Justin Cooper – 40 Years of Service to the Aquatic & Recreation Industry

1. How did your journey in the aquatic & recreation industry begin?

My journey in the aquatic & recreation industry began in the mid-1980s when I first stepped onto pool deck as a young pool employee. At the time, I never imagined it would become a lifelong career. Like many people entering the industry, it started as a job, but it quickly became so much more.

I discovered that aquatic centres are about far more than swimming pools. They are places where children learn life-saving skills, people improve their health and wellbeing, communities come together, and lifelong memories are made. That sense of purpose, combined with the variety of work and the opportunity to make a positive difference every day, inspired me to build a career in the industry.

From those early days I moved into swimming coaching and Learn to Swim instruction, developing a passion for teaching and helping people gain confidence in the water. Looking back, those early experiences laid the foundation for everything that followed over the next four decades.

2. What roles or organisations have been part of your journey?

Over the past 40 years I have been fortunate to work across a wide variety of aquatic facilities in both metropolitan and regional Western Australia. Every facility has provided different experiences, challenges and opportunities to learn.

My career has included roles in pool operations, swimming coaching, Learn to Swim instruction, aquatic centre management and aquatic operations. Along the way I've worked at facilities including Inglewood, Bayswater, Beatty Park, Bold Park, Balga, Maylands Water Playground, Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre, Wanneroo Water World, Bunbury Aquatic Centre (South West Sports Centre), Goomalling War Memorial Pool, Boddington Swimming Pool and now All Saints' College, where I am the Aquatic Centre Operations Officer.

Throughout these roles I've been responsible for everything from daily operations and staff leadership to water quality management, plant operations, compliance, maintenance planning, capital works and strategic operational improvements. The diversity of those experiences has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career and has allowed me to continually develop both professionally and personally.

3. Looking back over your career, what are some of the highlights or achievements you are most proud of?

While I'm proud of the facility improvements, operational projects and safety initiatives I've been involved in, the achievement that means the most to me is the people.

Over the years I've had the privilege of mentoring swim teachers, lifeguards, pool operators, supervisors and managers as they developed their own careers. Seeing people I've trained or worked alongside progress into leadership positions throughout the industry has been incredibly rewarding.

I'm also proud to have contributed to improving aquatic safety, operational standards and facility management practices across a number of organisations. The industry has evolved enormously during my career, and it's been satisfying to play a small part in helping facilities become safer, more efficient and better equipped to serve their communities.

Ultimately, the legacy I'm most proud of isn't a building or a project—it's knowing I've helped people grow.

4. What has kept you involved in the aquatic & recreation industry for more than 40 years?

Quite simply, it's the people and the fact that no two days are ever the same.

The aquatic industry is constantly evolving. Throughout my career I've seen enormous changes in technology, water treatment systems, risk management, compliance requirements and facility design. There has always been something new to learn, which has kept the work interesting and rewarding.

What has remained constant, however, is the opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives. Whether it's helping a child learn to swim, ensuring a safe environment for patrons, supporting staff to develop their careers or working with colleagues to solve operational challenges, there is always a sense that the work matters.

The friendships and professional relationships I've built over the years have also kept me passionate about the industry. Many of those colleagues have become lifelong friends.

5. What are some of the biggest changes you've seen in the industry over the years?

The industry has transformed significantly over the past four decades.

Swimming lessons have evolved from relatively basic programs into highly structured, evidence-based teaching pathways. Water treatment systems, plant operations and facility technology have become far more sophisticated, while advances in risk management and compliance have significantly improved safety for both patrons and staff.

Community expectations have also changed. Today's aquatic centres are expected to deliver far more than swimming—they're community hubs that support health, fitness, recreation, rehabilitation and social connection.

While facilities have become more complex, one thing hasn't changed: success still depends on passionate people who genuinely care about their communities and about providing safe, welcoming environments.

6. Is there a person or mentor who has influenced or inspired you along the way?

I've been fortunate to work alongside many outstanding people throughout my career who have helped shape both my professional development and my outlook on the industry.

People such as Peter Byrne, Colin Hassell, Tony Head, Jeff Fondacaro, Karin Kelly and Dale Morrissey have all influenced me in different ways over the years. Whether through their leadership, technical knowledge, willingness to share their experience or simply their encouragement, each has contributed to my journey.

I've also learned something valuable from countless colleagues, supervisors and team members along the way. The aquatic industry has always been built on people sharing knowledge, supporting one another and helping the next generation succeed, and I'm grateful to have benefited from that throughout my career.

7. What advice would you give someone starting their career in the aquatic & recreation industry today?

Stay curious and never stop learning.

The aquatic industry offers an incredible variety of career opportunities, but the people who succeed are those who are prepared to continually develop their knowledge and embrace change.

Take every opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues, ask questions and volunteer for new experiences. Build strong relationships because the people you meet throughout your career will become one of your greatest professional assets.

Most importantly, remember why we do what we do. Every child who learns to swim, every patron who gains confidence in the water and every safe day at an aquatic facility is a reminder that our work has a genuine impact on people's lives.

8. What does receiving a LIWA Industry Service Award mean to you?

Receiving the LIWA 40 Year Industry Service Award is both humbling and deeply appreciated.

It provides an opportunity to reflect not only on my own career, but on the many people who have been part of the journey. No one achieves 40 years in this industry alone, and I'm incredibly grateful to the mentors, colleagues and organisations that have supported me throughout that time.

The award also reminds me how fortunate I've been to work in an industry that makes such a positive difference to communities across Western Australia.

After 40 years, I remain proud to be part of the aquatic industry. The greatest achievement of my career isn't a project, facility upgrade or operational success—it's the people. Whether it's a child learning to swim, a staff member growing into a leadership role or a colleague developing confidence in their abilities, those are the outcomes that matter most.

I'm excited about the future of the industry and look forward to seeing the next generation of aquatic professionals continue to build on everything that's been achieved over the past four decades.