This week on Navigating Neva, I sat down with Jo Wilson for a one-on-one conversation while Wes was away. It was an honor to have the space to really explore her story and her impact on aquatics.

We talk about Jo’s journey, her work with Bath Babies, and the development of her Aqua Sensory course. She shares insights from her role as an aqua tutor and her experience teaching and speaking internationally, along with the philosophy that guides her work with babies and young children in the water.

Jo brings a depth of knowledge grounded in both experience and child development, offering a perspective that continues to influence aquatic education around the world.

If you’re interested in early years swim education, sensory-based learning, or learning from a leader in this space, this episode is worth your time.

Website link:

https://aquasensory.com/

Freebies & Offers:

https://aquasensory.com/freebies-offers

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of Navigating Neva, I sit down with Wesley King for a real, unscripted conversation that moves between story, strategy, and the realities of aquatics leadership.

We start with Wesley’s journey how he got into aquatics, what shaped his perspective, and the work he’s doing today. From there, we walk through his presentation, “Building Your Aquatic Baseline: Before the Season Starts” , breaking it down in real time and pausing throughout to connect it to real-world application.

This isn’t a start-to-finish lecture. It’s a working conversation.

Join Wes on Skool: https://www.skool.com/aquatic-managers-and-leaders-3055/about?ref=b3ecbc99a6424796a7e8cd6a0c19cece

Book with Wes: https://calendly.com/rippleaffect/30min?month=2026-04

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole with Selena unpack one of the most common parenting questions in aquatics: do children really need goggles, floaties, puddle jumpers, or other swim equipment to learn and feel safe in the water?

This is not a shame-based conversation, and it is not about telling parents they are wrong. It is about helping families understand the tradeoffs. Nicole and Selena break down why so many parents rely on equipment, what can happen when children become dependent on it, and how to begin moving away from that dependence in a way that supports real confidence, comfort, and water safety.

Together, they discuss the difference between equipment used for true safety and equipment that may change how a child learns to move in the water. They also explore how to reduce anxiety for both children and parents while building stronger, more independent swimmers.

If you have ever wondered whether swim gear is helping, hindering, or simply being misunderstood, this episode is for you.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/selena-grinham-willows

https://www.instagram.com/swimtosafetybyselena

https://www.swimtosafety.com

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In Part 2 of this conversation, Nicole sits down with Selena Willows to unpack one of the most misunderstood challenges in swim lessons: fear—and why it’s often not what it appears to be.

What looks like fear of the water is frequently something deeper: a past experience, a new environment, nervous system response, or even parental anxiety influencing the child.

This episode breaks down how resistance actually shows up in lessons, how to identify what’s really going on, and what instructors and parents can do differently to support real progress.

https://www.instagram.com/swimtosafetybyselena/

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wesley King sit down with Natalie Pantaleon for a powerful conversation about the evolving intersection of water safety, survival swimming, and nervous system regulation.

Natalie shares the personal drowning-related experience that shaped her path in aquatics and explains how her work has grown from traditional survival swimming into a more intentional approach that considers what is happening inside a child’s body during moments of fear, stress, and overwhelm.

Together, they explore what instructors often miss in swim lessons, how fight, flight, and freeze can show up in the water, and what it looks like to recognize emotional distress before it escalates. This episode also tackles a critical question in the aquatics industry: how do we honor a child’s emotional experience while still prioritizing safety and meaningful skill development?

https://www.instagram.com/amazingswimmersllc

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this special Navigating Neva series, Nicole welcomes Coach Selena Willows for a conversation about what kids actually need in the water—and how families can choose swim lessons that match their goals.

Selena shares her origin story, the lessons that shaped her approach, and why she believes true water competence is about more than technique. Together, Nicole and Selena talk through family goal-setting, how parents can evaluate swim programs, and the difference between a coach and an instructor.

About Coach Selena Willows:
Selena is passionate about coaching in a way that serves both the learner and the coach. She believes the most effective coaches take cues from the child in front of them, stay flexible, and build trust where there is fear or trauma. Her work centers on water competency, developmentally appropriate teaching, and helping coaches build strong businesses without compromise. 

https://www.instagram.com/swimtosafetybyselena

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

 In this episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole Fairfield and co-host Wesley King sit down with Kevin McCarthy of SKWIM to talk about the LifeSavingExpo—where the idea came from, why Kevin felt it needed to exist, and what makes it different from a typical aquatics event. This conversation gives listeners a quick look at the purpose, structure, and vision behind the Expo, with a deeper episode on Kevin, SKWIM, and his broader philosophy coming later. 

You can check out more info or register here: https://lifesavingexpo.org/

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

 In this episode of Navigating Neva, Neva Nicole and Wes talk with Meg about a hard truth in aquatics: many facilities say they value adaptive programming, but very few are actually built for it. This conversation goes beyond programming and into adaptive aquatics infrastructure — the systems, standards, staffing, planning, and leadership needed to make adaptive services reliable instead of fragile. From heroic staff effort to closure-week breakdowns, this episode examines what happens when caring replaces infrastructure, and why real adaptive readiness is essential for protecting families, staff, and dignity. 

The Pal Aquatics:

https://palaquatics.com

Find Meg on linkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-fiske-638253338/?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios&fbclid=IwY2xjawQfChtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFhSjg4SUEyek1NVFdleVVzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgpKfFUeBK0M12shfUuFkMzfaiGQW_qWEl7dbEXA-nPW28q50lD9xULMVwvM_aem_pCX07eRsBFJ3vNSjs_dSXQ

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

Most aquatics pros are exceptional on deck… and nearly invisible online. That’s not just a marketing issue—it affects revenue, hiring, parent trust, and program growth.

In this episode of Navigating Neva, host Neva Nicole and co-host Wesley King sit down with Steve Grella, who blends 23 years on deck with AI + marketing, and supports 27,000+ aquatics businesses through AquaticsConnect. We break down what “digital infrastructure” actually means for swim schools, municipal facilities, and aquatic programs—and the practical steps to fix online visibility without turning into a full-time content creator.

 If families can’t find your program online, that’s not a marketing problem—it’s an infrastructure gap. Visibility is part of professionalism now. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-grella/

https://www.aquaticsconnect.com/

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

Bulk liquid chlorine tanks are common in municipal and commercial pools—but cracked feed lines, chemical spills, and “acid nearby” realities create risk that too many facilities normalize.

Tonight’s episode is not a product pitch. It’s a structured, segmented discussion to evaluate risk, cost, and long-term operational strategy with Christian (“Chris”) from Aquafinity.

Not a product pitch. This is an operator-to-operator risk + strategy conversation intended to help facilities make better decisions.

Disclaimer: Educational discussion only. Follow manufacturer guidance, local codes, and your facility’s safety and chemical handling policies.

https://aquafinity.com/

https://aquafinity.com/catalog/chemical-delivery-systems/pulsar-chlorination-systems/

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

When safety is known, reported, and still ignored, what happens to the lifeguards stuck inside the system?

In this episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wes talk with an experienced aquatic professional who is choosing to remain anonymous so the conversation stays focused on systems, safety culture, and leadership response—not on individuals or a specific facility.

