By VANESSA VALENZUELA
THE POOL at Parkwood Green has become a second home to swimming instructor Brett Connors.
The 32-year-old manager of Paul Sadler Swimland in Hillside has been teaching youngsters and adults across Victoria how to swim for more than 15 years.
Brett kicked off his career as an instructor at just 17 years old while studying at Catholic Regional College in Sydenham.
“I was just friends with the manager through football and he thought I might enjoy the job and he asked me to come down for a trial and I did enjoy it,” he said.
“I love it because it is always challenging and you just have to approach each situation individually and keep learning and developing yourself.”
Brett said he works with aspiring swimmers of all ages and believes it is never too late to learn or improve your swimming skills and techniques.
“Adults might be the most challenging to teach because a lot of adults that will try to learn to swim have a preconceived idea of the water, so it can be harder to get that progress.”
Brett said trust plays a big role in every lesson, with budding swimmers often frightened of the water.
“It is all really based on trust and you have to follow through with what you are going to do with them,” he said.
“That’s what boosts the trust and confidence, as you make sure they are familiarised with the water, so you make sure the activities are fun and you expose them to the deep water.”
Brett said it is vital that all children learn the importance of safety near the water and urged residents to supervise their kids at the pool this summer.
“You have to have a visual all the time on your children. You have to been within reach of them, even when it’s just a step away for the pool. Be as close as you can and even get in with them.”
