Meet Steve Waterman, the first Ruth Lee Ambassador – a lifeguard and aquatic educator passionate about realistic rescue training and drowning prevention. Based in Western Australia, Steve has worked closely with organisations like Royal Life Saving WA to deliver critical water safety education across urban and remote communities. Discover how he’s using Pool Rescue Manikins to transform lifeguard training in some of the country’s most isolated areas…
We’re incredibly excited to officially welcome Steve Waterman as the first Ruth Lee Brand Ambassador – a title that not only recognises Steve’s outstanding contributions to aquatic safety in Australia, but also marks a bold new chapter in how we connect with and support the people using our manikins around the world.
From the remote Kimberley region to pool decks across WA, Steve’s passion for water safety, training, and community empowerment makes him the perfect person to represent Ruth Lee.
But who is Steve – and why does his story matter to lifeguards, swim instructors, and aquatic professionals down-under and beyond?
From the Outback to the Pool Deck: Steve’s Story
Steve grew up in rural WA, spending his early years in communities like Mantamaru (Jameson), Hyden, and Tammin before returning to Perth. It was in Hyden’s local pool that his lifelong passion for swimming and water safety was born.
Fast forward to today, and Steve is a highly qualified aquatic professional and a registered EMT. He holds multiple Certificates in Aquatics, Sport and Recreation, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment – credentials that reflect his commitment to both excellence in instruction and deep-rooted community engagement.
Steve trains lifeguards in remote pools around the Western region of Australia
In 2020, Steve was appointed Swimming Pool Manager for Warmun, a remote Aboriginal community in the Kimberley. He describes the role as “a dream come true,” allowing him to give back to communities much like the one he grew up in. Under his leadership, the Warmun pool has delivered vital safety education through initiatives like the Kimberley River Safety Program, helping participants understand the risks of inland waterways and practise basic pool rescue techniques – a crucial part of drowning prevention in remote Australian communities.
Further demonstrating his commitment to inclusive and accessible aquatic education, Steve recently completed specialist training focused on assisting participants with disabilities during aquatic activities. By using the Pool Rescue Manikin to demonstrate essential support techniques, he created a controlled and realistic learning environment – without the need for live volunteers. It’s another example of how Steve is using innovation to reach and empower diverse community groups.
Steve is constantly training himself and working towards different accreditations and qualifications to ensure he can pass on the best knowledge and experience to his candidates
Innovating Lifeguard Training with Ruth Lee Manikins
Steve isn’t just delivering training – he’s redefining it. A strong advocate for realistic, high-impact education, he has integrated the Ruth Lee Pool Rescue Manikin into his rescue drills and lifeguard courses. The result? More realistic training scenarios and better-prepared rescuers.
“From the very first time I used one of your Pool Rescue Manikins, I was struck by how lifelike yet durable they feel – so much more than the orange plastic manikins. That realism is critical when you’re training rescuers to respond under stress.”
“Our trainees respond better to scenarios that feel real,” says Steve. “Using the Pool Rescue Manikin has made a visible difference in how confident and capable they are in simulated emergencies.”
Steve regularly uses the Pool Rescue manikin for in-pool demonstrations, especially in scenarios where using live volunteer casualties is not possible or appropriate.
Steve has seen firsthand how the manikins’ anatomical design, realistic buoyancy, and robust construction elevate training – especially in remote and resource-limited settings. But what impressed him most wasn’t just the product itself – it was the values behind the brand.
“Beyond the manikins themselves, what really stood out was Ruth Lee’s commitment to advancing water-rescue education. You don’t just sell equipment – you partner with agencies and instructors to develop best practices, share case studies, and support certification programs worldwide. That aligns perfectly with my own passion.”
Supporting the Community
Steve’s role as a Ruth Lee Ambassador is not about promotion – it’s about empowerment. Through his extensive work in both urban and remote communities, Steve has championed inclusive, culturally sensitive aquatic education. His goal as an ambassador is to share educational content, training insights, and practical resources that other lifeguard trainers can apply in their own settings – whether that’s a city leisure centre, a school pool, or a remote outback facility.
The Pool Rescue manikin is always a feature of his training and his candidates love using it!
The timing couldn’t be better. In 2023, the Ruth Lee Pool Rescue Manikin was officially adopted into the UK’s National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, through the RLSS’s updated training standards. This followed years of growth in demand for more realistic training methods – and recognition of the difference such tools can make in lifeguard confidence and performance.
In 2024, the Pool Rescue Manikin received the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation, solidifying its place as one of the most impactful developments in aquatic training in recent years. It’s now being used by lifeguards all over the world, from the UK and Europe to the Middle East, Asia, and North America.
With Steve’s help – and alongside the vibrant drowning prevention and lifesaving community across Australia and New Zealand – we’re hoping to encourage even more instructors to embrace realism in training. Whether it’s running drop drills, recovery scenarios, or complex rescues under time pressure, using tools like the Pool Rescue Manikin can better prepare lifeguards to act when every second counts.
Got Questions? Steve’s Here to Help
If you’re based in Australia or New Zealand and want to learn more about Ruth Lee Water Rescue manikins or how to take your lifeguard training to the next level, Steve is here for you. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, he’s a valuable resource for trainers, managers, and educators looking to improve skills and outcomes.
You can connect with Steve directly via LinkedIn, where he regularly shares tips, training insights, and updates from the frontline of aquatic safety. Follow him to keep up with his journey and the incredible work he’s doing to improve lifeguard training across Australia.
Our official distributor for the region of Australia and New Zealand, LifeTec, is also on hand to help with product enquiries and support. Feel free to reach out to them via their website here.
Together – with Steve’s insight and our backing – we’re proud to support the people shaping the future of lifeguarding, not just in Australia, but globally too.
If you’re interested in becoming a Ruth Lee Ambassador, feel free to get in touch: mailto:katie@ruthlee.co.uk