Are you returning to the workforce, or looking for a change in career or lifestyle, or a little bit of both? Do you need to bring in a little extra income, but require more flexibility, less stress, or simply a different work environment? These are dilemmas we might all face at some time in our careers. The aquatic and community recreation industry could be your answer.
Opportunities in the aquatic industry
Roles such as swimming and water safety teacher, pool lifeguard, duty manager, aquatic technical operator, community programs officer, customer service assistant – just to name a few – can give you the fresh start, flexibility and fulfilment you might be seeking.
The aquatic industry offers a range of customer-focused and community-oriented roles that help to make a positive impact on people’s lives. They allow you to work all over WA calling on the many soft skills you may already have from previous jobs. For example, communication, teamwork, customer service, problem solving have an important role to play in the aquatic and community recreation industry.
In addition, the industry includes more technical roles with a specific skillset, which depending on the role, may require skills in first aid, swimming and water safety, health and fitness, risk management, event management and venue/facility management software.
Out with the old, in with the new
Career changes are relatively common these days. You will rarely find a person that regrets leaving their old career behind, even if it was a bumpy road at first. However, if you are at the point where you are seriously considering ‘getting out’ and ‘doing something different’ or 'new', the first step is often the hardest to take. It can be daunting and of course you need to be sure you are making a change for the right reasons and have considered all the implications carefully.
Time to learn
Sometimes, a change in career goes hand in hand with a wish to undertake further study or training. This means you might be looking for a flexible career that allows you to study something you are passionate about, or you are looking for an industry and career pathway that has opportunities to obtain new skills. Either way, the aquatic industry could accommodate your needs.
Check out Royal Life Saving training courses for more information.
Lifeguards and swimming teachers
Becoming a lifeguard or swimming teacher is great for those interested in flexible, engaging work with a strong level of responsibility. In turn, both roles have relatively good rates of pay for entry level positions. They also have scope to move into more senior positions such as swim school coordinator/manager or lifeguard coordinator/duty manager. If you are already equipped with a strong set of workplace skills and experience you may be well positioned to advance into more senior roles.
