A new leader for Broome Talent Pool Academy
Cam Wyllie has dedicated his life to water safety and mentoring young people, and now as the new Regional Coordinator for Royal Life Saving WA’s Talent Pool program in Broome, he’s bringing his expertise to a new generation of lifesavers.
Since joining Royal Life Saving WA in 1974, Cam has won medals at state, national and international levels in water sports, and has always had a passion for mentoring children and young adults in sports and lifesaving skills.
Beyond his new job with Talent Pool, Cam teaches special needs students and tutors Indigenous children through the Polly Farmer Foundation’s ‘Follow the Dream’ program. He has a long history of inclusivity in lifesaving, having trained the first-ever deaf squad to complete their Bronze Medallion in 1980. He continues this work today, supporting deaf students and volunteering with Ocean Heroes’ ‘Surfing the Spectrum’ program for children with autism.
Additionally, having previously visited remote communities in the East Kimberley through his work with the Polly Farmer Foundation and the Clontarf Academy, Cam's strong ties to the community and Broome Residential College are helping bring more young people into the program.
Cam is already planning for the future, hoping to train participants to become leaders who will expand the program’s reach.
“I already have a squad of 20 within weeks of starting. My goal is to train one or two of them to do what I do, so we can bring even more young people into the program,” he said.
The Talent Pool program is designed to provide young people with the skills and certifications they need to build confidence and secure employment, and despite only being in the role for three weeks, Cam is diving into it (safely) headfirst.
“There’s a production line of Year 9-12 students who love the opportunity to learn life skills, lifesaving techniques, and gain job opportunities,” Cam says.
His drive and enthusiasm are unwavering: when asked about any challenges he was anticipating in his new role, he simply said that there were no challenges and only opportunities.
“Love it! What could be better than preparing young people to be able be save lives, be fit and earn money for doing this vital service?”
Royal Life Saving WA’s Talent Pool program continues to provide life-changing opportunities for young people across regional Western Australia. With leaders like Cam at the helm, the future looks bright for the next generation of lifesavers.
Learn more the Talent Pool program by clicking the link below.
