Thirty years ago Marion started work at the original Narrogin War Memorial Pool, and with a huge amount of hard work in between then and now, it’s our great pleasure to congratulate Marion on winning the Austswim Teacher of Adults award at the recent Austswim state conference.
The award came after Marion and Aquatic Education Coordinator Sam Kempton came together last year to develop an Adult Learn to Swim Program. Together they devised a curriculum for beginner and intermediate swimmers, and piloted a four-week trial in Term 2 last year.
Due to Marion’s work as an Austswim course presenter, she wasn’t able to teach the new program permanently, but mentored Sam to raise beginner swimmers from learning to submerge, to swimming 200metres in just eight weeks.
With Sam having Marion as his Austswim course presenter 7.5 years ago, he is happier than anyone to see the well-deserved recognition be given.
“It was a wonderful experience to see her integrity and passion recognised not just within Narrogin, though throughout the entire aquatic education industry in WA,” Sam said.
“We’re a close-knit sector, so it’s a huge boost to our Swim School’s profile.”
Marion said she finds it more rewarding being a swim teacher for adults compared to children, as you’re not just teaching a skill, you’re working through a fear as well.
Marion said: “I feel very proud, this award captures decades of contribution to the industry.”
Congratulations Marion from everyone at the Y!