MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- To help keep pool patrons at it’s public pools safe this summer, Pendleton looks towards individuals who provide safety, care and reliability so the community can enjoy yet another summer.
Laura R. Waterman, lifeguard supervisor, 13 Area Pool, strives to ensure that all families that come swimming this summer can swim with total confidence with a sense of ease. swim
Since the age of five, Waterman, whose name compliments her profession, has been drawn to the pool. In, 2007 and to no one’s surprise, she enrolled into California State East Bay and earned a spot on the varsity swim team.
“Swimming has been a part of my life for the longest time now and I really enjoy teaching all the young children who share the same interest,” said Waterman
Since taking a seat at the lifeguard post in 2001, Waterman has been encouraging individuals to conquer their fears about swimming in open water.
“The most rewarding part of my job is when I see a child whom I have been working with for weeks, finally take a dive into the deep end of the pool,” said Waterman. “When I see their smile as it comes up through the water I know in my heart I have done my job.”
With more than 500 swimmers a week paying a visit to the community pools the job of keeping pool patrons safe is one Waterman does not manage by her self. With a staff of 14 to help ensure safety of new swimmers, they also instruct the children from the ages of six months to adults proper etiquette of swimming during the 2009 summer swim lessons.
"Laura is such a great leader everyday when you see her with the children you can see just how passionate about her job she is," said Jessica R. Swanson, assistant supervisor, 13 Area Pool. “She knows how to manage the staff here great, she is fun to work with and very determined to teach.”
To continue her special interest in the success and personal accomplishments of children, Waterman has now set her sights on a career in elementary school teaching.
“This is something I’ve always wanted to do sinse I can remember, thankfully I can take all the lessons I have learned here at the pool and use them for something greater,” said Waterman.