Warmun kids cool off

65 kids from Ngalangangpum school in Warmun recently competed in a hotly contested swimming carnival at the Royal Life Saving Remote Aboriginal Swimming Pool in the town, with participants pitted against each other in various races, including freestyle and backstroke.

The kids also took part in water safety relays utilising kickboards and noodles in a series of water safety games and activities. It was a closely contested affair with the Blue and Red teams competing for first place, and Team Blue narrowly securing the top position.

Warmun Pool Manager, Jamie O'Donohue, remarked “A thing that stood out was seeing the great swimming techniques shown by most kids. A great indication that the Swim and Survive lessons they take part in at the pool are paying off. The water safety relays were once again a highlight and lots of fun for the kids.”

The Swimming Carnival followed the recent ‘Water Bottle Regatta’ whereby empty water bottles collected beforehand were made into boats and rafts by the local kids. Once the water bottle boats were designed and taped together, the kids raced them and fully enjoyed the unique experience of combining recycling and water-based fun.

Warmun is a small Aboriginal community, 860km east of Broome and 200km south of Kununurra in the far north of Western Australia. It was known as Turkey Creek for many years but has now reverted to the Aboriginal name for the area.

The community is home to nearly 600 people, mainly Gija speakers, but also includes Aboriginal people from other language groups. In addition, the community is one of the principal access points to the beautiful Purnululu National Park and the famous Bungle Bungles.

For more information on our remote pools click the link below.