South Australia’s Next Generation of Aquatic Leaders Announced
Fifteen emerging leaders from across South Australia’s aquatic industry have been selected to participate in the inaugural Youth SAAIL Group – Emerging Aquatic Leaders program, a landmark initiative designed to develop the future leaders of the sector.
The program, delivered by the South Australian Aquatic Industry Leaders (SAAIL) and funded by the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing’s Sector Success Program, brings together a diverse cohort of young professionals and volunteers from across metropolitan and regional South Australia. Surf Life Saving SA is a proud member of the SAAIL, alongside Royal Life Saving SA, AUSTSWIM, Swimming SA, YMCA SA, BlueFit Swimming, Belgravia Leisure and Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia.
Representing swim schools, aquatic and leisure centres, surf life saving clubs, sporting organisations and local government, the participants will undertake a 12-month leadership journey focused on developing governance, communication and leadership capabilities while helping shape the future of South Australia’s aquatic industry.
Throughout the program, participants will engage in boardroom-style leadership sessions, mentoring opportunities, behavioural profiling, industry networking and professional development. They will also work collaboratively to deliver a youth-led session at the 2027 South Australian Aquatics Conference and Awards and contribute to a statewide Youth Workforce Insights Report.
The inaugural Youth SAAIL Group participants are:
· Ivana Arora – BlueFit Swimming
· Louisa Beaumont – WestSwim / Concordia College / Unley Swimming Club / Surf Life Saving SA / Brighton SLSC
· Jordan Bowden – Surf Life Saving SA / Brighton SLSC
· Peyton Daniels – Belgravia Leisure / Summit Aquatic and Leisure Centre
· Angelina Eckert-Politis – Waterworld, City of Tea Tree Gully
· Connor Fear – AUSTSWIM / WestSwim / Surf Life Saving SA / Somerton SLSC
· Michael Fisher – Royal Life Saving South Australia
· Joshua Fraser – Waterworld, City of Tea Tree Gully
· Eliesha Gorman – BlueFit Swimming
· Matilda Heneker – Whyalla Recreation Centre / YMCA SA / Whyalla SLSC
· Clancy Cvetko – Belgravia Leisure / Summit Aquatic and Leisure Centre / Brighton SLSC
· Connie Jackson – Swimming SA / STARplex
· Corben Powell – Swimming SA / YMCA Aquatic & Event Services / SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre / Marion Swimming Centre
· Olivia Smith – Surf Life Saving South Australia
· Tom Wiggett – Blue Dolphin Swim Centre / Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia / Southern Performance Swimming Club
The selected participants reflect the breadth and diversity of South Australia’s aquatic workforce, including swimming teachers, coaches, lifeguards, volunteer lifesavers, operations managers, aquatic program leaders and community engagement professionals. Collectively, they represent the future of an industry that plays a vital role in water safety, participation, health and community wellbeing.
Aaron Tuckfield, SLSSA Head of Community and Aquatic Programs, noted:
“The Youth SAAIL Group represents an exciting investment in the future of our industry. These fifteen participants have already demonstrated exceptional commitment within their organisations, and this program will equip them with the leadership skills, industry knowledge and professional networks to become the next generation of aquatic leaders in South Australia. It is extremely pleasing to note that six of the successful candidates are members of Surf Life Saving clubs, demonstrating that our members can take their qualifications and experiences and put them to use in all aquatic environments. We thank the ORSR for their valued support.”
By investing in emerging leaders, the program aims to strengthen workforce retention, create meaningful leadership pathways and ensure young voices help shape the future direction of the aquatic industry.
SAAIL congratulates each of the successful participants and looks forward to supporting them throughout this exciting leadership journey.