Yuendumu lifesavers who travelled to Sydney this month as part of Royal Life Saving's Indigenous Remote Pools Program returned home armed with necessary pool operations and water safety skills and RLSSA Bronze Medallions in time for the opening of their pool later this year.

The trip, organised by Royal Life Saving, was heavily supported by major partners Qantas, Quest Serviced Apartments, Emerton Leisure Centre, Good Az Gold, BP petrol cards and the City of Sydney Council.

"Royal Life Saving received support both internationally and nationally following the unfortunate incident in Alice Springs in March when the group was asked to leave pre-booked accommodation," Royal Life Saving CEO Rob Bradley said.

"As part of our Indigenous Remote Pools Program established three years ago, we have succeeded with the help of corporate generosity in bringing the group to a major metropolitan aquatic facility such as Emerton Leisure Centre to complete their training before the pool in Yuendumu opens.

"Providing this group of indigenous leaders with the opportunity to experience a major aquatic centre to complete their lifeguard and facilities management training, while enjoying Sydney provides the perfect basis to move forward in a positive direction.

"Without the support and generosity of our major partners for this event who have provided free airfares, accommodation, aquatic facility and transport it would not have been possible to bring the group to Sydney to complete their training.

"In addition to the serious side, major Sydney attractions have opened their doors to welcome the group. They have experienced the landmark Bridge Climb, visited Taronga Zoo and been part of a Sydney Swans training session.

"If Royal Life Saving could provide a similar opportunity for the other remote Indigenous communities working with us it would help us achieve our goal to nationally build healthy communities that much faster."

Photograph: Royal Life Saving CEO Rob Bradley with the group of Yuendumu lifesavers