Regular readers of Karma Community may remember the coverage of our participation in last year’s Row for R.O.L.E fundraising canoe race in Bali in support of the Rivers, Ocean, Land Ecology foundation. You may also remember that Karma Beach lifeguard I Kadek Arya Wiarta won first place in the gruelling 13km male division, paddling against choppy conditions and strong currents from Sanur to Nusa Dua, beating out over 140 international and local competitors.
Karma Group Chairman John Spence, who attended the event, was so impressed with Arya’s performance that he arranged for the exceptional Karma Beach lifeguard to visit Perth, Australia in order to train with the local surf and rescue lifeguards between 10-28 March.
Led by experienced trainer Deborah Dean and supported by two additional experts, Arya – Karma Kandara’s Employee of the Year 2023 – has been undertaking a rigorous 10-day program at the Cottesloe Surf Club, dedicating eight hours daily to mastering essential skills that will culminate in him earning an Australian SLSA Bronze Medallion, a globally recognised accreditation for volunteer lifesavers. Arya will be able to bring these skills to bear at Karma Kandara, as well as sharing them with his colleagues.
This unique trip exemplifies Karma Group’s commitment to mutual progress through global partnerships. By learning from world-class Australian lifeguards, Arya gains elite new skills to bring back home. His advanced capabilities will allow Karma Kandara to pioneer new safety protocols and set the benchmark for lifeguard excellence in Bali.
