Member Profile - Darren Hicks
Royal Life Saving WA has over 40,000 members right across our state who are connected to us in a variety of ways. People become members through completing one of our vocational training or first aid courses, by supporting our fundraising programs, by volunteering for the society or by participating in one of our sports competitions or events.
We recently held a series of member recognition events, which gave us an opportunity to recognise the efforts and support of more than 2,000 members, who have made a difference to the organisation through their long-term involvement. Our members are at the core of what we want to achieve as a society, working to prevent drowning by creating safer environments, equipping people with essential swimming and water safety skills and empowering the community to respond in an emergency.
One of those members who was recently awarded was Darren Hicks. Darren was recognised with a Companion Member Award in our Training Award Member category, for 15 years continuous involvement. Darren began his involvement when he trained as a Pool Lifeguard before gaining employment at Bayswater Waves.
Royal Life Saving WA Trainer Assessor Ryan Scally says Darren has always been a great ambassador for the aquatic industry. “Darren worked as a lifeguard during my time at Bayswater, and was enthusiastic and motivated to create a safe and fun environment for the users of the facility. He became a member of the supervisor team for a number of years, helping to sustain a high level of customer service. This is where he cut his teeth on the pool plant side of the industry and really hasn't looked back since.”
When City of Canning open the doors to its new facility in 2012, Darren became a member of the inaugural team and has since become a leader of the team at Canning’s two facilities. Ryan says Darren is an industry leader and will bring the best out of anyone who crosses paths with him. “Darren has a passion for safety, maintenance and team. His work ethic is one to follow, he only wants the best for the team and is willing to remember where he came from and will get his hands dirty or his feet wet when required.”
Darren’s commitment to safety also continues outside of his normal work in aquatics, as he participates annually with the Green Team, working to ensure the safety or school leavers at the annual leavers events as he coordinates the first aid response team. He’s also been a willing helper and judge at Royal Life Saving WA and LIWA Aquatics’ annual Pool Lifeguard Challenge.
We’re thankful for the commitment of members like Darren, who share their skills in water safety and first aid right across our community as we work to ensure people right across WA can enjoy the water safely.