What a great day in Narrogin!

On Tuesday 20th October, 50 people attended this year’s LIWA Aquatic & Recreation Regional Seminar at the Narrogin Regional Leisure Centre. The program covered practical issues facing aquatic facilities, with plenty of ideas and experience shared across the day.

Chris Blankley opened with Around the Pool, to check in with each of the 26 aquatic facilities represented. LIWA Executive Officer Leith Fradd then explored the Runcorn case and its lessons for WA aquatic operators on supervision, duties, and controls. Leanne Coverley-Brandis from Royal Life Saving WA led a practical session on supervision planning, including how to consider the facility, activities, patrons and changing conditions when planning lifeguard zones, staffing and escalation responses.

Mark Gillbard from Lake Grace Swimming Pool and Erin Vis from Water Corporation shared how Lake Grace reduced water use by more than 40% and saved over $12,000 through the Waterwise Aquatic Centre Program. Erin also presented the program’s endorsement certificates to Lake Grace, Narrogin and Kattanning.

In the afternoon, Kim Nimmo and Janelle Conroy from the Department of Education discussed how aquatic facilities can work with the Interm and VacSwim programs to support swimming and water safety education. John Mandelt from Brauer Swim shared practical advice on plant room inspections, preventative maintenance and spotting early signs of equipment failure. His sessions will be expanded to 4 practical industry workshops in 2027.  

Max Ploumis from Direct Energy and Brendan Firman from the Shire of Narrogin presented the Centre’s energy-efficiency project, including its move from a gas boiler to electric heat pumps and the installation of rooftop solar.  Chris and Leanne then worked through a seasonal pool readiness checklist, covering water quality, chemical systems, safety equipment, inspections, documentation and staff preparation and Leith Fradd provided an overview of the qualification and accreditation process to finish the day.

A huge thank you to Brendan Firman, Cat Ranieri, Liz Haywood and the Shire of Narrogin for their incredible support in hosting the seminar. We’re also grateful to Dave and Pam from Pool Robotics Perth, our Principal Professional Development Sponsor.

Thank you to all our presenters: Chris Blankley, Leanne Coverley-Brandis, Mark Gillbard, Erin Vis, Kim Nimmo, Janelle Conroy, John Mandelt, Max Ploumis and Brendan Firman. A special thank you to Chris Blankley, Smith-Robertson Award winner and LIWA Life Member, for his outstanding work as MC and for presenting two sessions.

We also thank our partners Royal Life Saving WA, Water Corporation and the Department of Education for their continued support of LIWA.  

The learning continued the following day, with 40 delegates completing their Pool Lifeguard requalification.

We’re already looking forward to heading to Karratha for our next regional seminar.