The role of a pool lifeguard is one of vigilance, skill, and care. Beyond simply keeping watch, the very best lifeguards embody a rare combination of technical expertise, calm under pressure, and the ability to make every person in their care feel safe.

At the 2025 WA Aquatic Recreation Industry Awards, proudly sponsored by Lynxlight, LIWA Aquatics is delighted to recognise Miriam Ohuma from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s Goldfields Oasis Recreation Centre as the Pool Lifeguard of the Year.

Setting the Standard for Lifeguarding

Miriam joined the Goldfields Oasis team in 2023 and has already become an indispensable part of the facility. Patrons know her as the friendly, reassuring presence on the pool deck — the lifeguard who greets them with warmth while quietly ensuring every detail of their safety.

She is not simply doing a job; she is creating a culture of trust. Families, seniors, and young swimmers alike feel seen and supported when Miriam is on duty, a testament to her remarkable people skills and calm professionalism.

A Lifesaver in Every Sense

In the past year, Miriam has carried out seven rescues, each performed with composure and precision. On one occasion, she spotted a child struggling more than 100 metres away while she was cleaning the pool deck. Before anyone else had realised what was happening, Miriam was already in the water, saving the child with complete control and confidence.

It’s this level of vigilance — the ability to notice what others miss — that sets her apart. Acts like these aren’t just part of her role; they are moments where Miriam’s commitment, bravery, and skill have changed lives.

More Than a Watchful Eye

Miriam’s impact extends far beyond the whistle and rescue tube. She is a passionate advocate for water safety education, always ready to explain the Watch Around Water policy or gently guide patrons toward safer behaviours.

She also teaches swimming at the Oasis, instilling vital life skills in children who may one day rely on them. For Miriam, education and prevention are as important as intervention — and she embraces both with energy and dedication.

Growing Herself, Growing Others

Lifeguarding excellence doesn’t happen by chance, and Miriam’s drive for professional development is unwavering. As a proud member of the Royal Life Saving WA Talent Pool, she mentors young people working towards becoming lifeguards, passing on the skills and mindset that make her so effective.

Recently adding swim instruction and de-escalation training to her repertoire, Miriam continues to raise the bar for herself and those around her. Colleagues describe her as a role model who lifts the whole team through her reliability, initiative, and example.

A True Role Model

Feedback from peers, managers, and customers paints a consistent picture: Miriam is approachable, dependable, and endlessly committed. She is the teammate who always shows up prepared, the leader who inspires confidence, and the lifeguard whose watchful eye makes everyone feel secure.

As one colleague put it: “She doesn’t just do her job — she lifts up everyone around her.”

LIWA Aquatics warmly congratulates Miriam Ohuma on being awarded the 2025 Pool Lifeguard of the Year, proudly sponsored by Lynxlight.

Her lifesaving skills, leadership, and passion for education make her an inspiration not just to her facility, but to lifeguards and aquatic professionals across Western Australia.