Aquatic training boost for Newman Senior High School

Royal Life Saving’s National President Cameron Eglington recently visited the Pilbara town of Newman to deliver an Aquatic Trainer course to staff from Newman Senior High School.

Blake Messom, Olivia Messom, Paul Pitchers and Matt Yarnold, who work at the high school, along with Allanna Taranto, who works across primary and secondary education in the town, participated in the course. They each completed and passed their Bronze Medallion and CPR qualifications in addition to achieving the aquatic trainer certificate.

Increasing the aquatic training capacity at the school is part of a partnership between the school and Royal Life Saving WA that will see dozens of students undergo training via our Talent Pool program to achieve their First Aid and Bronze Medallion qualifications.

The partnership, which is being supported by Principal Community Partner BHP, was announced earlier this year and will assist Newman students in gaining a range of work skills. Talent Pool is an innovative training and employment initiative helping young Aboriginal people achieve employment in the aquatic industry.

By completing the course and becoming qualified aquatic trainers, the group can now teach water safety and resuscitation skills to their students including the Bronze Medallion, which is the minimum standard for a qualified lifesaver and a requirement for many aquatic industry roles. 

Achieving their Bronze Medallion and CPR or first aid qualifications will open doors for the students and provide opportunities to become pool lifeguards, swim teachers or perform other roles in the aquatic industry.

Read more about the partnership and the opportunities it will provide at the link below.