “It was fantastic to see so many swim teachers and aquatic trainers from across the regions come together to collaborate, share ideas and connect professionally. I heard a lot of positive feedback, and it was clear the day was a real success.”
Three Royal Life Saving WA members were also recognised on the day for their outstanding contribution to the aquatic industry.
Jessica Fernihough from Dampier received a Certificate of Appreciation, Krystal Haines from Karratha received the WA Service Order Award, and Jennifer Beer from Tom Price received the Meritorious Service Order Award.
After the presentations, participants were invited to unwind during a Paint ‘n Sip activity, contributing to the Connected Communities Canvas and sharing what teaching in the Pilbara means to them. The afternoon wrapped up with a sundowner, giving everyone the chance to catch up and reflect on the day.
Royal Life Saving WA thanks everyone who joined us for the first Connected Communities event. It was a great chance to recognise and celebrate the people helping our regional communities stay safer around water.
Keep an eye on our Professional Development Calendar to see what’s coming up near you.
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