Wiluna visit brings new skills to regional children

Children in Wiluna, a remote town in WA’s Goldfields region, recently had a great day learning vital water safety skills at the local pool!

20 students participated in the program and worked on their swimming skills, as well as getting the chance to try out wearing a lifejacket and having a go at using paddle boards and inflatable kayaks!

Royal Life Saving WA’s Goldfields Talent Pool Coordinator Clint Kelleher, who coordinated the program, says there were “smiles all round for a great day at the pool.”

“School Phys Ed teacher Dean Underwood was super enthusiastic spending the entire day in the water helping kids learn Swim and Survive techniques while having fun at the same time,” said Clint.

“Many of the kids were having their first experiences wearing a lifejacket, paddling a kayak and using a paddle board.”

Learning water safety skills is crucial in regional and remote towns, where children are 3.3 times more likely to drown than those in the metro area. Children in these towns often miss out on swimming lessons, which makes programs like these all the more important.

The Wiluna program was made possible thanks to support from Principal Community Partner BHP and the K Farmer Dutjahn Foundation (KFDF), which covers equipment costs, travel and time.

“The ongoing sponsorship and commitment from BHP and KFDF has made continued visits to Wiluna possible,” says Clint. “It was fantastic to see former student Salina Latu, who completed a Bronze Star award when I visited in February 2024, progress to find employment at the school as an educational assistant.”

Seeing the progress that students make is a rewarding part of the experience, and we look forward to seeing what the kids of Wiluna try out next time!