This is a candid, educational look at what it’s like to work under a high-risk staffing model (including single-guard coverage, no rotations, and no relief) while also dealing with equipment readiness gaps and compliance breakdowns—and the moral stress of realizing you’re not being heard.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

 In today’s episode, Cameron shares the full arc of how she became a swim school owner, starting with her own swim story (when and how she learned), moving through her years on swim team, and then into the college chapter where she pivoted degrees and clarified her direction. She also walks through the jobs and experiences that shaped her before business ownership, the mentors and leaders who helped guide her, and why community partnerships matter so much in aquatics. The conversation highlights collaboration, nonprofit involvement, and the behind-the-scenes realities of building a swim school with purpose. @suituphtx

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

This week on Navigating Neva, we’re joined by Beth—an aquatics and PE professional whose work spans Physical Education & Aquatics, Driver Education, coaching Women’s Varsity Swimming, Men’s Varsity Swimming, Women’s Water Polo, supporting Special Olympics Swimming, and serving as an American Red Cross LGIT/CPRIT.

We get practical about what it takes to run a high-functioning high school aquatics program—the structure, the roles, the culture, and the non-negotiables that keep athletes safe while helping them grow.

In this episode, we cover:

• High school aquatics program structure
  • Program model: teams, classes, and community use (when applicable)
• Staffing, supervision, and deck roles
  • Who does what, when it matters, and how to prevent “coverage gaps”
• Safety culture
  • Beth’s true non-negotiables and how they show up daily on deck
• Special Olympics swimming
  • Inclusion, communication, and dignity on deck
  • What good support actually looks like (staffing, pacing, environment)
  • Success metrics beyond “times”
• Instructor/trainer lens (ARC LGIT/CPRIT)
  • How Beth approaches training lifeguards and instructors
  • Common gaps she sees—and how she fixes them
  • Maintaining readiness and consistency across the season

If you’re a school aquatic director, coach, lifeguard supervisor, PE teacher, or facility leader, this one is a playbook episode—clear expectations, strong systems, and athlete-centered outcomes.

Beth—thanks for being here.

You can find Beth on insta 

Instagram: @hornetaquatics

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In today’s episode of Navigating Neva, Neva and Wes sit down with Tyler Daly, an aquatics leader who blends coaching mindset with real-world deck accountability. Tyler shares his career path—from early aquatics work in Leesburg, Florida, to building a swim program in Colorado from 80 to 400 monthly participants in 2.5 years and helping certify 77 swim instructors, to returning to Orlando and stepping into his current role as an Aquatics Coordinator for a Parks & Rec department outside the city at a brand-new facility.

This conversation focuses on what actually moves the needle in safety and culture: instructors and leaders, not just agencies or certification cards. Tyler breaks down why certified isn’t the same as competent, where readiness gaps show up on deck, and how to rebuild training systems without losing trust. He also tackles the reality of cost barriers in professional development, shares practical ways departments can keep growth alive on tight budgets, and explains why clear vision + hierarchy can either strengthen operations—or quietly undermine them if misapplied.

They close with what Tyler is preparing for right now: pre-season hiring and training, the facility’s first Memorial Day season, and getting the team ready for their first Starguard audit—with a consistent emphasis on process, daily standards, and teamwork.

If you manage, train, or oversee aquatics—even from outside the deck—this episode is a leadership reality check.

Connect with Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-daly-3323a62b2/

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

Guest: Karissa (Be Swim Happy)

What actually makes swim instruction effective—especially when a student is scared, parents are watching, and staff are stretched thin?

In this episode, Nicole and co-host Wes King sit down with Karissa from Be Swim Happy (25+ years in aquatics) for practical, usable guidance for aquatic pros and parents. This isn’t theory. It’s what you can apply next shift, next lesson, and next staff meeting.

We cover:
• The biggest misconceptions about “progress” in swim lessons (from both parents and staff)
• What strong programs do differently: culture, standards, and consistency
• The difference between a program that runs on a system vs. a program that runs on a hero
• Non-negotiables every instructor should understand—regardless of curriculum
• How to train instructors without burning everyone out (even with limited time)
• What quality looks like in the first few lessons for nervous kids
• Green flags and red flags parents can use right away
• A rapid-fire “Lightning Toolkit” for directors, instructors, and teams

Share this episode with one pool manager, one instructor, or one parent who needs it.

Connect with Karissa / Be Swim Happy: https://beswimhappy.com/

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

From competitive swimming at 5 a.m. to becoming one of the first female surf lifesavers, Julie-ann shares how “work with water, not against it” became a philosophy for teaching and leadership. We also unpack her Bali river moment, how AquaBabies scaled fast, the “business shark” lesson every swim school owner needs, and what’s next with the 2025 relaunch and a 2026 collaboration. 

You can find Julie-ann at julie-ann@aquababiesglobal.com and visit: www.aquababiesmalta.com

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

From one swim lesson to over a million followers.
🎄 Christmas Eve drop.

Jacob shares:
 • How Superhero Swim Academy really started
 • Why content creation isn’t for the faint of heart
 • What swim instructors get wrong about parents
 • And why flexibility beats force in teaching kids

This episode is about growth, grit, and doing it the right way — in and out of the water.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this special year-end episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wes look back on 2025 through the voices that helped shape it. From lifeguards and swim instructors to nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and advocates, this episode celebrates the guests who showed up, spoke honestly, and pushed the aquatics industry forward.

We revisit the big conversations—water safety, leadership, burnout, workforce development, trauma-aware instruction, career pathways, and what it really takes to create safer, more sustainable aquatic programs. This isn’t a highlight reel for clicks; it’s a reflection on growth, lessons learned, and the shared responsibility we carry as aquatic professionals.

Whether you joined us for one episode or all of them, this recap honors the community behind the mic and sets the tone for where we’re headed next.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

Drowning isn’t dramatic — it’s silent, fast, and overwhelmingly preventable. In this episode, Nicole and Wes sit down with Annabelle, BSN, to expose the real story behind the leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1–4 and the rising drowning rates across Georgia, Florida, and the Carolinas.

Annabelle brings a powerful nurse’s perspective as we break down:
 • Why toddlers (1–4) have no fear and no cognitive ability to recognize danger
• The false sense of security families get from puddle jumpers and floaties
• How nurse-led community education can transform drowning prevention
• The shocking gaps in EMS documentation and why near-drownings go untracked
• What better data, better advocacy, and better awareness could do for our communities

This is an honest, human, and deeply needed conversation about a crisis that touches healthcare, aquatics, and public safety at every level. If you want to understand the problem — and be part of the solution — this episode will change the way you see water safety forever.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, Nicole and Wesley sit down with Ryan Greenstein, Advocacy Program Manager for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, to unpack how Georgia is reshaping water safety through policy, partnerships, and statewide collaboration.

Ryan shares his path from Capitol Hill policy work to becoming the YMCA’s first water-safety advocate—an initiative inspired by a family who lost their child to drowning and wanted to turn their grief into change. He explains the rollout of Georgia State Bill 50, which now allows high school students to earn PE credit through lifeguard certification, and highlights the early wins of the Atlanta Water Safety Coalition, including partnerships with 11Alive, DNR’s SPLASH program, and the Governor’s Mansion swim lesson.

Nicole and Wesley connect Ryan with national and local leaders who’ve already implemented lifeguarding-in-schools programs and discuss how communities can move from “awareness” to real, structural impact. If you care about prevention, advocacy, and building a stronger water safety pipeline for youth, this conversation gives you the roadmap.

