YMCA Healthy Living Magazine, powered by n4 food and health Winter 2019 | Page 11

JANELLE FALKINGHAM Janelle is the Aquatics Project Manager for YMCA Victoria. For 17 years as an Aquatics Specialist with YMCA, Janelle has led the way in Swimming and Water Safety Education. Janelle has an extensive background in swim school management and program development throughout her 25-year career, and she works closely with aquatic industry partners in Victoria around drowning prevention initiatives and advocacy. WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME A YMCA SWIM TEACHER See how Ayman has combined his passion for swimming with his bright personality, communication skills and sense of fun to become a YMCA swim teacher. very week, more than 800 YMCA Victoria swimming teachers help thousands of children and adults learn important swimming and water safety skills. Their bright red rashies make them easy to spot, but have you ever wondered what it takes to become a YMCA swimming teacher? With the help of one of our new young recruits, Janelle Falkingham explains. E Teaching children a skill they will use for life is just one reason why Ayman from Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre chose to become a swimming teacher. Originally from Egypt, Ayman is a recent addition to the teaching team at Hawthorn, and when he’s not delivering lessons the 22-year-old is completing his Masters degree in mechanical engineering. ‘I’ve always been passionate about swimming, and have been swimming my entire life. This is why I was inspired to become a teacher. I like it because there is a definite joy in watching students improve and become better swimmers,’ he said. Our teachers have an important role to play beyond teaching the traditional skills of freestyle and backstroke. They support the development of new skills in the water and lay the foundations for their students to be able to enjoy the water in safety. YMCA swimming teachers undergo training in how to plan, deliver and review a lesson; the elements of how people learn; principles of movement in water; aquatic safety, survival and rescue skills; water familiarisation; and buoyancy and mobility. As accredited professionals, they must participate in continuous professional development to qualify for reaccreditation, including any additional qualifications such as infant and preschool aquatics, teaching adults or teaching people with autism. Of course, there is one thing that can’t be taught, and it’s the most important skill every YMCA swimming teacher needs: the right attitude! ‘A great swimming teacher has excellent communication skills, and is also cheerful and fun so that the students enjoy swimming and are motivated to learn and achieve, and be engaged during class,’ Ayman said. WINTER 2019 YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE 11