Festivities and honours at Trainers Christmas celebration

As the sun sets on another year of training, members of Royal Life Saving WA’s Community Trainer and Swim Teacher network came together to celebrate on Wednesday evening.

Held at the Swan Yacht Club against the picturesque Fremantle skyline, the event provided a relaxed setting for our trainers and swim teachers to catch up with each other and mingle throughout the evening.

Royal Life Saving Member Engagement Manager, Francesca Amoroso, said it was a wonderful opportunity for swim teachers and trainers to spend time together.

“It was a great night of networking where we had the pleasure of presenting six honours awards, plus one for our staff member Emma. It was a great opportunity to see Royal Life Saving swim teachers and trainers gathering in the same place for a night of recognition and fun,” said Francesca.

“This event is our way to say thank you to all Trainers and Swim Teachers and acknowledge the great work they have done and keep on doing out there.”

Honours awards were presented by Senior Manager for Education, Trent Hotchkin, to recognise the work of our dedicated volunteers, members and staff who have made an important contribution to the work of Royal Life Saving.

Aquatic Trainer Bruce Emslie, Swim Teacher Taylor Ferguson and staff member Emma Wilson were each awarded the WA Service Order for their contributions.

Aquatic Trainer and Head of Physical Education at Aquinas College, Dean Nottle, who has been teaching the Bronze Medallion since 2011, was awarded the WA Long Service Order award. 

TAFE lecturer Matt Wescott and Penhros College teacher Michelle Lenane also received the WA Long Service Order for their many years as Aquatic Trainers in their respective communities.

Lastly, Kim McMinn, who is the Coordinator at Aqualife Swim School and an active member of the Royal Life Saving Endorsed Swim School Committee, was awarded the WA Meritorious Service Order for his passion and dedication to water safety and lifesaving training since obtaining his first Bronze Medallion in 2002.

You can read more about the impact of the training courses and swimming and water safety programs delivered by our network of Community Trainers and Swim Teachers at the link below.