Find Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryangreenstein/

The Greater Atlanta Water Safety Alliance: https://gawatersafety.org/

Vote for your guest of the year: https://form.jotform.com/253228114944052

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

“Thanksgiving Eve: Gratitude, Growth, and What’s Ahead for Aquatics”

Tonight’s Thanksgiving Eve episode is a warm, reflective conversation between Nicole and Wes — a chance to pause in the middle of a big year and acknowledge how far the aquatics community has come.

We open with gratitude, holiday energy, and appreciation for every guard, instructor, supervisor, director, parent, and program leader who has supported this podcast and the mission behind it.

This episode covers:
 ✨ Podcast Guest of the Year Voting
Nominate your favorite guest or episode!
Winner receives:
– A free ticket to ATA 2026 in Houston
– A $50 Visa gift card
– A spotlight feature
Voting closes Dec 17 at 5 PM EST.

Vote here:  https://form.jotform.com/253228114944052

✨ Upcoming Free Webinar
Nicole and Wes highlight the next leadership-focused aquatic webinar — practical tools, real scenarios, and the kind of support most trainings skip.

Join the All Things Aquatic FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Ca69CPDwA/

Sign up for the Webinar: https://form.jotform.com/253147034647053?fbclid=IwY2xjawOUn9JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBDbGxSeDV5RlpZdTNna0pXc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHt8nmlFyk2O2kjhkiQPdJHGnCyIWDbvZQM6imMrAbz8cp1TmAdMmiMYllWXx_aem_2A46twj_vd1pExey4bMNWA

✨ Save the Date: ATA 2026 — Houston
This community-driven event is shaping up to be massive:
speakers, vendors, certifications, networking, team-building, and the kind of professional connection that changes careers.

✨ Month-in-Review
A fast recap of November’s aquatics adventures:
• Nicole at the World Waterpark Association Conference
• Nicole & Tyler Daly presenting at GRPA
• Nicole & Helen teaching at Treasure Coast YMCA, with a stop-in from Ron
• Wes preparing for his upcoming speaking sessions
• And a shout-out to Aquatics Connect — the growing online directory that’s becoming the “yellow pages” of aquatics. Get your program or business listed and stay visible.

Wes shares why he believes Steven’s platform is needed, even though Steven couldn’t join us tonight — and why tools like Aquatics Connect matter for the future workforce and visibility of this field.

To close, Nicole and Wes offer heartfelt Thanksgiving wishes — a reminder to rest, reconnect, and take pride in the work you do. This industry is heavy, meaningful, purpose-driven work… and we’re grateful you’re part of it.

From our families to yours — Happy Thanksgiving.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

Tonight Nicole and Wes sit down with longtime friend and aquatics professional Lindsay Thompson, whose journey through lifeguarding, program leadership, swim school ownership, and competitive coaching has shaped a powerful perspective on our industry.

In this episode, Lindsay opens up about:
 • How lifeguarding led her into running a swim school
 • The move that shifted her career path
 • Returning to the pool deck as a coach
 • What the aquatics field gets right — and where we need to grow
 • Lessons learned through transition, leadership, and life on the move

She brings honesty, wisdom, and heart to a conversation that will inspire instructors, coaches, supervisors, and anyone navigating a new chapter.

Follow Lindsay on the platforms she shares in the episode.

If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, share with a colleague, and help us build a stronger, safer aquatics world — together.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

This week on Navigating Neva, host Neva Nicole is joined by Phil Waggott, founder of SplashSave, and co-host Wes King to talk about the most important — and often overlooked — part of water safety: parents as the first line of defense.

From the first bath to the first swim lesson, prevention begins long before formal instruction. Together, Nicole, Phil, and Wes break down how parents can build confidence and calm around water from day one — teaching awareness, emotional regulation, and realistic safety habits that truly prevent drowning.

You’ll hear:
 🌊 Why safety starts before swim skills
 👶 How early comfort and calm responses build lifelong water confidence
 🏡 Ways to integrate SplashSave’s Online Parent Program into your family, swim school, or community outreach
 🤝 How professionals and parents can collaborate toward #ZeroDrownings

Whether you’re a parent, swim instructor, or aquatic leader, this episode offers real, practical ways to empower families and create safer waters for every child.

🎟️ Learn more or register: https://www.splashsave.org/challenge-page/c6c5235f-1545-46be-ad24-a4642e59bf9d?programId=c6c5235f-1545-46be-ad24-a4642e59bf9d

💙 Partner with Safe Shores Georgia: https://www.drowningpreventionlowcountrygoldenisles.com/

📲 Follow @NavigatingNeva for more conversations that bridge leadership, learning, and love for the water. 

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

Helen Hughes returns to Navigating Neva to dive deeper into her philosophy of Purposeful Play—and to give listeners a preview of her upcoming workshop at the Treasure Coast YMCA in Stuart, Florida.

In this episode, Wesley King and Nicole Fairfield unpack strategies for promoting Helen’s workshops across the United States—framing them not as required in-services, but as energizing professional-growth experiences that inspire creativity and confidence in aquatic educators. Together, they discuss how to attract teachers who want to evolve their methods and find joy again in teaching.

Helen shares her own turning point—when repeating the same lesson plans no longer sparked excitement—and how structured play transformed both her teaching and her students’ engagement. The group explores practical ways to communicate workshop value, integrate playful structure into lessons, and reimagine how pool space and materials can support individualized learning.

They also contrast UK and US swim-education systems, revealing what each can learn from the other—and why bringing Helen’s approach stateside could reshape instructor training, lesson planning, and overall aquatic culture.

Tune in for insight, laughter, and the spark of something bigger—the movement toward teaching that feels as good as it works.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

Episode 1: “Mini Adventures, Big Impact”
Release Date: October 29, 2025
Hosts: Neva Nicole & Wesley King
Guest: Helen Hughes – Founder of Mini Water Adventurers (UK)

 Episode Summary

In this premiere episode of Navigating Neva, we’re diving into early swim education through the lens of play, connection, and emotional safety.
Nicole and Wesley welcome Helen Hughes, creator of Mini Water Adventurers, joining all the way from the U.K. ahead of her first U.S. workshop at the Treasure Coast YMCA in Stuart, Florida (Nov. 15–16).

Helen shares how she brings curiosity, confidence, and joy back to swim teaching — helping educators rediscover their “why.” Together, we explore how movement, play, and empathy create safer, more capable swimmers.

Register for the Workshop mentioned in this episode: https://www.miniwateradventurers.com/floridaworkshop

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, we dive into Otterball — a revolutionary, inclusive water game created by veteran coach and adapted PE teacher Ron Usher.

With over 50 years of experience in swimming, water polo, and aquatic education, Ron developed Otterball to bridge the “aquatic desert” — the gap where teens and non-swimmers have few opportunities to learn or participate.

Through a progressive flotation system, players start with full flotation (life jackets) and gradually reduce support as their confidence and swimming ability grow. The result? Everyone plays from day one — no one sits out.

Ron’s method combines the joy of play with real-world swimming and survival skills. From back floating and breaststroke kicks to teamwork and confidence, Otterball redefines what it means to learn to swim.

