YMCA Healthy Living Magazine Spring 2021 | Page 13

AUTHOR
JANELLE FALKINGHAM Janelle Falkingham is our aquatics expert at YMCA Victoria . She ’ s been with the Y for 20 years , working on water safety , swimming lessons and industry partnerships . Follow Janelle on LinkedIn .

SWIM

STORIES FROM THE Y
We find out what inspires our young swim teachers and lifeguards at the Y .
Did you know that 65 % of employees at the Y are under 35 ? Through our aquatics programs and facilities , hundreds of young people across Victoria are saving lives and loving it !
Recently , some of our inspired young people were interviewed to inspire the next generation of aquatic professionals to make their start .
They ’ ve shared their stories about what motivates them to be involved in aquatics at the Y .
Nathan Bird , Duty Manager
Nathan Bird joined the Y as a lifeguard in 2018 and just two-and-a-half years later , he stepped up as Duty Manager . Back then , Nathan couldn ’ t have anticipated the vast experience he ’ d gain in leadership , communication , crowd management and safety – all fundamental skills for his future .
Nathan told us that “ being a lifeguard requires focus and patience , but more than that , you need to have the confidence to communicate with the public and instil water safety . I was shy as a kid , but I ’ ve really grown into myself here . You learn how to project yourself on the pool deck to set a positive example for others . People look to you to feel safe .”
As an inspiring teacher , Nathan ’ s top reasons for joining the Y were : to challenge himself ; to discover ; to learn and grow ; and to serve his community .
“ It feels really good to work for a not-for-profit that prioritises the community ” he said .
Clancy Phillips , Lifeguard
Clancy Phillips grew up with a swimming cap on her head and sand between her toes . A competitive swimmer from the age of 12 , Clancy became a swimming teacher before joining the Y as a lifeguard . But while she grew up in and around the water , Clancy says anyone can become a lifeguard . You simply need a positive attitude and focus .
Clancy told us that the Y is her second home . She has made friends for life with her work colleagues and loves that the regular visitors to the centre know her name .
“ I really love our community and I enjoy coming to work – everyone socialises and we don ’ t feel nervous to go to our managers with anything at all . It ’ s a really great atmosphere .”
Clancy also values the stability and flexibility that a role in aquatics provides her . “ I feel secure in my work hours – there are well and truly enough shifts . But at the same time , we have the flexibility to take time off . They look after you – there ’ s always more hours if you need them , but there ’ s no pressure , either . That kind of flexibility just speaks volumes about this organisation .”
Finley Tobin , Swim Teacher
Finley Tobin is a swim teacher with the Y teaching children a critical life skill : how to be safe in and around the water . But more than that , he helps children discover the joys of swimming . Along the way , he ’ s gaining experience as an educator , paving the way for a future career as a primary school teacher .
There ’ s no doubt that Finley has a deep connection to the water . Growing up , he spent many hours at the beach with his family , he became a surf lifeguard and a volunteer leader for the Nippers program .
“ I grew up around the water ; the beach is where I belong ”, Finley says . “ I ’ ve always thought it ’ s where I feel the healthiest ; they say the air is good for you . The beach has always been my favourite place . That ’ s probably why I ’ ve taken to being a swimming teacher – to share my love for the water .”
At the age of 21 , Finley has impacted the lives of many children already . Finley emphasises to his students that it ’ s not about being the fastest – it ’ s about becoming comfortable with the water .
“ Seeing the kids enjoying themselves is what it ’ s all about . When we came out of lockdown in 2020 , they were so excited to jump back in . The sad thing is , drownings occur every year in Australia . But the kids I ’ m teaching will be safer . If I can empower my students , that ’ s really special . The kids make teaching easy .”
Young people are reporting they want a job where they feel valued , can grow in confidence , work with great people and experience opportunities for lifelong learning . A role in the aquatics industry can provide all of this along with a sense of meaning in a flexible environment .
So why not give it a go ?! Take a look out our job vacancies .
YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE 13