Season opener brings community to Exmouth Pool

The latest National Drowning Report reveals that 46% of WA’s drowning deaths in 2020-21 happened in regional areas of our state. Royal Life Saving WA has been working hard over recent years to build swimming and water safety skills in remote and regional communities as we strive to reduce these statistics.

One of our target communities over the past 12 months has been the coastal town of Exmouth in our Gascoyne region. As the gateway to the nearby Ningaloo Marine Park with its coral reefs and migratory whale sharks, water activities are a popular part of the local lifestyle, making swimming and water safety education even more crucial for this community.

Recently the local Exmouth Pool held its season opening event, and thanks to funding from Principal Community Partner BHP, Royal Life Saving WA was able to assist in making this event a success. Around 180 people attended, enjoying lifesaving activities, Synchro WA demonstrations, pool inflatables, Swim and Survive and Junior Lifeguard Club giveaways and a free sausage sizzle.

Building community engagement with local aquatic centres is an important part of our social impact efforts, as they become a community hub. Events like the recent season opener are a great way to introduce participants to a range of other activities the centres have to offer, opening the door for them to access to vital swimming and water safety education.