Highlights:

• How Otterball blends swimming, water polo, and fun for all ability levels
• Why Ron calls ages 9–18 the “aquatic desert” — and how this program fills that gap
• The progressive flotation system that transforms fear into confidence
• How aquatic centers can use Otterball to build inclusion and revenue

Whether you’re an aquatic professional, coach, or parent, this episode will change the way you think about teaching non-swimmers — and show that everyone belongs in the water.

https://playotterball.com/

https://ronusher.net/

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, Phil Waggott from SplashSave joins Nicole Fairfield and Wes King to unpack New Zealand’s groundbreaking drowning-prevention data system — one that now tracks hospitalizations as well as fatalities.

The results are eye-opening: for every drowning death, there are roughly ten hospitalizations — a hidden layer of water-related trauma that rarely gets measured or discussed.

Phil explains the challenge of proving prevention success when “near-miss” incidents go unreported, while Nicole shares her push to improve data collection in Georgia, where adults who can’t swim yet fish or boat remain one of the highest-risk groups.

Together, they shift the conversation from “How do we get people into our programs?” to “What would water safety look like if communities designed it themselves?”

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

 What if fear of water could be measured — not guessed? This week, we explore the groundbreaking 12-Step Aquaphobia Program developed by Mike Berman and researched with Dr. Ali Barrow in Germany and Dr. Jenny Smith at the University of Chichester. Joanna shares how this evidence-based approach uses a 25-question fear assessment, PAR (Personal Ability Range) scoring, and gradual exposure to help people reclaim calm and confidence in water. From the smell of chlorine triggering panic to grandparents learning to swim for their grandkids, this conversation dives deep into the science and emotion behind overcoming aquaphobia — and what it teaches us about human fear itself. 

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

487 rescues. Zero drownings.
That’s not luck—it’s a skill.

This week on Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wes welcome Stephen Dixon, an open-water safety leader who turned a high-risk lake with 3–5 drownings a year into zero. Stephen takes us inside the mindset and methods of real-world detection and rescue—and what pool guards can learn from open-water culture.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

 From First Whistle to Facility Coordinator: Ashley Marthaler on LGIT & Aquatics Leadership (Sept 24, 2025) 

Tonight on Navigating Neva, Nicole and co-host Wes spotlight Ashley Marthaler—an aquatics pro who started guarding at 16 and, by 24, has leveled up through guard → head guard → manager → coordinator to Facility Coordinator at Illinois State. She just wrapped LGIT academy and is eyeing the Aquatics Director path. We talk early wins, hard lessons, event + aquatics ops, and how LGIT reshapes training culture. 

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wes welcome Mark — host of the Heavy or Not podcast, ISCA contributor, and longtime advocate for gameplay and water polo.

We dive into:

• Why water polo is one of the most unique (and underrated) sports in aquatics.
• How gameplay keeps kids engaged and builds long-term swim development.
• The vision and impact of ISCA (International Swim Coaches Association).
• The story behind Heavy or Not — and how Mark decides what’s truly “heavy.”

💬 Subscribe to keep making waves with us every week as we highlight the stories, innovations, and people shaping aquatics today.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

 In this episode, Wes and Nicole talk with Andy Graham about the Medical Fitness Association — what it is, how it connects fitness and healthcare, and why its standards matter. The conversation highlights how medicine has created strong pathways between physicians and fitness, while aquatics has yet to build similar systems. 

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Fairfield and co-host Wesley King sit down with Paralympic medalist, global speaker, and future LA 2028 athlete Jamal Hill.

Jamal’s story is one of resilience, courage, and unshakable belief. From growing up in Inglewood where swimming wasn’t “supposed” to be part of his story, to being diagnosed with a rare disease that doctors said would keep him from ever walking again—Jamal has defied every expectation.

Now, as a world-class swimmer and changemaker, he shares powerful truths about energy, perseverance, and creating beauty out of impossible circumstances. This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a masterclass in hope, vision, and leadership.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

What if lifeguard training wasn’t just a summer requirement — but part of your camp’s culture?

In this episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wes sit down with Shannon, a powerhouse camp director and lifeguard instructor who’s redefining what leadership and safety look like in a camp setting. From why she trains her own guards, to how expectations shape behavior, Shannon shares actionable insights for anyone building teams, shaping culture, or raising water-smart kids.

🌊 Topics we dive into:

• Why becoming a lifeguard instructor changed her entire camp
• How safety leadership impacts staff retention and morale
• The ripple effect of community partnerships and proactive training
• Setting expectations that stick
• How a childhood in the water turned into a legacy of leadership

Whether you’re a camp director, aquatic supervisor, parent, or lifeguard — this episode is a reminder that water safety isn’t just a module. It’s a mindset.

👉 Rate, review, and share with your camp fam.
 #LifeguardCulture #NavigatingNeva #CampLeadership #WaterSafety #ZeroDrownings

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

Are you ready to connect, grow, and lead in the world of aquatics?
 Join us for All Things Aquatics 2025, a full-day experience for water safety advocates, swim school leaders, pool operators, lifeguards, and aquatics pros from across the nation.

🎯 WHO THIS IS FOR:

• YMCA & JCC aquatics teams
• PE teachers & youth program leaders
• Swim schools, coaches, and instructors
• Pool operators, CPOs, and aquatic managers
• Lifeguard trainers, beach safety pros, and more

💡 WHAT TO EXPECT:
✔️ Keynote speakers + rapid-fire panel discussions
✔️ Hands-on roundtable sessions to tackle real issues
✔️ Vendor showcases + community networking
✔️ A focus on Risk | Revenue | Safety | Career Building
✔️ Good food, strong connections, and actionable takeaways

🎟️ Register now:https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLJF8XC9D1WKH/checkout/N5QGFYJNA35HGDXSDNRFFA46
💬 Group discounts available! Bring your whole team.

📣 Presented by:
Wesley King Consulting | Neva Nicole | Georgia Swim School

Let’s raise the standard, build community, and make waves together.
 🌊 #AllThingsAquatics2025 #SwimSafe #AquaticsLeadership #ZeroDrownings

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this roundtable episode of Navigating Neva, we sit down with Canadian lifeguard legend Scott Ruddle—who’s still rocking the deck after nearly four decades. Nicole and Wes dig into Scott’s journey, the culture of guarding in Canada, crossover lessons from his work as a paramedic, and why lifeguarding is more than just a summer job. It’s raw, reflective, and packed with wisdom for the next gen of water watchers.

🎧 Legacy, leadership, freshwater surf, and lifting up the profession—don’t miss this one.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

Podcast Preview of the September 20, 2025 Event

Join hosts Nicole Fairfield (Georgia Swim School / Navigating Neva) and Wesley King (Wesley King Consulting) as they pull back the curtain on the All Things Aquatics event happening this fall on St. Simons Island, GA.

This one-day summit is for the real ones—leaders, instructors, guards, directors, and innovators in aquatics who are ready to build better systems, safer spaces, and stronger teams.

🌊 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
• Why we chose a riverfront retreat like Epworth by the Sea
• How we’re balancing revenue + risk in real ways
• The experts, vendors, and voices you’ll meet
• Why this isn’t just a conference—it’s a movement
• Special registration info + insider tips

🎟️ Tickets On Sale Now
👉 General Admission: $35 (through Aug 1)
👉 Late Reg: $55 (after Aug 1)
🔗 Register here: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLE6H9R2M7PED/checkout/U5GKI4O334G7747VYU4CZ4AE

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

What happens when you realize the certification system you're using isn't cutting it anymore?

