In a ground-breaking initiative, Karma Group has sent Karma Beach lifeguard I Kadek Arya Wiarta to train with Australian surf lifesavers in Perth, Western Australia. The move comes after Arya’s impressive victory in the gruelling 13km male division of the annual Row for R.O.L.E canoe race on May 6, 2023, where he beat over 140 international and local competitors.
Karma Group Chairman John Spence, who witnessed Arya’s performance, arranged for the exceptional lifeguard to visit Perth from March 18th to the 28th. During his stay, Arya underwent intensive lifesaving training at Cottesloe Surf Club, marking a historic moment as the first Indonesian from Karma to pursue such training at this SLSC. Even Australian Olympic gold medallist Michael Klim dropped by to wish Arya good luck on his Australian adventure and shared some insight on Australia and Lifeguard training.
Led by experienced trainer Deborah Dean and supported by two additional experts, Arya engaged in a rigorous 10-day program, dedicating 8 hours daily to mastering essential skills that will culminate in him earning an Australian SLSA Bronze Medallion, a globally recognized accreditation for volunteer lifesavers.
Tom Montague, a training officer at Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club, said, “When Arya put that bronze medallion around his neck on Sunday, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen such a broad grin. It was great to have our club rally around him. We love that he can now take the skills he has learnt here in Cottesloe and share that knowledge with his colleagues in Bali, ultimately leading to better outcomes for swimmers who get into trouble in the water at Uluwatu.”
Arya’s trip was organised by John Spence, founder of Karma Group, who called his long-time friend and Cottesloe stalwart Jean Burling, a professional swim teacher for more than 50 years, to host Arya during his stay. “Bali holds a special place in my heart,” Burling said. “I’ve been travelling there for 51 years.”
The training Arya received will prove invaluable in enhancing safety at Karma Kandara. By sharing his expertise with his own lifeguard team upon returning, Arya can elevate standards for his colleagues as he imparts crucial knowledge and techniques learned at an international standard, empowering the team to better safeguard guest well-being.
This unique trip exemplifies Karma Group’s commitment to progress through global partnerships. By learning from world-class Australian lifeguards, Arya gains elite new skills to bring back home, allowing Karma Kandara to pioneer new safety protocols and set the benchmark for lifeguard excellence in Bali.
