For Tamzen Yates, swimming lessons are about far more than learning strokes. They are about finding the approach that allows each swimmer to feel safe, capable and included.

Tamzen, from Superfins WA – Telethon Superfins Learn to Swim, was named Swim Teacher of the Year at the 2026 WA Aquatic & Recreation Industry Awards. Sponsored by Royal Life Saving WA, the award recognises outstanding teachers whose passion, professionalism and commitment help build confident, capable and safer swimmers.

Since joining Telethon Superfins Learn to Swim in 2022, Tamzen has worked with children and young adults with a wide range of physical, intellectual and learning disabilities. Her highly individualised approach sees her adapt lessons, communication and equipment around each swimmer's abilities, interests and needs rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

That can mean turning a 25-metre swim into a journey along the Joondalup to Perth train line, using a swimmer's love of gymnastics to teach surface dives, or creating visual schedules and social stories to help swimmers understand and navigate their lessons. For Deaf and hard-of-hearing swimmers, Tamzen also uses her extensive Auslan skills and visual supports to make swimming and water safety education more accessible.

Behind that creativity is a significant commitment to professional development. Tamzen has completed a Diploma in Auslan and further training relating to Deaf and hard-of-hearing children, child development, disability and cultural awareness. She has also commenced a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, bringing new knowledge from her studies directly into her work with swimmers.

Her contribution reaches beyond her own classes. Tamzen mentors other Superfins teachers, particularly in techniques for swimmers with cerebral palsy and the use of Auslan and Key Word Sign. She also volunteers as a communication guide and camp leader with the WA Foundation for Deaf Children and has a long-term ambition to create greater swimming opportunities specifically for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Perhaps the greatest measure of Tamzen's impact comes from the families she works with. Her nomination included numerous accounts of children developing skills, confidence and independence in the water after finding an approach that worked for them. As recognised on Awards night, her creativity, compassion and advocacy are making a lasting difference both in the pool and beyond it.

LIWA Aquatics congratulates Tamzen Yates on being named the 2026 Swim Teacher of the Year and on her outstanding commitment to making swimming and water safety education accessible to every swimmer.