In this powerful conversation, we hear from an aquatic director who made the leap from Red Cross to StarGuard Elite—and hasn’t looked back. From tighter audits and stronger guard performance to better staff support and improved safety culture, this switch wasn’t just a training change—it was a total program transformation.

We talk:

• Why the shift was necessary
• Hiring + retention struggles
• Dealing with disconnected leadership
• Creating a safety-first culture
• Going from lifeguard to leader
• Networking that truly grows your career

Ready to raise your standards? This episode brings the transparency, leadership insight, and actionable takeaways you’ve been waiting for.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of Navigating Neva, we sit down with the incredible Wendy Gibson—a woman who turned her passion into purpose and her vision into action. From the spark that started it all to the real, raw truths of the first year in business, Wendy shares the highs, the hardships, and the heart behind her mission.

💬 We talk about:

• The moment she knew she had to take the leap
• Balancing pressure and passion without burning out
• Early wins and the power of momentum
• How support systems (and self-work!) shape the journey
• What’s next for her vision—and advice for those just beginning

If you're navigating your own dream or standing at the starting line, this one’s for you.

💡 Subscribe and follow for more real conversations on leadership, impact, and building with purpose.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of drowning, trauma, and emotional distress related to a real-life water tragedy. Listener discretion is advised, especially for those who have experienced or been impacted by aquatic incidents. Please take care as you listen. 

In this deeply emotional episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole Fairfield and cohost Wesley King sit down with Emily Diamond, a courageous guest who witnessed a drowning in local open water. Emily opens up about the day it happened, the immediate and lasting impact it had on her, and her journey toward healing.

This episode is a raw and heartfelt conversation about grief, awareness, and the ripple effects of water tragedies—not just for families, but for bystanders and witnesses too. Emily’s story is a reminder of why water safety matters and how sharing our pain can become part of our purpose.

If you’ve experienced something similar or need support, please check the resources linked in the show notes.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of drowning and emotional trauma. Listener discretion is advised.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this heartwarming episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wes sit down with Amanda Girton—certified Water Safety Instructor, founder of Sunshine Swimming, and author of Teach Your Child to Swim: Second Edition.

Amanda shares her inspiring journey from part-time swim instructor to community advocate, offering free swim lessons to families and transforming the way kids connect with water. From water safety and drowning prevention to supporting neurodivergent swimmers, Amanda breaks down how to make swimming a joyful, confidence-building experience for every child.

Tips for parents of new swimmers
A sneak peek at Amanda’s upcoming book & coloring guide
How to make bath time the beginning of swim time
Empowering advice for mission-driven entrepreneurs

Connect with Amanda:
🌐 sunshineswimming.com
📸 Instagram: @sunshineswimming
📖 Book on Amazon! https://a.co/d/cGayQou

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

Wes and Nicole break down what’s making waves in the aquatics world right now.

🔥 CPR & AED Awareness Week—why it matters more than ever
 🏊 Team USA domination + the power of swim role models
 👶 Joyful Waters is expanding—get the scoop on our trauma-aware swim program
 📍 Florida Workshop: November 15–16 with Helen Hughes
 🚨 Drowning Prevention Week (June 14–21): Simple things that actually save lives
🎟️ All Things Aquatics is back June 19—register now before the price jumps!

Whether you’re a parent, coach, guard, or swim school leader—this episode is packed with timely updates, inspiration, and a little behind-the-scenes energy from Nicole and Wes.

💬 Connect with us & get the links: navigatingneva.com

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, Nicole and Wes welcome Jose Gallagher, founder and CEO of Rip Current Sports and inventor of Dual Boards, a revolutionary swim training tool changing how swimmers build technique, confidence, and independence in the water.

Jose shares real-world success stories—including a Maryland swim program that ordered 95 pairs after a single demo—and dives into how Dual Boards support beginners, adaptive athletes, and competitive swimmers alike. You'll learn how the unique board shapes (like the “M” and “H” positions) help swimmers engage the right muscles, improve kick timing, and feel more natural hand buoyancy without gripping.

Whether you're a coach, parent, or aquatic director, this episode will inspire you to rethink how we support learners in the water.

Highlights:

• Maryland swim program’s bulk adoption of Dual Boards
• Letter-based positioning and functional uses
• Dual Boards in lifeguard training for struggling candidates
• Confidence-building stories, including a 67-year-old swimmer gaining independence

Explore the boards at ripcurrentsports.com or find them on Amazon.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of Navigating Neva, we head across the pond for a joyful and imaginative conversation with Helen Hughes, founder of Mini Water Adventurers and creator of the Orca Swim Trainer.

Helen joins Nicole and Wes to share how she blends purposeful play with swim skill development—especially for little ones. From her unique tools and playful approach to cultural differences between swim instruction in the UK and US, Helen offers powerful insights for instructors, parents, and swim leaders alike.

🎉 Plus, Helen is a featured sponsor of the All Things Aquatics event happening September 20 in Georgia—and she’ll be hosting a special in-person training in South Florida this November.

✨ Learn more about Helen’s work: [miniwateradventurers.com]
 📲 Follow her on Instagram: @orca_swimtrainer

#SwimInstructor #PurposefulPlay #LearnToSwim #EarlyChildhood #AquaticsEducation #NavigatingNeva #WaterSafety #JoyfulWaters

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

 In this special episode of Navigating Neva, host Nicole Fairfield shares a deeply personal and powerful story for the first time—her own experience with a water rescue. Recorded in honor of International Water Safety Day, this episode goes beyond standard safety tips and dives into the emotional and transformative moments of a real rescue. Join Nicole as she shares what she learned, how it changed her, and why water safety is more than just a topic—it's a mission. Don’t miss this heartfelt and eye-opening episode. 

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this week’s episode of Navigating Neva, we’re kicking off something new and exciting. Host Nicole is joined by co-host Wes and our special guest, Phil Waggott. Phil is a familiar name in the aquatics world, known for his work with Navigating Aquatics. But today, we’re exploring his next chapter with Splash Save.

🔹 Phil’s Backstory: We dive into Phil’s journey, from his early days in aquatics to his experience with Navigating Aquatics. What did he love? What did he learn? And why is he shifting gears with Splash Save?

🔹 The New Collaboration: Nicole and Wes are excited to announce that Phil will be joining Navigating Neva as a regular guest, bringing fresh insights, honest conversations, and global perspectives on water safety, swim training, and industry trends.

🔹 What’s Next: We preview upcoming episodes and topics you won’t want to miss—everything from swim culture and leadership to drowning prevention and the latest in aquatic safety.

Ready to dive in? Hit play, subscribe, and follow Navigating Neva for more episodes.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

Episode Title: "Where There's Water, I Will Wait: Drowning Prevention for Children with Special Needs"

In this episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wesley welcome special guest Dana Harvey, a seasoned swim instructor with over 37 years of experience. Dana shares her groundbreaking water safety program, "Where There's Water, I Will Wait," designed to protect children—especially those with special needs—from drowning. Using engaging characters like the "waiting whales," Dana has taught thousands of families how to build water safety habits through patience and understanding.

