Talent Pool graduate working as a lifeguard

Talent Pool uses a place-based approach to build the capacity and capability of community by ensuring local young people are equipped and empowered to participate in the local economy as paid professionals in the aquatic and recreation industry.


Youth employment opportunities

Each summer, local governments and business contractors face the challenge of keeping aquatic centres open and maintaining services amid shortages of qualified personnel.

Royal Life Saving WA’s Talent Pool program aims to empower young people across the state to fill this seasonal gap by facilitating real employment opportunities as aquatic professionals within their own communities.

Talent Pool has established working relationships and partnerships with local governments to foster employment opportunities for Talent Pool graduates. The program aims to work alongside aquatic and recreation facility management teams to plan and secure their staffing needs, as well as create a strategy to engage, equip and employ youth in the community.

Social and economic dividends

The Talent Pool program makes a positive contribution to the bottom line of local government and business by positively engaging the community to identify high-calibre candidates wanting employment, as well as helping to ensure the operations of essential social services (community pools) are maintained.

Through the completion of accredited training, the program enhances educational outcomes for young people, particularly Aboriginal young people, and encourages their participation in the economy.

In addition, the program provides access to activities that benefit the physical and mental wellbeing of our youth and helps to foster their aspirations. Activities include:

  • Pool rescue/junior lifeguard activities and challenges
  • Youth leadership activities
  • Swim fitness training
  • Participation in community events
  • Training in unique areas

Check out our success stories to see some of the great things happening with Talent Pool!