Jigalong youth learn lifesaving skills from the best

The Royal Life Saving Society WA’s youth engagement & employment program - Talent Pool - has achieved significant success this week, with 19 young people from the remote Aboriginal Community of Jigalong working towards achieving their Bronze Star and Bronze Medallion certificates.

As part of a partnership between the Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation, the Jigalong Community and Royal Life Saving WA – the youth are having an opportunity to learn from the best of the best, with Royal Life Saving National President Cameron Eglington in the remote aboriginal community, teaching a three-day Bronze Medallion and Aquatic Trainer course at the Jigalong Remote Aboriginal Swimming Pool. Mr Eglington says he's been impressed with the young people taking part in the training! "All 19 have passed their Bronze Star today, and tomorrow I'm looking forward to seeing them progress towards their Bronze Medallion and Aquatic Trainer awards."

These aquatic activities are one element of the four day ‘Skills 4 Life’ youth summit being held in the community throughout this week.

Participation and progression through the Bronze Medallion certification is the first step in the Talent Pool program, which aims to see young people in remote communities complete qualifications to become pool lifeguards.

This Pilbara-based version of the Royal Life Saving Talent Pool program has been heavily supported by the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities, the Western Australian Dept of Communities and the Royal Life Saving Society’s principal community partner, BHP. It's already achieved success in Port Hedland, Kununurra and Roebourne - with a number of aboriginal youth in those communities now working as Pool Lifeguards in their community.

For further information on the Talent Pool program contact Royal Life Saving Senior Manager, Workforce Solutions, Travis Doye at the link below.