Listeners will discover:

 How Dana's program uses waiting mats and visual cues to teach children about water safety.
 The importance of water safety beyond swim lessons, especially for children on the autism spectrum.
 Insights from Dana’s research across 750 schools, where she identified critical gaps in water safety education.
 Practical tips for parents and educators to make water safety a consistent habit in any environment.

Join us for this eye-opening conversation about making water safety accessible, inclusive, and life-saving for all. 

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

From Lifeguard to Leader: Navigating Aquatics with Elaena In this episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wesley sit down with Elaena Noffsinger, an aquatic professional whose 16-year journey has taken her from lifeguard to municipal pool manager to swim school owner. Elaena shares how she built a thriving aquatic career, what it takes to retain great staff, and how burnout led her to launch Streamline Swim Academy.

We discuss strategies for building ownership within teams, how to communicate aquatic success to upper management, and why taking initiative—whether applying for a job or launching your business—can open doors you didn’t know were there.

Plus: our April giveaway winner is announced!

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, Amanda Green, Risk & Safety Manager of Skokie Park District, joins Wesley King and Nicole Fairfield for an insightful conversation about professionalism, preparedness, and navigating the complex landscape of lifeguard training and hiring. From legal responsibilities to relationship-building, they unpack what it really takes to succeed in aquatic leadership roles today. 

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

 In this episode, Venetia Belk shares her inspiring journey in aquatics—from swim team to aquatic director—and dives into leadership, safety, and launching pop-up water safety events for families. A must-listen for aquatic professionals and advocates alike. 

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wes sit down with veteran lifeguard Tom Ford to explore the evolution of lifeguard training, leadership on the deck, and what it really takes to raise the standard. From lost skills to modern-day challenges, this convo is a deep dive into lifeguard culture—past, present, and future.

#LifeguardTraining #GuardCulture #RaiseTheStandard #AquaticsLeadership

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

 Join Navigating Neva Podcast for a Lifeguard Roundtable Episode on April 2nd at 9:30 PM EST! Host Nicole Fairfield and co-host Wes King dive into lifeguarding pathways, challenges, and industry evolution with guests Nichol Willis (University Representative) and James Burton (Waterfront Lifeguard Rep & Camp Program Director). Don’t miss this deep dive into recruitment, retention, certification, and deck management! 

Want to be a guest on an upcoming season: https://form.jotform.com/250518744185158

Survey to be entered for the lifeguard bag giveaway:  https://form.jotform.com/250629191938163

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

 What’s next after lifeguarding? In this episode, Nicole and Wesley explore the many career paths lifeguards can take, from health and safety to business, coaching, and even leadership roles in government. Plus, hear about famous figures who started as lifeguards and how their skills shaped their success. If you’re wondering where lifeguarding can take you, this episode is for you! 

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of Navigating Neva, we dive into the critical distinctions between lifeguard and management duties. Many misunderstand what lifeguards are responsible for, and this episode clarifies their role in water safety, emergency response, and injury prevention—while also highlighting how management ensures a safe and compliant facility. Whether you're a parent, swimmer, or aspiring lifeguard, this discussion will help you understand the importance of proper training, supervision, and teamwork in preventing water-related tragedies. 

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

 🎙️ Podcast Episode 3: Lifeguard Work Environments – Join Neva Nicole and Wesley King as they explore the diverse work environments lifeguards face—from pools and beaches to resorts and military bases. Discover the unique challenges and opportunities in each setting, and learn how to advance your lifeguard career with expert tips and real-world insights. 

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

 In Episode 2 of our Lifeguarding Series, Nicole and Wes dive into the essential lifeguarding prerequisites: can you really swim? They break down the swim test requirements, why these standards exist, and how to prepare for success. Tune in to learn what it takes to pass the test and why it's about more than just swimming skills. 

Hey listeners! We want to get to know you better. Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey. https://form.jotform.com/250629191938163 As a thank you, everyone who completes it will be entered to win a Wes's Rookies and Rescues "Lifeguard 101 Listener Kit" and at the end of the series a Lifeguard Essentials Drawstring Bag! (Includes: face sunscreen, lip sunscreen, Fox 40 whistle, towel, and goggles giveaway end of series.)"  

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, we dive into the world of lifeguard certification, answering the most common questions we get from aspiring lifeguards: How do I become a lifeguard? Where do I go to get certified? and Do I have to swim?

We begin by exploring the importance of having qualified lifeguards on duty, with organizations like the Redwoods Group advocating for having two lifeguards to ensure better coverage and a quicker emergency response. We'll also touch on how local regulations shape lifeguard staffing requirements, like Loudoun County’s rule of one lifeguard for every 50 patrons, and how some smaller facilities may operate with fewer lifeguards.

With lifeguard shortages impacting pool operations, we’ll briefly touch on the challenges faced by the industry, but we’re focusing more on how to get started on your certification journey.

We'll discuss the various certification options available, including programs from the Red Cross, YMCA, and others, with a special look at the differences in training structure and key skills. You’ll hear about the essential aspects of lifeguard training, including the swim test, the prerequisites, and what each organization requires for certification.

Lastly, we’ll give a sneak peek into Episode 2 where we'll explore the swim test in more detail. What will it take to pass the test? What physical skills are required? And can you skip the CPR section if you’re already certified?

Tune in for all this and more, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode, where we’ll get into the physical side of lifeguard certification and tackle the swim test requirements!

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

Navigating Neva is back for Series Two! 
Your host, Neva Nicole, returns with special co-host Wes King from Wesley King Consulting. In this behind-the-scenes video, we’re testing our new equipment as we gear up for the next exciting series!

For those who don’t know, Navigating Neva started as a water safety audio podcast back in 2021, and we’ve been working hard to bring you something new and improved. This series isn’t the full launch yet — just a sneak peek of what’s coming. Neva Nicole is ready to dive back in, and we’re bringing you more valuable insights and discussions around water safety and so much more!

Stay tuned, hit that subscribe button, and join us on this journey as we navigate through a new chapter of the podcast! 

#NavigatingNeva #WaterSafety #BehindTheScenes #NevaNicole #WesKing #PodcastLaunch

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

You can teach your child how to swim. Yes.

Your child does not have to go through swim lessons of the American Red Cross or the YMCA. 

Hiring a swim instructor for the child is an option, but may be an expensive option. I understand.

Traditional teaching method says:  ‘just throw them in, they'll swim or sink’. But that kind of teaching methods does not work for all, I know it from my own childhood experience. Your child may, on the contrary, get startled, may be scared, and who knows –may altogether quit swimming for a good number of years.

But you have to remember: if there was an incident at a pool – the child slips in or slips under for a few seconds, as a Mom or Dad, you do not have to be traumatized. Just pick the kid up, he'll be just fine. In fact, it'll actually build him confidence. Just tell him: ‘Hey! You’re okay, look you're good’. And now, he's not afraid to go under the water. 

You see, 20 years of aquatic experience is under my belt, and I’ve also been certified through the American Red Cross and the YMCA of the USA. I had gotten my water safety instructor certification with the American Red Cross and have kept it current since 2005. I’ve renewed it every year, and it hasn't expired. As long as you teach, it stays current. I teach a lot – sometimes I take 12 classes of group lessons, in a single week.

