Up-and-coming lifeguard faces in the Pilbara

A group of fresh young talent from WA’s Pilbara region completed their pool lifeguard certificates over the weekend, with the group excited to put their new skills to good use.

The training was held at South Hedland Aquatic Centre, with 9 participants successfully completing the two-day course to become fully qualified pool lifeguards.

Royal Life Saving WA’s Pilbara team, Talent Pool Program Manager Tim Turner and Pilbara Development Officer Jacqui Forbes, worked together to put the group through their paces. “It was a challenging two days as lifeguard candidates learnt advanced aquatic and first aid techniques including managing spinal injuries and administering oxygen from a bottle,” says Tim.

Tim has been working with some of the students for the past few months through the Talent Pool program, which is an innovative training and employment program providing a springboard for young Aboriginal people wanting to achieve employment in the aquatic industry. He is proud to see their recent efforts culminate in the pool lifeguard qualification. 

“Any anxiety candidates had for the physical elements of the testing – including a 200m swim in under 6 minutes and a tow – were quickly alleviated, as several months of training and preparation through the Talent Pool program paid dividends.”

For many of those who completed the course, lifeguarding will be a first-time job for them and will provide a valuable opportunity to gain new skills and on-the-job experience. Royal Life Saving WA looks forward to providing ongoing support to these young individuals and further building the capabilities of locals within communities across the Pilbara.

Learn more about the great work of the Talent Pool program at the link below.

Want to get paid to spend time by the pool? Pool Lifeguarding is a fun, flexible and rewarding job that can take you anywhere. Learn more about becoming a pool lifeguard at the link below.