Fitzroy Crossing Pool Manager Adele Caporn with Niamh Hurley and local children receiving their swimming certificates

Niamh Hurley taking on the Rottnest Swim for our Remote Pools

Niamh Hurley is a young woman with a lot of energy, and a passion for keeping children safe around water. As a qualified swim instructor, she recently travelled to Fitzroy Crossing and spent two weeks teaching Aboriginal children vital swimming and water safety skills.

So inspired by her time in Fitzroy, Niamh will complete a solo swim of the Rottnest Channel on the 22nd February next year, to raise money for the Royal Life Saving WA Remote Aboriginal Swimming Pool program.

Niamh says it wasn't a hard decision to make. “I have always been passionate about swimming ever since I was a little toddler. I have had access to swimming pools since I was a baby and swimming has always been a part of my identity. After spending time in Fitzroy Crossing it became clear to me that there are many children who never learn to swim due to the simple fact that there is nowhere for them to go. Swimming the Rottnest Channel has always been a goal of mine and I thought there’s no better way to raise funds for something I am passionate about than by doing something that I love at the same time.”

It won’t be the first time Niamh’s taken part in the event, but it will be a tougher task than it was last time! “I did the Rottnest Swim in a team in 2016 but this year will be my first solo crossing. I think the biggest challenge for me will be the ability to stay strong mentally as the event day gets closer and my training increases. At the moment I’m swimming between 15-20kms a week as well as high intensity functional workouts 5 days a week to improve my physical strength.”

Niamh hopes all the hard work will be well and truly worth it to make a real difference for the children in remote areas of WA. “My fundraising goal is to raise $1500 before the day of the swim. I’d encourage anyone who’d consider donating to think about what amazing things can be achieved with that money. Swimming pools in remote locations change the lives of everyone living nearby in more ways than one. Everyone deserves to be given the opportunity to learn how to swim and by donating you can help make this a reality for more children.”

You can donate to Niamh’s Rottnest Channel Swim for Remote Pools by clicking the link below.