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I commenced at Alfreda Rehabilitation/Port Power Perfect Fit in July 97. My knowledge of pools previous to this was limited. Upon completion of the Pool Plant Operators course and through my tasks in the pool everyday, I soon gained valuable experience in the many different facets of pool operation. This has allowed me to have a clean and presentable pool to the many varied clients that come through Alfreda Rehabilitation and Port Power Perfect Fit.
Our pool caters for many different activities during the operating hours. These include
Due to these activities our bather load is quite high and the upkeep of the pool and the surrounding area is paramount in the overall presentation of our facility.
During my time at Alfreda Rehabilitation/Port Power Perfect Fit I have experienced several situations that have tested my knowledge of pool operation. These include
I have been able to survive these challenges, and may more, by asking questions and seeking advice from varied sources. This has resulted in the increase of my knowledge of pool operations and has benefited the centre. I have had numerous comments on how well the pool surrounds are kept and the condition of the water. I find this both stimulating and rewarding that others can enjoy the pool when it is managed properly.
My interest outside work involve several areas. I have a keen interest in football and have played and coached. Recently I have started to work on one on one programs for AFL and SANFL players in the areas of nutrition, training, mental application skills and motivation. I am also involved in recruiting of South Australian football players into an interstate club. I have a wife and two year old son who provide me with great enjoyment and pleasure. My son has opened up a whole new world to me and provides me with many lasting memories and experiences. I am also a recreational bike rider and my position work allows me to use the gym.
In the future I wish to keep gaining knowledge in my work and personal interests and to help with this I have recently started studying part time. As you can see I have a fairly busy schedule so time management is becoming a priority for this pool operator.
I have been involved in the aquatics industry since 1986. My initial experience was gained through swimming instruction with indoor pools at Norwood and Clovercrest. In 1994 I started working as a DECS Instructor, educating children in swimming, snorkelling & Underwater Hockey.
As the maintenance person at Norwood, I gained some valuable knowledge about the operation of a smaller indoor pool. Upon completion of the Pool Plant Operators course and through my duties as a Senior Operator at Salisbury, I gained valuable experience in the many different areas of pool operation.
The Adelaide Aquatic Centre and Payneham Swimming Centre, have been ideal environments in which to hone my skills as a Pool Attendant. As from 1997, I have been a facilitator of snorkelling and Underwater Hockey courses to an array of clients throughout metro and regional South Australia.
I am currently employed by Minda on a permanent part time basis as a Pool Supervisor. My work there involves organising options for Minda clients. These include aquarobics, relaxation, swimming squad and support programs for the clients of high support needs. I am also responsible for the centre when the Manager is away. I enjoy the work at Minda which is both challenging and rewarding. The work filling in for the Manager allows me to gain the experience in the day to day running of the centre and how to relate to staff in this supervisory role.
I commenced work at this site in 1998
for a contract of 4 weeks to develop landscaping around the residential
building. I worked between Two Wells Primary School and Northfield
until November 1999. In November I was transfered to Northfield
on a full time basis.
I had no experience in pool operations, therefore I had to jump
in (no pun intended) and learn as much as I could as quickly as
possible. I started by closing the pool and booking in to do the
next available Pool Operators Certificate course. Once I thought
I had things under control and the water quality was up to Health
Standards I reopened the pool. Over the past 12 months I have
pulled the pump room to pieces and redesigned it, with the help
of my offsider Herman, to a much more practical and manageable
system. The installation of a Chemigem controlling system has
also helped me maintain good water quality.
The pool is only used as a recreational basis for the Aboriginal
children that live at the residence. The occasional staff member
will use the pool for relaxation at lunch time.
The pool is only one aspect of the position at this site. I am
also responsible for the maintenance and development of the grounds
and the buildings and manage a small fleet of cars. The pool requires
about 8 hours commitment per week.
My main interest outside of work involves me spending hours with
my Sled dogs. I currently have 5 dogs from various ages and am
looking at gaining 3 more next year. I am currently sponsored
by Pedigree, Dr Woof's Veterniary Clinic and BP Muno Para and
I am constantly on the look out to increase that list. I travel
the National Circuit which includes Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney
and Canberra. Next year I would like to compete at the Gold Coast
but this will rely on the right sponsor coming on board. It is
a sport that takes many hours of dedication to get the best from
the dogs and yourself, especially after travelling for a day and
a half to compete. The dogs can travel at speeds up to 45 km/hr
and average speeds of 30 km/hr over a 5 km forest track when things
are going well. It is an adrenalin sport for the top competitors.
