Students from Kambalda West District High School participating in the Bronze Medallion course

Bronze Medallion opens doors for Kambalda students

Students from Kambalda West District High School (KWDHS) recently took on the Bronze Medallion challenge at the Kambalda Aquatic Facility!

A group of eight students were led by the Shire of Coolgardie’s Aquatic & Recreation Coordinator Jessie Brooking, who obtained her qualification as an aquatic trainer through Royal Life Saving WA last year. The students attended daily sessions at the pool during the week of 15th to 19th November as they attempted to achieve the Bronze Medallion lifesaving award.

Jessie was enthusiastic about working with the students as they worked on their skills in CPR, rescue and survival techniques. “It was an awesome opportunity to deliver the Bronze Medallion to the school and a great way to connect with the high school age group as they are our primary user group of the facility,” she said.

“We have a lot of young people who live here and as we are rural it’s hard to always accommodate events and activities suitable for them, so we hope that in getting them more involved in the community we will be able to attract more youth to use our facilities.”

“It has been such an awesome experience teaching the kids because not only have they gained more knowledge around water safety but also the skills to help in an emergency. In Kambalda and Coolgardie, our St Johns ambo’s are all volunteer based so if the need arises we would have to call on members of the community to help in an emergency."

Three of the students successfully completed the required swim, tow and spinal techniques to be awarded their Bronze Medallions. KWDHS Deputy Principal Danielle Larkin, who helped to facilitate the program, says the students were glad for the opportunity and really enjoyed it. Achieving the Bronze Medallion qualification has also opened some doors for one of the students!

“We are employing one of the 16-year-olds as a Bronze Medallion Lifeguard to join our team out here in the Shire, working at the Pool and Recreation Centre,” says Jessie. “This is an absolute bonus because we are able to supply jobs to people who live in the community.”

The program was made possible thanks to Principal Community Partner BHP, who are helping to implement a range of Royal Life Saving water safety and lifesaving education initiatives in regional and remote areas of WA. Learn more about the benefits of this long-standing partnership at the link below.