Young volunteers making a difference in water safety

Youth Week WA 2025 is here, and we’re celebrating some of the incredible young people making an impact through the Youth Water Safety’s ‘Be A Mermate’ campaign! 

Volunteers like Rhiannon, Nicola, Matilda, and Hayley are shaping safer aquatic spaces while gaining valuable skills and experiences helping at events such as Leavers in Dunsborough and university O’ Days. 

"I decided to become a volunteer to give back to my community, get some new experience, and meet new people," Rhiannon shared.  

Working as a lifeguard less than a year out of high school, 18-year-old Rhiannon wanted to do more to promote water safety and volunteered at last year’s Meelup BeachFest. 

“Through volunteering, I’ve learnt just how much it takes to plan and organise events, and all the people needed to make the events possible. It’s been amazing to be a part of that team.” 

Volunteering has also opened unexpected doors for Matilda, who met Royal Life Saving WA’s Youth Water Safety Program Coordinator Tneale, at a conference.  

“I wanted to volunteer with Royal Life Saving because it could get me some prac hours for my Health Promotion unit. I met Tneale, we started chatting, and she asked if I wanted to volunteer at Leavers. I applied, and I had the best week down in Dunsborough!” 

Hayley, who started as a Youth Water Safety volunteer and now works as a Health Promotion Support Officer, was drawn to volunteering because of her passion for creating change. 

“I found out about Royal Life Saving through mutual connections at university and I wanted to volunteer because I thought it would be great for my professional development, but I was also really keen in making a difference in the lives of young people.” 


What makes young people special? 

There’s something powerful about young people coming together to create change.  

“I think one thing that makes young people so special is to be able to offer a new perspective,” shared Hayley.  

“[Young people] bring something new and fresh to the conversation, and that motivation is really admirable” 

Matilda agrees, adding, “Something that makes young people so special is that we’re all very passionate about something. I think that’s beautiful, it shows a lot of hope for the future.” 

Matilda summed it up with her favourite quote: "Love doesn’t make the world go round, but it makes the ride a lot more worthwhile.” 

Advice for young people thinking about volunteering 

When asked what advice they’d give to others, these volunteers had plenty to share.  

Nic believes in taking chances, saying, “the best piece of advice I have for other young people is to give everything a crack. You don’t know what’s for you unless you’ve tried it.”  

Rhiannon agreed, adding, “say yes to opportunities, new experiences—say yes to it all.” 

With Hayley adding, “just be kind to yourself, pick yourself up again and again, and keep trying.” 

“Show up and just be yourself. Everyone else is probably just as nervous as you are, and you’ll end up meeting some of the most interesting and unique people.” 

For Nic, who is studying Nutrition and Health Promotion at Curtin University, it’s about community.  

“You’re amongst like-minded people who all share the same attitude towards helping others. It’s a very caring environment where you feel comfortable.” 

If you are interested in volunteering with Royal Life Saving WA’s Youth Water Safety team, take Nic’s advice and “Just go for it!”  

Head to the link below to apply or find out more.