9 September 2026

Practical ideas and fresh perspectives at 2026 Royal Splash! Seminar

Aquatic professionals from around WA came together over the weekend for the annual Royal Splash! Seminar held in Mount Claremont. The professional development event was attended by more than 85 swim teachers and trainers, many travelling from as far as the Great Southern and Wheatbelt regions.

The highly anticipated event offered a full day of learning, connection and industry insights, as well as an opportunity to share collective experiences as swim teachers and aquatic trainers in the industry.

The seminar kicked off with an inspiring presentation from Helen Harris, Program Coordinator at Telethon Superfins. Helen shared her experiences in delivering inclusive learn-to-swim programs, along with ideas and approaches to help swim teachers create positive and engaging learning experiences for swimmers of all abilities.

Participants then heard from Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Alissa David, and how confidence, motor skills and sensory regulation can all influence how a swimmer learns in the water.

Swimming WA Head Coach Jason Evans took to the stage to explore the tricky subject of managing parental expectations! As a coach and classroom teacher, Jason was able to provide practical approaches to navigating parent conversations and building positive relationships between swim teachers, parents and swimmers to support positive outcomes.

Royal Life Saving WA Manager of Trainer Development & Workforce Engagement, Leanne, provided the room with industry updates before the lunch break.

Afterwards, participants headed to Perth HPC's indoor pool for the water workshop component. Sessions included dry land skills, common stroke faults and fixes, drills to teach butterfly and side stroke effectively, and the importance of body position led by Eden Worsley from Artistic Swimming WA.

Royal Life Saving Education Manager Catherine Buckley says the annual seminar is a great opportunity for swim teachers and aquatic trainers to keep their skills current and up to date with industry best practice.

“The Royal Splash! Seminar provides education and inspiration for our swim teachers and aquatic trainers to continue the important work they do in the community and has become a popular event in our PD calendar,” said Catherine.

Many participants chose to stay on after the main event for the bonus water rescue PD, and the team received a lot of positive feedback from the day:

"Congratulations on putting together a spectacular event! The team is amazing”
"Looking forward to taking these new techniques back to my Swim School.”
"Always a great day!"

A big thank you to everyone who attended the event, we can't wait to do it all again next year!