Koya students learn vital lifesaving skills

Note: This story includes information and images taken early in term one this year, before social distancing measures were put in place and public swimming pools closed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In partnership with the Koya Aboriginal Corporation, Royal Life Saving WA facilitated a 4 week extended Bronze Medallion program at Swan Active Midland in February this year. The program was led by Royal Life Saving WA Talent Pool Program Coordinator Pida Bule-Turner.

Aboriginal young people aged up to 18 years are 8.6 times more likely to drown than non-Aboriginal children, so programs like this are vital to ensure these youth have the skills they need to safely enjoy aquatic activities. The program also aims to provide the youth with opportunities to gain the skills and qualifications needed for employment as lifeguards or swim instructors at local aquatic centres.

13 young people participated in 1-hour of land base drills, followed by 2 hours in the water, and at the end of the program one participant was successful in obtaining their Bronze Medallion certification.
Tomzarni Dann, the community Engagement Officer at Koya gave says the program was enjoyed by all those who took part, largely due to the way the training was delivered. ''Pida is talented instructor who easily gets on the level of the participants when delivering the program. She was clear concise in the way she delivered the Bronze Medallion training.”

When the health climate allows, Royal Life Saving WA is looking forward to partnering with Koya again to enable more young people to learn these vital skills.

You can find out more about the Talent Pool program at the link below.