Karratha girls learn Bronze Medallion skills

A group of Year 10 students from the Karratha Girls Academy has enjoyed learning swimming and rescue skills as part of an extended Bronze Medallion program during Term Four. The program was funded by the Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries and run by Royal Life Saving WA trainers.

Aboriginal young people aged up to 18 years are 8.6 times more likely to drown than non-Aboriginal children, so programs like this are vital to ensure these youth have the skills they need to safely enjoy aquatic activities. The program also aims to provide the girls with opportunities to gain the skills and qualifications needed for employment as lifeguards or swim instructors at local aquatic centres.

In regional areas of WA there is often a shortage of qualified lifeguards and swim instructors to fill available shifts. This often affects the provision of swimming and water safety programs in these communities.

To have these 16 young women in Karratha learning these Bronze Medallion skills, which form a springboard for further training is aquatic roles such as these, not only provides them with potential future employment prospects but will also assist in the provision of aquatic recreation services in their region.

We look forward to seeing these girls develop their skills further in the coming years!