Claire Linford is passionate about teaching kids and adults alike to be safe around water
A former competitive swimmer, the BARC's Aquatic Education Team Leader grew up around pools and loves sharing her passion for swimming with others.
Why did you become a swim instructor?
Claire: I have a huge passion for teaching children to be safe around water and for seeing children overcome their fears and anxieties around water. And I’m passionate about facilitating swimming lessons for our community– making lessons accessible to everyone in our community.
Did Covid-19 stop kids learning to swim?
Covid has had a long-term impact. School swim programs were shut down during Covid – so kids missed out and we have seen quite a regression of swimming ability as a result. It’s concerning because without our programs we risk an increase of drownings around where we live due to our waterways. It’s scary.
We’re seeing a lot of kids now who want to get lessons, but we just don’t have the staff to facilitate it. There’s a need to find swim teachers who can teach people who have moved to the area and kids who have missed out on lessons due to Covid.
You recently introduced Quiet Time , which are low-stimulation pool sessions for children who have sensory challenges.
We’re focusing on ensuring this pool and centre are accessible to everyone. Quiet Time has been really well received by the public. We’ve held a few sessions already. We turn the splash park off, the water jets off, and it actually is really quiet.
And Quiet Time is just the start?
Yes. We’re looking at programs around inclusion for children with learning difficulties or people with disabilities as well as how to offer programs to diverse cultures and people who’ve never learned how to swim and who might not have any swimming background.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
We have an amazing culture here at the BARC – a positive environment. I’ve been in my current role for a year and every day is different. We have 15 to 16 swim instructors. Some are part time. We’re running learn-to-swim programs now, and we’ll be running intensive learn-to-swim programs in January, and we’ve also got VicSwim’s program. So, I’m scheduling a lot of classes. It’s a busy role, but I do love it.
What do you love about living in East Gippsland?
I grew up in East Gippsland, then moved away for awhile and did my schooling in Benalla, then moved back to the area and started a family here. I’ve lived in East Gippsland for over 14 years.
What are your favourite places in the shire?
For weekends, it’s Lakes Entrance. Head down to the beach, go for a walk with the kids, go for a swim, then get some donuts. Nicholson Hotel is a great local pub – a good Chinese menu and awesome staff who always go out of their way to help.
What’s a must-do in East Gippsland?
Come to the BARC! Seriously, come to the pool, we’ve got the splash park.
If people visit the BARC and love it - you have swim teacher vacancies?
Yes! We’re trying to recruit so we can teach preschoolers, primary schoolers, and grandparents – and parents – how to be safe around water. It’s about swimming, but it’s mostly survival based. If you want to be a swim instructor, we have positions available now. You can also do one of our swim-instructor courses – we offer AUSTSWIM, ASTA (Aquatic Safety Training Academy) and Life Saving Victoria courses.
To apply for a job as an Aquatic Education Instructor or Lifeguard, visit Council's Careers page.