Pink Patrol Week at MSAC

From 17 – 21 February, we’re celebrating the women and girls who make up our life saving and aquatics teams at MSAC.  

Pink Patrol is a Life Saving Victoria initiative that serves as a time to recognise and celebrate females’ presence and contributions in life saving, life guarding and the many other roles that come with keeping people safe in our aquatic spaces. 

Pink Patrol is also an opportunity to encourage future generations of life savers and foster the diversity that is within this community. 

We have over 70 female aquatics staff in the form of life savers, lifeguards, supervisors, learn to swim teachers and swimming coaches at MSAC. We caught up with some of our team to talk about why they love their jobs, and how others can get involved.  

Meet Nelle, a Learn to Swim Teacher, Isha, a Learn to Swim Teacher, Anindo, a Lifeguard Supervisor, and Tiff, a Learn to Swim Supervisor and Teacher. 

How long have you been working in your role? 

Nelle: Almost two years now. 

Isha: This is my fifth year now, so almost 5 years. 

Anindo: I started lifesaving in 2017 and got my Surf Rescue Certificate, and I’ve been working at MSAC for two years now, as well as lifesaving at a surf club. 

How did you get into the aquatics industry? 

Isha: I used to swim competitively until college. And after that, I was really missing the water. And I wanted to learn the other student side a bit more, so that’s when I got into training. 

Anindo: Funnily enough, someone came up to me while I was in an ice cream store and told me that it would be really fun to join Nippers, so I did, and I really enjoyed it. And then I decided to get my Bronze (Medallion). And that’s how I got into lifesaving. 

What do you love about your job? 

Nelle: I love getting to teach children. I think it’s so fulfilling. And watching them progress their skills just fills my heart. 

Isha: I think my favourite thing is that it’s a very important skill. My favourite thing is when I see progression amongst students; that’s what makes me feel like I’m contributing to a good cause. 

Are there any challenges you face as a woman in this industry? 

Anindo: I think sometimes, maybe not taking quite as seriously right away and having to prove yourself just a little bit more, especially when dealing with some patrons. 

Nelle: I don’t think I have faced too many challenges. I mean, obviously becoming an instructor was difficult, but there are so many great people here to support me. 

Tiff: The only thing I would say is there’s a little bit of misconception about periods and people in the water. And we do often teach with our periods in the water, and it can be debilitating for some of us. But our workplaces are very understanding of that, which is awesome. 

Is there any advice you can give to girls who want to get into this industry? 

Nelle: I’d say just go for it. You know, if you really want to try it, then there’ll be there’ll be people to help you out. Just try it. And if you’re really passionate about it, you can go a long way. 

Anindo: I reckon just go for it; it’s a lot of fun! You meet nice people and a wide range of people in both live saving and life guarding [as] people come from all sorts of places and backgrounds. 

Isha: If they love the water, it’s a very good industry to be in, particularly because it’s a life skill, and it’s a very rewarding. 

Tiff: No two days are the same, it’s very rewarding. If you want a fun job, go for it!  

If you’re looking for a career in life saving or aquatics at MSAC, check out our careers page here.