Talent Pool recruit Kate Sheehy is making a 'big splash' when it comes to the progression of her aquatic career. Since engaging in the Talent Pool Program, Kate has continued to achieve, gaining her first aid, CPR, Bronze Medallion and Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety qualifications!
Training through the Talent Pool program provides skills development and employment opportunities for young Aboriginal people and works to provide ongoing employment opportunities for program graduates both within and beyond the aquatic industry. The Talent Pool Program is proudly funded by Royal Life Saving WA’s Principal Community Partner BHP.
Since completing such a wide range of training, Kate has completed her practical hours for the Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety qualification, under the supervision of Hedland's Swim & Survive Endorsed Swim School Coordinator Tracye Sykes. It’s been widely reported across WA and the nation that swim instructors are in desperately short supply, with many schools cancelling in-term swimming classes due to a lack on instructors, so Kate’s engagement as a swim teacher helps to safeguard vital swimming classes for Pilbara children!
Kate has apparently taken to the role "like a duck to water"- she actually debuted in her involvement with Royal Life Saving WA as Dippy Duck for the BHP family Fun Day in 2021! The students love having ‘Miss Kate’ take them through their skills and stroke techniques. Kate intends to continue broadening her skills and knowledge by undertaking the Royal Life Saving WA Pool Lifeguard course at South Hedland Aquatic Centre.
Kate says the training opportunities she’s been provided with this year are something she will always treasure. “I’d like to say thank you to the Talent Pool Program for this opportunity and thank you to Royal Life Saving’s Tim Turner and Lauren Thompson for mentoring and encouraging me."