LIWA Aquatics’ annual Southwest Aquatic Recreation Seminar was held on 15 October in Margaret River, proudly hosted by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River. The event was officially opened by Shire CEO Andrea Selvey, whose warm welcome set the tone for a day focused on collaboration, professional growth, and community support across Western Australia’s aquatic and recreation network.

LIWA Aquatics extends sincere thanks to the Shire of Augusta Margaret River for generously providing the venue and supporting this important industry initiative.

For many in the Southwest, these seminars are more than just training days—they’re vital opportunities to meet peers, exchange ideas, and build the networks that sustain small and often isolated workforces. As LIWA Executive Officer Leith Fradd explained, “Our regional seminars are about supporting the people who keep local aquatic facilities running safely and effectively. They provide practical learning and strengthen the sense of community that underpins our industry.”

The seminar was delivered by Leith alongside LIWA Life Member Chris Blankley, with Pool Robotics Perth attending as the Principal Professional Development Sponsor. Royal Life Saving WA also ran a Pool Lifeguard Licence Renewal course, providing convenient upskilling opportunities for those attending the event.

Building Confidence in Challenging Situations

A highlight of the day was the De-escalating Conflict and Aggression Workshop, led by Dr Christian Mauri, a respected sociologist and trainer who also presented at the 2025 Aquatic Recreation Conference. The session, described by participants as “highly relevant and timely”, addressed a growing concern across the aquatic industry—the increase in aggressive and antisocial behaviour faced by frontline staff.

The workshop provided practical tools and strategies for managing confrontation safely and effectively, with topics including:

• Understanding causes and triggers of aggression
• Preventing violence before it starts
• Responding to emergencies and escalation
• Body language and calming techniques

Participants expressed strong appreciation for the session, noting its particular relevance for regional centres where staff often work alone or in small teams.

Preparing for the Season Ahead

Chris Blankley led a Chlorine Overview & Checklist session focused on preparing facilities for the busy summer season. Covering manual handling best practices, chlorine management, and compliance checklists, the session ensured operators left with practical tools to keep their centres safe and efficient.

Keeping Patrons Safe

Leanne Coverly-Brandis from Royal Life Saving WA returned to deliver an engaging session on Supervision Plans – Keeping Patrons Safe. Participants explored how to create and refine supervision plans tailored to their own facilities, recognising that each centre has unique layouts, staff configurations, and community needs.

Sharing Regional Perspectives

The Issues and Challenges Workshop, facilitated by Chris Blankley, provided an open forum for participants to discuss the operational realities of running regional aquatic centres. Common themes included staff recruitment and retention, workforce training pathways, and the growing prevalence of customer aggression. Participants called for industry-wide campaigns and resources to better support frontline staff.

Data, Education and Future Planning

Peter Lillywhite and Fiona Njirich from the School of Swimming and Water Safety provided an update on the newly established institution, set to launch in 2027. Their presentation explored current programs and ongoing barriers to participation, particularly in regional areas.

LIWA’s Executive Officer, Leith Fradd, also delivered a session on Using Data to Improve Operations, outlining how participation in LIWA’s data collection projects can help facilities benchmark performance and access valuable sector-wide insights not available to the public.

The day concluded with a technical tour of the Margaret River Recreation Centre, hosted by Dylan Brown and Alex Costa, giving delegates a behind-the-scenes look at local operations and community engagement initiatives.

A Connected Industry, A Supported Workforce

LIWA Aquatics extends its thanks to Pool Robotics Perth, Royal Life Saving WA, and the Shire of Augsta -Margaret River for their partnership and hospitality.

Regional seminars like this one demonstrate LIWA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the Western Australian aquatic industry—by supporting its people, fostering collaboration, and ensuring every facility, no matter how remote, has access to professional development and a strong support network.