Shire of Ashburton aquatic staff recognised for their contribution

Two Shire of Ashburton staff members were presented with Certificates of Thanks from Royal Life Saving WA at the recent LIWA Aquatics annual conference. 

Shire Pool Duty Manager John Beard and Swimming Pool Coordinator Andrew Price from the Onslow Aquatic Centre both attended the LIWA conference in August and were presented with the certificates by Royal Life Saving WA staff members at the event.

Rochelle Graham, who is Royal Life Saving WA’s Inclusion Officer, and Jonnine Rowe, our Sport, Schools and Inland Waterways Coordinator, have been working with John and Andrew during the past year to facilitate a range of aquatic and lifesaving programs in Onslow.

“John Beard has been incredibly helpful in running the Royal Life Saving WA programs in Onslow over the last year,” says Rochelle. “He has been enthusiastic in coordinating not only Swim and Survive but also the Swim for Fruit program as well.”

The Swim and Survive and Swim for Fruit programs in Onslow were supported by Principal Community Partner BHP. John said the recent Swim for Fruit season saw 156 participants enjoying swimming laps of the Onslow Pool, and that the kids really look forward to coming to the pool to participate in the program.

The Swim and Survive program commenced in Term 4 of last year and continued during Term 1 this year. Having lessons across two consecutive school terms provides the children with some consistency in their learning and allows them to build their skills over a shorter period of time instead of waiting a year between lessons, which is often the case for regional and remote communities.

Andrew (Andy) Price was also recognised for being highly supportive of the delivery of Royal Life Saving programs at the centre. “Andy has supported the delivery of swimming and water safety education, drowning prevention education and the promotion of healthy, active lifestyles,” said Rochelle.

Andy was instrumental in assisting Royal Life Saving WA Trainer Gayle Cruden in holding a Heart Beat Club course at the pool when she visited Onslow earlier this year. Gayle’s visit also saw her assist with the pool’s end-of-season closure and party. Gayle was very impressed with the facilities and staff at Onslow, saying “they have such a beautiful pool with such friendly, helpful staff!”

Royal Life Saving WA was glad to have the opportunity to personally present these certificates of appreciation to John and Andy. Working with people in regional and remote communities who are supportive of Royal Life Saving helps to improve the delivery of vital swimming, water safety and lifesaving programs to these communities.