So, if you’ve decided to teach your child to swim, how do you do that? 

There are 5 important things you need to keep in mind. Because, these will make you a knowledgeable parent to equip you to teach your child how to swim.

Listen up as I’ve discussed in depth in this episode about: why you should be able to swim before you teach your child; water safety – safety equipment, water quality, temperature; why your child has to feel safe; need for regular exposure and practice; skills – feel buoyancy, breath control, gliding. Sound good? 

Not only those… 

You also want to take certain extra steps to make sure your attempts to teach your child to swim, are fool proof. You want to have a designated water watcher, a lifeguard for your kid. Don’t put them in swimming the whole time. If you have little ones that are the same age, take turns. Spend half their time in water and half their water time out of it. Put them in – work with one halfway through, switch and work with the other one.

So, my desire is that you’ll have a zero drowning summer – I want you and your child to be safe.

I want you and your kids to learn to swim and enjoy the summer.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

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You can teach yourself to swim.

Yes, you’ve read it right, without the need for all that drama – hanging around pools, being pushed by other swimmers into the waters, thinking of hiring a swim instructor but who’s expensive.  But, it’s possible to learn to swim even as an adult—all on your own.

You may not know this: according to statistics, learning to swim is one of the top five hobbies for people after they retire. Swimming also is one of the popular Olympic sports that has numerous variants.

But learning to swim as an adult can also become a nightmare – especially when people go philosophical: ‘push you in and you'll make it to the instructor’. Because, that did not work for me either. You see, I’ve been teaching swimming since I was 17, and I became a lifeguard when I was a teenager. But my beginning was not all so cozy. I had a near drowning experience —a traumatic experience which I didn't like that much, so I said-- ‘it’s not going to happen’. So I didn't go swimming. I did not take swim lessons.

So, how do you learn to swim on your own-- especially when you’re fearful, or when you do not like water?

Coming to my learning: I started in a pool which is safe-- you could see the ground level, and it’s no way related to my drowning experience. I started playing in the water and started to like the water. And then I could swim and then I kept swimming every day, all the time and you couldn't get me out of the water. I was a fish or a little mermaid and it was my favorite place to be and I love the water. 

So, if I learned to swim on my own, you can too. 

Listen up, because in this episode I’ve spoken briefly about: who, what, where, when, why in relation to swimming.

Because I want a zero drowning summer; I want you to be safe, I want each child to be safe. I want you to stay safe and enjoy the summer.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

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❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

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Safety first.

Yes, that’s what you think about when it comes to swimming. 

No doubt swimming is a cardio sport just like riding your bike or running, it helps build up your cardio. And these days, the American Red Cross recommends swimming even at the early age of one -- because it's helpful for them, it's helpful for the developmental reasons. Yes, they can learn to swim, it's not harmful and it doesn't hurt them. 

But, can you teach your child swimming just by pushing him into the water? Isn’t there a method when you want to teach a one year old swimming? Back in the day when we did not have swim instructors, you may have learnt swimming all on your own—by trial and error.

But these days, you can have a swim instructor and you have comfort of picking one from many options. These instructors can be certified by the American Red Cross or from the YMCA. Actually, you have the choice of having group lessons or one-to-one group lessons. You can as well ask for a mobile instructor who can teach in your own home pool.

But, this seems to be a big issue: there are lots of swim instructors everywhere, there's really expensive swim instructors, there's really inexperienced swim instructors, and then there's a lot of people that don't even know where to go to get their swim instructors.

I want you to know this: You want your swim instructor to be certified in CPR

You see, I am a certified American Red Cross water safety instructor myself, and when it came to pick an instructor for my son, I picked them wisely—I had to pick based on the responsive style of the child.

This is also important: You want to know if your instructor is insured.

In this episode, I’ve discussed: how you can pick a swim instructor, what other people are looking for when they want to pick an instructor, where can you find swim instructor, what to see in the swim instructor, what times are good to schedule the swim lessons.

As always, I want you to stay safe and enjoy the summer, and have a happy and healthy summer.

Always remember, your safety comes first. 

Support the show

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❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

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Human nature is to do things that we're not supposed to do....  Todd Thomson

We’re not going to go over there where the lifeguard is, let's go over here to the beach where there is no lifeguard—are the words of many people who come to the beach. 

But, is it a smart thing to do--to avoid lifeguards at the beach?

Today’s guest Todd Thomson answers: it’s one of easiest ways to put your family and yourself to risk, unless you're really good swimmers.

Todd adds: a fireman usually doesn’t prevent things from happening -- they get called when stuff happens. But a lifeguard is different. He gets the opportunity to watch things happening and they try to prevent things right before they happen. 

Todd Thomson has been a firefighter with Glynn County Fire Rescue in his 19-year career. He was a volunteer fireman for five years. For about 6 years, he had been lifeguarding beaches and pools. He owns Cross Fit Grit which is a physical fitness gym. He'd been with water rescue for about 10 years, just to cover all the beaches and the waters of the Golden Isles and St. Simons.

One question that gets asked often by people is: why do we have our swimming lessons in the pool and not out in the ocean where we need it?

Well, the answer is: Pools are more of a safer and controlled environment, while the ocean is living—not a good environment especially for the beginners. 

In this episode, Todd talked about: How he got into the water rescue side of his job, why the Golden Isles beach is not actually a safe outlet for everybody-- the best thing to do when someone is caught in one of those tides, do all of our beaches here have lifeguards? What happens more during lifeguarding hours: drownings or rescues? About Golden Isles beach for someone visiting out of town, should people at the beach go to places where lifeguard are or avoid the lifeguards?

I’m still sharing with you guys what's near and dear to my heart – the tips that are going to keep you guys safe around the water. This is what I constantly think about and that is to have: no drownings.

Support the show

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❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

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Emergency Action Plans!

Yes, they are in every field.

You see, during swimming or while simply playing in water: we run, we fall, and we get shoved. It’s all so much fun. Of course, swimming gives that additional boost to the body and to the brain.

But, what if something goes out of control? Something unexpected happens during shoving and running.

The result can be -- we may see blood because of a scrape or an abrasion.

And, a standard first aid class would teach us how to take care of this -- a quick action plan in case of such an emergency.

You see the American Red Cross talks about Emergency Action Plans. According to OSHA, an emergency action plan is here to keep us safe, and like any good plan, it only works if we put the plan into place. 

Now, there are other things as well which you need to prepare for—in advance. 

You see, your kid may suddenly start throwing up water, and continue to throw up water. People go swimming and then, they get sick with diarrhea.  These may be because: there can be chemicals in pool water, there are recreational water illnesses’. Not many are aware of these conditions and diseases. 

In other words, for a safe and healthy swimming – you need to understand what to do when the unexpected happens. 

So listen carefully, because in this episode I’ve talked about: Emergency action plans, importance of poison control number, chemicals in water, recreational water illnesses, water safety posts, stories from my years of aquatic experience.

As I’ve said in my earlier episodes, I’ve been an aquatic professional with 20 plus years experience. From sitting on the stand guarding to certifying lifeguards and running a pool-- I’ve seen a lot. And I’m here to share with you my opinions and the resources that I’ve learned while I was out there.

And, that's because I want no drownings; I want you all to have a zero drowning summer. That is, I want you to be safe, and I want each child to be safe. 

