Volunteering is a powerful way to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Maree Macague is a remarkable example of this, as a volunteer with the Remote Pools Project, she has dedicated her time and skills this year to teaching swimming and water safety education to school children in remote Pitjantjatjara community of Utju (Areyonga) in Central Australia.

Her efforts have had a significant impact on the community, promoting water safety, health and wellbeing, and fostering a love for swimming.

By teaching swimming and water safety education, Maree has empowered children with the skills and knowledge to stay safe around water and helped to instil confidence in the children to apply those skills when they are swimming at local water holes. 

In addition, Maree also introduced a mother-baby water play program known as “Kapi-Bubs” (water-bubs) and an aqua aerobics program for Kunga’s (women). 

The “Kapi-Bubs” program has been a highlight, allowing mothers and babies to bond and develop water skills so that mothers learn how to allow their babies to become independent and safer in the water. Maree explains “it’s great to see mothers and babies enjoying their time in the water, learning together and making progress each week. In the future, we aim to encourage local mums to be trained and employed as swim teachers with the YMCA in their community".

The introduction of weekly Aqua Aerobic Kunga nights (women only) was also a very popular program, as local community members encouraged more ladies to come along and join in, providing opportunity for women to have their own time in the pool to be physically active, in a culturally safe way. 

On weekends and after school Maree worked alongside local staff to help supervise the pool as a Pool Lifeguard, providing an opportunity for families to come together and enjoy the benefits of swimming and physical exercise.