Interview Transcript

Interview Transcript 1.

What is your current position/ job title?

Head manager at Natalie Webb Family Aquatic Center 2. What is your education/ background? Human services 3. Do you have any special skills/ experiences relating to water safety? I have my First Responder Certification, WSI, lifeguard training, and 11 years of aquatic experience. 4. Did you take swimming lessons as a kid? Yes, I took them through the Red Cross and completed all 6 levels. 5. When did you become a lifeguard and why? (Did anyone or anything inspire you to do so?) I became a lifeguard when I was 15, a couple of friends and I decided to do it. I am very happy I decided to take that opportunity because it has been very helpful to the path that I decided to take. 6. When did you get your WSI certificate and why? I got my WSI when I was 16, so 10 years ago and I have maintained it since. I decided to get my WSI because I loved working with kids and seeing them improve, and I also wanted to improve my skills and better my education in aquatics. 7. How long have you been managing? 8 years

8. How does knowing water safety help in other areas of your life? It gives me opportunity to do more things such as boating. It allows me to not have to limit myself. It also helps me in educating my kids and giving advice and helping the workers at the pool. It helps in both my work life and personal life. 9. What are the best and worst parts about teaching lessons and water safety? The best part is seeing the kids stop fearing the water and instead get excited about swimming, and seeing the kids develop the skills. The worst part is that the water can be cold sometimes. 10. When is an example of a time when you had to use what you’ve learned in regards to lifeguarding and water safety? One time I had to use CPR when a child was drowning. 11. Do you have any tips or helpful advice for teaching lessons or water safety? Be confident in the skills you already have, and teaching those skills. Ask advice and bounce ideas off co-workers. And have fun because the kids can tell whether you are having fun, or if you are just trying to get through a shift, and that was something you were good at, all your kids seemed like they were having fun. 12. How important do you think it is for people to learn to swim an about water safety? I think it’s extremely important, especially if you are around it. It allows people more opportunity to do things and doesn’t limit them. It’s also important to know as it can be used to help someone who is drowning and prevent drownings. It’s also beneficial for parents to understand, to help their kids.