Interview with Sam: Lifeguard & Swim Coach
Meet Sam, one of the familiar faces helping keep our aqua community safe, active and growing. We sat down with Sam to ask her a few questions about her life in the pool and beyond!
How did you first get into lifeguarding?
After COVID, we were looking to grow our aqua classes, but we needed a lifeguard on duty. I found a government-funded training course to get certified so we could expand our wonderful aqua community to even more members.
What are your hobbies and passions outside of lifeguarding and swim coaching?
Family is my biggest passion. Between spending time with my kids and juggling all their various sports and activities, there isn’t much time left for my own!
What is your favourite memory or thing about the Elixr community?
I love paying it forward. At Elixr, that looks like offering free 10-minute swimming taster sessions to our members. Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the water as much as the swim team and I do.
Favourite food or dessert?
Having worked as a head chef for many years, that’s way too hard to pick just one! But I’m always on the lookout for a great new recipe.
Favourite sport?
Swimming and rugby.
How do you like to relax?
Unwinding with a good audiobook.
Favourite holiday destination?
The Cook Islands—I’m actually getting married there later this term!
What’s one of your favourite memories from teaching adult swim lessons?
One of the greatest gifts has been teaching an adult non-swimmer how to float on their back before they went overseas on holiday. Seeing their confidence grow and knowing they felt safer in the water was really special.
How long have you been part of the Elixr community?
I’ve been at Elixr for nearly 10 years now, so I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years. It really feels like a community that I’m proud to be part of.
What’s a topic you always seem to end up talking about with the aqua community?
How hot or cold the pool is! It’s definitely one of our favourite ongoing conversations. 😊
