Young lifesavers showcase team spirit at Goldfields carnival

Yesterday, 135 excited Year 5 and 6 students from across the Goldfields poured into the Goldfields Oasis in Kalgoorlie for the fourth annual Royal Life Saving WA Spirit Carnival. 

Thanks to support from BHP and the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the pool deck came alive with swimming sprints, rescue-tube relays, rope-throw challenges and lifejacket drills, giving local primary school students the chance to experiment with swimming activities in a fun and supportive environment.  

After a Welcome to Country and didgeridoo performance by Gavin Murray, Mayor Glenn Wilson officially opened the carnival following a short Bravery Awards ceremony honouring six Oasis lifeguards for their heroic rescue of a young child back in 2023. 

Local Talent Pool participants were right in the water alongside students, offering hands-on coaching and encouragement to swimmers of all abilities.  

Every student left the carnival with a Swim and Survive bag stocked with their own Spirit Carnival t-shirt, goggles and fun goodies. When it was time to refuel, fresh fruit and Subway lunches helped keep everyone energised between events. 

South Kalgoorlie’s Phys-Ed teacher, Rhys MacFarlane, captured the mood. “It was a fantastic day. We’ll be coming back every year!” 

Over the past decade, poor swimming ability has contributed to 22% of drownings in the Goldfields, with Aboriginal children over-represented in drowning statistics. Trent Hotchkin, Royal Life Saving WA’s Senior Manager of Swimming and Water Safety Education commented: 

“People living in regional WA are 2.5 times more likely to be involved in a drowning incident than those in metropolitan areas. Our goal is to prepare young people with the skills and knowledge to save lives—whether their own or someone else’s.” 

 “The Spirit Carnival gives children the chance to learn vital Swim and Survive skills, build resilience, and gain confidence in and around the water—all while having fun and connecting with their community.” 

By bringing local schools together for a day of fun swimming challenges and drills, the Spirit Carnival continues to equip young people in regional WA with the tools they need to stay safe in and around the water.  

Discover more of Royal Life Saving WA’s remote participation initiatives below.