LIWA Aquatics proudly congratulates the aquatic industry professionals and community members recognised at this year’s Royal Life Saving WA Bravery Awards, held on Friday, 17 October at the State Reception Centre, Kings Park.

The ceremony celebrated 90 Western Australians whose courageous and selfless actions saved lives across 26 emergency situations. Among them were numerous aquatic and recreation centre teams whose rapid response, training, and composure in critical moments exemplify the very best of our industry.

Royal Life Saving WA CEO Peter Leaversuch commended the award recipients, noting that their actions serve as a powerful reminder that emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. Their calm and decisive responses underscore the essential role aquatic professionals play in community safety every day.

Recognising Bravery in Aquatic Facilities

Margaret River Recreation Centre
Bravery Commendation — Dylan Brown, Ella Arbel, Charlotte O’Brien

During a Swimming Women session, the trio worked together to rescue and stabilise a participant experiencing a serious medical emergency. Their coordinated and compassionate actions in a regional setting ensured the participant received life-saving care until emergency services arrived.

City of Gosnells Leisure World

• Gold Medallion Bravery Awards — Tate Campbell, Alicia Ng
• Gold Star Bravery Awards — Tara O’Brien, Erin Thomas
• Bravery Commendations — Tarni Corkran, Sharon Bryce, Pam Vincent, Annabell Macey

When a four-year-old child was found unconscious in the pool, the fast action of 10-year-old Annabell and the professional response of the Leisure World team ensured a full recovery. Their teamwork, communication, and compassion were instrumental in saving a young life.

Stirling Leisure Centres – Inglewood

• Gold Medallion Bravery Awards — Ofer Lefelman, Jayden Peirce, Cameron Menzies
• Gold Star Bravery Awards — James Rayworth, Rupert Bede, Catherine Errington

When a swimmer suffered a seizure and sank to the bottom of the pool, swift intervention by Ofer and the Inglewood team—supported by the facility’s AI safety system—ensured a successful rescue and full recovery.

WAPOL and City of Swan

• Gold Medallion Bravery Awards — Constable Amy Bakker and Jarrad Mohr

In April this year, a woman collapsed from heart failure outside the IGA in Jurien Bay. Jarrad, trained in first aid through his role with the City of Swan Aquatic Facilities, immediately began CPR while a defibrillator was applied. Constable Amy Bakker, who was passing by, took over compressions as fatigue set in. Their calm, coordinated efforts revived the woman, who later made a full recovery.

Aqualife Centre – Victoria Park

• Gold Medallion Bravery Awards — Kim McMinn, Preston Hodge, Duncan Carse
• Bravery Commendations — Chris Martin, Shania Frivet, Lara Burford

When a swimmer collapsed after exiting the pool, staff acted immediately to provide CPR and oxygen therapy, maintaining care until paramedics arrived. Their professionalism and calm under pressure highlight the strength of industry training and teamwork.

Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre

• Gold Medallion Bravery Awards — Nick Fuller, Ryan Pennachio
• Gold Star Bravery Award — Luke Waldron
• Bravery Commendation — Lauren Yardley

The team’s fast and coordinated response to a patron found unresponsive in her vehicle demonstrated the highest level of care and diligence, offering comfort and critical support to both the patient and her family.

Cannington Leisureplex

• Gold Medallion Bravery Awards — Ashton Cridge, Tahlia Cappeluti, Caity Smith
• Bravery Commendations — Melissa Ellis, Ethan Hunter

When a young child began to drown, the team’s immediate recognition and resuscitation efforts resulted in a successful revival and full recovery. Their vigilance and collaboration exemplify lifesaving excellence.

Riverton Leisureplex

• Gold Medallion Bravery Award — Alex Lebron

Alex’s prompt response and effective CPR after rescuing a four-year-old from the whirlpool ensured the child’s survival and recovery. His quick thinking and professionalism were later commended by attending paramedics.

Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre

• Gold Medallion Bravery Awards — Josephine Lukasik, Rebecca May

The pair’s outstanding teamwork in rescuing and resuscitating a 16-year-old boy found unconscious in the pool was a textbook example of emergency preparedness and composure.

A Testament to Training, Teamwork, and Care

LIWA Aquatics extends its deepest congratulations to all award recipients for their bravery, professionalism, and service. Your actions embody the values that define our industry — vigilance, teamwork, and commitment to community safety.

These stories are a powerful reminder of why ongoing training, preparedness, and collaboration remain at the heart of everything we do. LIWA commends each of you for your courage and the example you set for aquatic professionals across Western Australia.