The joys of a swim career

Simon Griffiths reflects on the joys and benefits of working in swimming

I love working in swimming. Publishing a swimming magazine has given me opportunities I never imagined when I started and connected me with many amazing people.

As the theme of this issue is work and careers in swimming, I decided to identify what makes it attractive.

The people

First on my list are the people involved. They are almost always passionate about swimming and understand its value. Whether they are teachers, administrators, managers or business leaders, they want to share this love of swimming. They are driven to break down barriers and build up skills so as many people as possible can swim. They encourage, inspire and support.

People working in swimming are often creative and entrepreneurial. They see ways that their skills and experience could be of value to other swimmers. Related to this, but expressed differently, many people who work in swimming are adventurous and do interesting and inspiring things, both inside and outside of swimming.

I also like that careers in swimming are open to a wide range of people. You don’t need to have been an elite swimmer as a teenager to make waves in the world of swimming as an adult. Passion, and a willingness to learn, is more relevant than your swimming pedigree.

The community

Still on the subject of people, working in swimming often means being part of vibrant communities. This might be a local club, a professional organisation, a social media forum or an international WhatsApp group of swimmers united around a particular cause or event. Each of these communities has a different vibe and purpose but are united by a shared passion for the water. Swimmers share strong friendship and professional bonds.

Health and wellbeing benefits

Many jobs in swimming unchain you from a desk and get you moving. Working around water may give you increased opportunities to swim yourself. Being immersed in an environment that promotes fitness, mental health and relaxation is good for your soul and a perk that few other jobs can offer.

Unsocial hours

A potential downside of a career in swimming is possibility you will find yourself working unsocial hours. Lifeguards, coaches, event organisers and venue managers are on duty when other people are out having fun. They may even work through the night at 24-hour events. But there’s huge satisfaction to be had from facilitating other people’s leisure activities – sometimes to the extent that it doesn’t feel like work.

Lifestyle

Working in swimming can be a lifestyle as much as a job. It gives you the opportunity to make a difference, connect with passionate people and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of learning and adventure.

Like any job or career, it has its challenges, but these are more than offset by the rewards. Whether you’re teaching the next generation of swimmers, creating inspirational events for the middle-aged or providing dementia-friendly swimming for those towards the end of their lives, you will make a lasting and meaningful impact. It’s a fulfilling and fun space to work in.