Shaun - Part Time Lifeguard and Swim Instructor (Leisure Active Division)

 

• How long have you worked at HCC?

I’ve been working in the HCC aquatics division for 5 years now

 

• What attracted you to the role?

I grew up swimming, so initially I wanted to put something back into the sport and became a swim teacher, but I had always considered lifeguarding as a high school job that might be good to hold onto as I went into university. It looked like an interesting role, with a lot of challenge and a chance for character development, especially through regular first aid and emergency training. I also knew a few people who were in the position before myself and recommended it to me because of the high team moral and positive work environment.

 

• What does your job involve – day to day things?

Obviously our main role is incident prevention and pool supervision, so that does take up the majority of our time, but we are not limited to that alone. At Huia, we are especially dedicated to customer service and interaction, but there is also the behind the scenes cleaning as well as pool maintenance. As I’ve been with the pool for some time now, I have recently taken on an administrational role. So I get some time away from pool-side doing staff rosters and inductions which is always a nice change.

 

• Things about the job that you enjoy the most…

Firstly, lifeguarding is extremely flexible, so I’m able to choose my shifts based around my university timetable which is definitely a big bonus. I also enjoy the customer interaction, the team I work with and the opportunity for personal growth.

 

• What is your view of the main benefits of working at HCC / in Lower Hutt?

As pool staff members we are provided with a wide range of benefits, including gym memberships, discounts on footwear and discounted healthcare just to mention a few. Again there is a very good opportunity for internal growth within the council, which is also another benefit and a big incentive for those who are not members to join HCC.

 

• What skills & attributes do you think someone will need to do your job?

They will need to be firstly and most importantly proactive with a good level of common sense and initiative. Pool supervision requires proactive thinking, and people need to be able to think ahead not only for incidents but for the general day to day running of the pool. Furthermore, good communication and teamwork is vital for the position.