YMCA swim instructors up for national awards

Two YMCA South Australia (the Y) team members from Whyalla Recreation Centre (WRC) have been nominated for 2023 AUSTSWIM Awards of Excellence.

Aquatic Programs Coordinator, Bec Gumm, has been nominated in three categories - International Teacher of the year, Teacher of Infant and Preschool Aquatics, and the highly regarded WETS Aqua Instructor award. Bec’s WRC colleague, Jenna-May Jackson, has also been nominated in the Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety category.

WRC falls into the AUSTSWIM Recognised Swim Centre group and both nominees have strong chances after rebuilding the centre’s program post covid.

The AUSTSWIM Awards acknowledge individuals, swim centres, and organisations for their contribution to aquatic education and water safety through leadership, innovation, and community spirit – helping students and their community to be safer in, on and around water.

AUSTSWIM Teachers are the backbone of the aquatic and recreation industry and teach up to 3.5 million people across Australia and beyond each week.

The judging process is under way and state awards will be presented locally in June, with the national winners announced at the 2023 AUSTSWIM Awards of Excellence Dinner at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on 5 July.

Image: Whyalla Recreation Centre AUSTSWIM award nominees Bec Gumm and Jenna-May Jackson.