In 2019 Mia Bassett took part in a Summerversity lifeguard course and it changed her life. The 21-year-old tells us how

How did you hear about the course?

A friend told me about Summerversity and the National Pool Lifeguarding Qualification. Although I had always liked swimming, I had never thought of becoming a lifeguard before. I decided to apply to do the course as I thought it would be a good opportunity to learn new skills that would be useful in life, whether it led to work or not. I had to do a swim test first at Cally Pool and it was a bit nerve-wracking as there were lots of other people there, but I passed and got on the course.

What did you like about the course?

It was very good, and the tutor was amazing. I learned so much, from basic things like how to safely get in and out of a lifeguard chair, to dealing with aquatic spinal injuries as part of a team. There was lots of first aid including dealing with heart attacks, diabetes and other medical issues.

We learnt about pool safety and how to make the right decisions. There was also lots of fitness training so you gain stamina and speed and can confidently dive to the bottom of the deep end and rescue someone.

How did it change your life?

About a week after the course, I saw a job advert for recreation assistants with Better. I applied, went for an interview at the Sobell and within weeks I was working part-time at Ironmonger Row Baths.

I really liked it, but unfortunately just five months later all the pools in the country closed because of the pandemic and so that was a difficult time. When they eventually reopened, I got a full-time job working at Highbury Pool and after a year moved back to Ironmonger Row Baths as a senior recreation assistant.

Do you like working at Ironmonger Row Baths?I love it. The staff are lovely, they’re a great team of people to work with. I like meeting new people, lots of customers know me and Ironmonger Row Baths is part of the community.

Anything to say to anyone thinking of doing the course?

It was the best thing I have ever done. Once you are in leisure there are so many different roles and branches you can explore. As well as pool supervision I have done plant operation, duty management and worked in reception. I have recently done a swimming teachers course and now do some teaching. Lots of the young people who work at Islington’s pools come through Summerversity. It is such a good opportunity.

Two free National Pool Lifeguard Courses are running over the summer holidays at Cally Pool. To sign up for a pool test, visit summerversity.co.uk