IF you don’t know these two you haven’t had swimming lessons at Mitchell Shire Council’s (MSC) Leisure Centres.
The longest partnership of any swim teachers in the Mitchell Shire came to a close last month, and it was uncanny, that their decision came at the same time.
The forever friends shared memories formed over almost 20 years and why they are overwhelmingly positive about their future opportunities.
For Claire James, swimming is in her DNA, she does not see a future without it and will now dedicate herself as head coach of the Pyalong Piranhas swimming club and occasionally, if needed, be a fill-in teacher for MSC.
“I’m still in the swimming arena, but my focus is on the kids at the swim club, Ms James said.
“I’ll be working on projects regarding swimming. I’m very excited.
“It’s been 20 years and it’s time to have a little bit of a break.”
Previously a qualified integration aid, Ms James’ enthusiasm was the key to motivating and teaching her students, first becoming an asset to MSC in 2005.
Thereafter, hundreds of students have been taught not only water safety, but also how to improve their strokes, kicks, and tumble turns.
Ms King had another pathway into the local workforce.
“My traineeship was through the AFL Aboriginal Sports Ready program,” she said.
“I worked at the creche and on reception.
“I was 17, [when I started] and I worked through two pregnancies’,” she said.
“I’ve been a [swim] teacher for just over 18 years now,
“What stands out is the number of bathers I have gone through.”
Across the school terms, the A team also formed bonds with their students and caregivers.
Responsibilities included promoting students and indeed encouraging and congratulating them for their efforts to make it to their lesson, especially in winter.
According to Ms James, many parents requested Liz to be their child’s teacher.
“Liz is a fine example of a co-worker,” Ms James said.
“We had a flow-on system that worked naturally…our students flowed from one teacher to the next.
“After all this time, I have found my passion. It’s working with the disability sector,” Ms King said.
Many swim teachers have come and gone, but this flexible pair enjoyed every minute they worked together, especially at school holiday programs.
“We wouldn’t have done it for as long as we have if we didn’t love it,” Ms James said.
In addition to teaching, the ladies supervised children’s pool parties.
Across COVID-19 with the shutdown of the pool, Ms James wore an entirely new hat.
“I was deployed to the parks and gardens team,” Ms James said.
“I loved it…But I love my swimming, I don’t think you can keep me away.”
When the centre was closed for its roof repairs, Liz was relocated to clean at the temporary creche set up at St Patrick’s Primary School.
“The kids that I taught [and cared for] are teachers now. It’s our time to move on and let the younger generation do it,” Ms King said.
Claire and Liz will be spending these school holidays (at least) with dry feet for their first school holiday break in a long, long time.
