Ralph started out as a junior swimmer in Sydney and made both Commonwealth Games &  Olympic Training squads before moving into surf lifesaving with Collaroy Surf Club in the late seventies. His interest and involvement with competing and coaching swimming now covers over 30 years in everything from learn to swim to open water swimming. Some of his achievements are as follows:

•  Founder of Swimathlon WA in 2007 as the state’s leading swimming technique squads for adults and triathletes
• Triathlete Coach & Swim Coach consultant to Triathlon WA
• Past Director of Sportsgroup Australia and associated companies in the development of sport and sporting identities into South East Asia including assisting in coaching and mentoring of WA Olympians including swimmers Todd Pearson, Jenn Reilly and  Julie Greville
• Past partner and coach with Lyn McClements Swim Academy operating both learn to swim and high performance squads at venues in Osborne Park and Balga as well as West Coast Swimming Club
• Events Corp Committee Member 1996 FINA World Swimming Championships
• Past Vice President Masters Swimming Inc and was a past committee member of Swimming WA
• Past president of both Claremont & Osborne Park Masters Swimming Clubs.
• Current coach of Bold Park Masters Club (Bold Park Aquatic Centre)
• Current holder of a number of Masters age group state and national records
• Accredited Bronze Coach & Open Water Swim Coach