Meet Cathie: Royal Life Saving WA Community Trainer, SES Volunteer and inland waterways enthusiast!
Starting as an Aquatic Trainer with Royal Life Saving in 2017, Cathie was encouraged to become a First Aid Trainer given her skills, experience, and passion for teaching, and she soon joined our team of First Aid Trainers as well.
“I started as an Aquatic Trainer, and inland waterways are certainly my passion,” Cathie says. “My childhood was spent growing up on the river and being involved with many community groups. All of this transferred into my career with Royals and as a volunteer with the SES.”
As a 13-year-old, Cathie witnessed a non-fatal drowning of her neighbour’s toddler where resuscitation was needed, and over the years she has seen and assisted with many boating and fishing accidents.
Cathie now uses her skills to teach others and delivers several training courses for Royal Life Saving including the Bronze Medallion, First Aid,
Aqua Skills 55+ and
Heart Beat Club. Recently, Cathie also upskilled to deliver the Swim Teacher by Royal Life Saving training course
which she really enjoys.
At an event for Community Trainers in 2022, Cathie
was awarded the Royal Life Saving WA Service Order Award for her many years of dedication in furthering the aims of the organisation and sharing her skills with countless others in the community.
Her real-world experiences have added tremendous depth to Cathie's teaching. She says the experiences have not only put the skills she’s teaching into perspective but have highlighted the utmost importance of learning these skills.
“Being a volunteer with the SES and an Emergency Services Cadets instructor has put my first aid skills into use, also adding to my enthusiasm in delivering courses. You never know when you’ll need it.”