Jacqui Forbes forges new ground
Royal Life Saving Society WA legend Jacqui Forbes is embarking on her latest adventure in the Pilbara as she takes on her new role as Pilbara Aquatic Development Officer.
Jacqui has had a long and illustrious career with The Royals, having started out in the aquatic industry 10 years ago by becoming a Lifeguard at Fremantle Aquatic Centre. She remains adamant her career change from Business Sales Rep was “the best thing that ever happened to me, I have come such a long way.”
Over the past eight years Jacqui has worked been the Pool Manager at two of our remote pools, in Burringurrah and Yandeyarra, also filling the roles of Pool Lifeguard and Swim Instructor! Most recently she excelled in her role as Aquatics Officer at the Town of Port Hedland, where she has implemented programs and services across the region.
In her current job with Royal Life Saving, Jacqui will continue to increase the delivery of swimming, lifesaving and water safety services to the Pilbara region by building capacity of local people and leveraging off the existing infrastructure and activities at the local aquatic centres.
She is super keen about her new position, remarking “I have seen firsthand how important aquatic activity is to the development of young children and to the health of adults. Not everyone has had the opportunity to learn to swim, feel safe or comfortable around water so it’s important that people in the Pilbara get the same opportunities as those who live in metro areas.”
Jacqui’s passion for water safety is palpable, with her adding “there are a lot of local home pools in the Pilbara, so I am hoping to get the safety message out to family members to keep safe and follow the Royal Life Saving “Keep Watch” principals. When I hear of a drowning tragedy I tear up; it really rocks me. If I can play a part in reducing those events by talking to people I think that's a great job to have.”
In her new position, Jacqui aims to inspire more people to use their local swimming pools. She believes there are heaps of benefits for all water-based activities and gets a real thrill from ensuring everyone gets an opportunity to learn to swim and be confident in the water - no matter how old or young or from what background - everyone is welcome.
Jacqui also endeavours to develop strong community relationships with local schools, service providers and community groups and be able to offer employment opportunities to school leavers and career-changers. She wants to develop more pool-based jobs such as Lifeguards, Duty Mangers and Swim Instructors, believing “the pool is the coolest place to work in town!”
As a strong advocate for water safety, Jacqui also welcomes the responsibility of “equipping people with the skills and information they need if they must act in an emergency and to help keep them, their families and their friends safe.”
We welcome Jacqui back to the Royal Life Saving team and look forward to her extending our impact in the Pilbara. We look forward to hearing more about the wonderful programs, stories and success she will no doubt generate.
If you would like more information on our programs in the Pilbara, please click the link below.
