Today is International Lifeguard Appreciation Day!

This year, we’re shining a spotlight on our Lifeguard Team at Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa), a remote Aboriginal community on East Arrernte country.

It gets pretty warm out at Ltyentye Apurte, so you can imagine how popular the local pool is on a hot day! Responding to community need, the Y has supported safe pool operation in Ltyentye Apurte since 2021, but some of the local Lifeguards have been working at the pool for much longer than that.

Lifeguard Terry Alice got his first job at the pool when he was 18 years old, and 30 years on he’s rejoined the team and loves working at the community pool.

 “The way we are running the pool now is the best ever,” he said.

“Heaps of local staff and we are all looking after the place. It’s created a really good happy place for people to come and enjoy, to go for a swim, sit down under the trees on the nice green grass and talk story and relax from the heat and get healthy.”

Pools are much more than a place to swim, and nowhere is that truer than in a remote community. Local swimming pools like the one in Ltyentye Apurte are vital and valuable community assets – places to gather and connect.

Lifeguard Patricia Oliver said the pool plays an important role in community. “I’ve always loved working here at the pool, it’s fun and the staff are friendly. We also have a say in the way we want to do things around here which makes it a better place.”

“I’m a Team Leader now too so I can show all the young women and fellas who want a job what to do and talk in language,” she said.

The Ltyentye Apurte pool is a seasonal facility, open from October to March every year, and it sure is popular.

“The pool here now is ACTION,” says Justin Hayes, Lifeguard and Traditional Owner.

“People are always talking about how good the pool looks now, clear water, green grass, shade under trees. More people want to come especially because it is free entry. It allows for everybody to come and enjoy and brings our community together in a happy place.”

Being a Lifeguard may look like fun in the sun, but these first responders have completed intensive training and are ready to jump into action if someone needs help.

The Remote Pools Project supports local staff to access the training and qualifications required to be a Pool Lifeguard.

For Kiana Hayes, getting trained up and securing her first job has been a really good experience.

 “I felt very happy going through the bronze medallion and first aid training, learning the new skills was great and really fun,” she said.

Kiana said the Ltyentye Apurte Lifeguards are the best team.

“Heaps of my friends and family work here so I feel very happy when I go to work. My favourite thing about work is helping the kids to be safe at the pool when they come in.”

Happy International Lifeguard Appreciation Day to all our Lifeguards in Ltyentye Apurte and beyond, and to all Lifeguards across the globe.