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

CPR Saves lives.

Yes it does.

I have never heard somebody tell me that they gave CPR and it didn't work.

We all enjoy playing in water during summer: who doesn’t want to visit the beach, river or a swimming pool during the hot summer days?

Of course, swimming has proved itself over the years-- it’s one of the greatest exercises for the body, mind and soul. 

But what about pool safety? What will you do when a kid got into danger -- drowned himself? 

Here’s what can happen… 

You have acted quickly and rescued- dragged kid to the shore and called the 911. 

But the question is -- is that enough? Is the child saved? 

You won’t believe what the stats say…  

In cases of drowning, the survival rate is just 2 to 11 percent. And this is because 70 percent of cardiac arrests happen in a home or residential setting. The people at home don't know what to do and they just don't do anything, they don't give any care. They just stand there and call 911 and wait for 911 to arrive and 911 give care.

So, if your kid has stopped breathing, are you going to wait till experts arrive? What if in the meantime, the lungs and brain gets clogged up because the kid is not breathing – no oxygen going into the kid’s body. 

Is there something you can do in the precious minutes available before you, to get the child breathing again before expert help arrives? 

Yes, there is something you can do: you do not have to helplessly look around, curse and beat yourself up.

Here’s what it is… 

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a procedure that involves giving chest compressions and rescue breaths to a person who is found not breathing because of a temporary cardiac arrest, especially when drowned in water.

Yes, CPR is a life-saving intervention-- the corner stone of resuscitation. 

As an aquatic professional for more than 20 years, I’ve been in the industry for a long time, and I read all of these. I have been certified in CPR since 1999. I have been certified through the National Safety Council, I’ve been certified through the American heart association, and I’ve been certified with the American Red Cross. I’ve been a CPR instructor since 2005. I have renewed my CPR certification every year.

In this episode, I’ve talked about what CPR is, its importance, resources that are useful to learn more about CPR, stories where CPR done by non-professional saved the lives of kids’.

And that's because I want no drowning, I want a zero drowning summer. I want you to be safe, and I want each child to be safe. 

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

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Springtime is here, and the sun is warming things up.

People dreaming to visit the local pools and experience thrilling moments in the water.

Not a bad choice especially after COVID, and couple of years of restrictions.

Swimming on a daily basis is good for the mind, body, and soul. It could do wonders for your health. Swimming works on your entire body – head to foot – and burns major calories unlike other cardio exercises. 

Now the important questions to consider: How safe are you with water? What do you need to know in advance to keep your child and yourself from drowning?

Do you know: almost 70 percent of drownings happen during non-swimming times? The leading cause for children ages 1 to 4: unintentional drowning.

You see, I am an aquatic professional with 20 plus years of industry experience: from sitting on the stands; lifeguarding, and running a pool -- I have seen a lot. 

When my 4 year old son was sinking in a home pool in the backyard, I had to jump into the water to save him. Because I had the knowledge and ability, I was able to quickly respond; if not he would have been another statistic. 

The point is: No one is exempt; everyone has to be on guard. Everyone needs to know water safety precautions and tips. There was a couple who did CPR and could save their little daughter who fell into a water bucket. Their little knowledge about CPR could save their daughter’s life.

Knowledge is power, it saves lives.

In this episode, I discussed about drowning and how it happens: my own drowning story when I was 3 --how I was protected because our family knew the rule of protection, how I saved my son from drowning, what is unintentional drowning, story of a baby girl saved after she fell into a bucket with water, what to do when it rains etc,.

I want you to have a happy and healthy summer -- a zero drowning summer. I want you and your kids not only to enjoy your swimming, but also to keep yourself away from all harm and danger.  

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

Summer around the corner.

Time to swim! Yes!

Is there a better way to keep cool on the long, hot days than playing in the pool, beach, or the lake?

Especially after couple of summers of no swimming; it’s even more exciting.

What’s more? Swimming builds endurance, muscle strength, and cardiovascular fitness. It helps you maintain a healthy weight, healthy heart and lungs. 

But, don’t you think you need to play safe? Shouldn’t your swimming be fool proof?

Do you know: drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages one to four? 10 people drown every day, 3400 people drown each year.

You know, I'm an aquatic professional with 20 plus years in my industry.  But still, when I take my kids to the pool, we do a pool tour. We look for a designated swimming area. We understand where the deep end and shallow ends are.  It’s a water safety rule that we follow.

And, as an adult, you may think that you don't need to be supervised. But you too may get into trouble if you're not good at swimming. In fact, your kids may have to be the ones to come to your rescue. 

Of course, in my swim lessons, I teach this, 'How to save your mom and dad,' because I understand: Not everybody knows how to swim. But I do not want your kids to save you. I want you to know a few water safety tips in advance.

On another occasion: A lady brought her son to the pool, and she just assumed, because there were other parents around; they were watching. But they weren't, and the little boy got in trouble.

So, you surely need to know a few water safety tips before you take your kids anywhere near the water. 

In this episode, I’ve expanded upon ‘Water safety rules’ I started last week. Listen up as I’ve talked about: the need for designated water watcher; need for designated swimming area; knowing your limits; having swimming buddies; different kinds of water currents; Sun safety, tips to avoid dehydration and overheating.

I want you to have a happy and healthy summer -- a zero drowning summer. I want you and your kids to swim hard but stay safe.  

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!

Summer is around. With lockdown measures almost gone and swimming pools open again, you just cannot wait to jump into water.  Swimming is a great choice not just for your physical health but also for your mental health. Not to mention, the cool fresh waters that are so soothing on your skin and body, making the hot summer days so exciting. But the important question: Are you playing it safe? Are you safe from drowning? Is your child safe from drowning? You know, it takes less than two inches of water to drown. Drowning can occur in less than 60 seconds. Drowning is silent. You see, I am an aquatic professional with 20 plus years of experience in my industry. But that did not keep me safe. I had a near-drowning experience myself. I had to jump into the pool to save my own son. Everyone interested in playing in water needs to understand that there are basic certain rules one needs to understand to keep themselves from drowning. Just because you’re an adult and know how to swim, you’re not exempt from these rules. In the place where I live, we had a doctor who was swimming laps in the ocean, in open water and he drowned. We also had a navy seal practicing at our local pool, and he drowned.  So, no one is safe. Everyone needs to understand the basic rules. In this episode, I’ve talked about certain water safety rules you need follow when you swim. Listen up, I’ve also talked about layers of protection you should have in place if you have a water pool nearby. I also gave some assignments that can help drill down some of these points deep into your mind. I want you to have a happy and healthy summer -- a zero drowning summer. I want you and your kids to swim hard but play safe.

Support the show

🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok: Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield.

💬 Find Wesley King on Facebook: Get expert insights and connect with Wesley at Wesley King Consulting on Facebook.

❓ Got Questions?: Have questions about today’s episode or upcoming topics? Reach out to me at navigatingneva@gmail.com.

📚 Check Out My Books: As an author, I have books available on Amazon under Nicole Fairfield.

📲 Follow Me on TikTok: You can also find me on TikTok at @NicoleFairfield for more content!

🔔 Show Support: Enjoy the podcast? Please come back each week, or add Lifeguard Life: Certifications, Careers, and More to your favorites so you never miss an episode!