Mr Lavers moved to Merredin from the Pilbara with his wife Lindy and five children in November and has a long term contract as pool manager for the shire of Merredin.

He said he was looking forward to developing swimming in Merredin.

“I was a member of the WA state swimming team in the 70s and competed in swimming all over Australia,” he said.

“I have worked extensively in the recreation industry and ran my own swim school in Perth before working in the Kimberley and Pilbara for eight years.

“The Merredin Swimming Pool already has VacSwim lessons and a swimming club but I want to develop community swimming classes further in Merredin.

“For example I would like to conduct smaller classes with more one-on-one attention, infant swimming lessons and also develop a pathway for competitive swimming.

“I am also looking at developing activities such as volleyball and mini golf in the vacant land adjacent to the pool.”

So far this summer, two VacSwim courses have run with three enthusiastic instructors teaching more than 100 children and youths from stages one through to bronze medallion.

“About eight young people have done their bronze medallion this summer which means they are now able to help with supervising the pool and I am hoping to get them involved with a Junior Lifeguard Club,” said Mr Lavers.

He said his plans were to stay in Merredin for the long term as it was a good spot for family.