Published 05 February 2025

Volunteers are the heart of the Australian Pool Life Saving Championships. Behind every race, every result, and every medal awarded, there is a dedicated team of officials ensuring the event runs smoothly.

Without them, the Championships simply wouldn’t be possible.

This year, Cate McGrath was named ‘Official of the Meet’, recognising her outstanding contribution to the event. A long-time supporter of Pool Life Saving, Cate has worn many hats over the years, from coach to team manager, and more recently, as the Awards and Medals Coordinator. Her dedication reflects the passion and commitment shared by all our officials.

We spoke to Cate about her journey as a volunteer, what it means to receive this recognition, and what she loves most about being part of the Pool Life Saving community.

How did you get involved with volunteering as a Pool Life Saving official?

I have been involved in Pool Life Saving since my son was in under 8s (he competed this year in under 16s). Up until a couple of years ago, I had volunteered as a coach or team manager. You will usually find me behind my camera at Victorian carnivals.

I do love helping and being involved. Last year when Victoria hosted, I volunteered to do the Awards and Medals Coordinator role and had a lot of fun being behind the scenes.

This year, when the call out came from Jo Teagle (Chief Referee) for extra helpers, I put up my hand to do the role again.

I also had a great experience at the Australian Pool Life Saving Championships last year, with Brooke Cherfils (Event Manager), the rest of the Royal Life Saving Australia team, and the Life Saving Victoria staff.

What does it mean to you to win ‘Official of the Meet’?

It’s a little bit embarrassing, if I am honest. There are so many wonderful people who volunteer year on year, across pool lifesaving (and surf lifesaving) events.

I am very honoured to have been selected as the Official of the Meet, but I want to also acknowledge the contribution of all the officials and the Royal Life Saving Australia staff who made the whole event run smoothly!

There is an incredible amount of work that goes on over the competition days, not to mention all the planning and preparation to pull off a national event. Thank you!

What do you enjoy most about being a Pool Life Saving official.

It’s a lot of fun to be amongst the action on pool deck. I especially loved my desk for the three days in Sydney, with a birds-eye view of the pool deck as I sorted the medals. I also loved being amongst the medal presentation action.

Royals (APLSC) has a great vibe. It’s hard to describe, it’s like a family gathering. There are tense moments, but mostly lots of laughs and jokes along the way, which creates a relaxed environment for all the competitors and officials.

The athletes are fierce in competition, but there is also a great comradery amongst teams. They are always appreciative and respectfully acknowledge the officials.

To all our officials – thank you. Your time, effort and passion make these Championships possible, and we deeply appreciate your contribution to the lifesaving community.