Kayma-Ree joined Belgravia Leisure in November of 2017 and says she has been a customer service officer, swim teacher and lifeguard at both Gympie Aquatic Centre and Nambour Aquatic Centre.
To celebrate Father’s Day this year, we asked some of our team members what Father’s Day means to them. Kayma-Ree said, “Growing up my dad was my best friend. We used to do everything together. He passed away in a car accident when I was only eight years old and it has impacted my life greatly. I am thankful I was able to have him in my life for my most formidable years and have amazing memories of him that have stayed with me throughout my adult life.
“Father’s Day is a time I always sit back and reflect on my Father’s life and how he impacted others through Physiotherapy. It makes me think about how I could be doing better and how I can impact people more through my career,” Kayma-Ree said.
When asked what some of her highlights of working with Belgravia Leisure were she said, “I have enjoyed being able to travel to other Belgravia Leisure venues and help out with swim lessons and lifeguarding. Belgravia Leisure has a huge support network and all of the employees help out the company wherever they can in whatever capacity they can which has been a very fun experience.”
How have you, your team or your venue been impacted by Covid and what have you learnt?
“The pools were closed during covid so we were not able to see our regular patrons which was hard. Our team still got together two times a week and did gardening and general upkeep around the venue so we were still able to have a little bit of a social aspect during Covid.
“Once the pools opened again, it was so nice seeing all our patrons back and learning what they had gotten up to during the break. I think the biggest thing for me as a teacher was seeing the skills of children in the water drop dramatically as they had no access to water over that period of time to continue practising swimming.
“It is amazing to see how fast children can develop their skills in the water but also sad to see how fast they can lose them with a few months off of lessons. It showed me how important it is to upkeep that skill of swimming,” Kayma-Ree said.
What is your favourite and least favourite thing about your career?
“My favourite thing about my career is teaching children swimming. I love seeing their faces light up once they grasp a new concept or finally get the hang of a skill we have been learning over the last few weeks. Also, when they move up a level and they get to receive their medal, it just makes me so happy to see the smiles on their faces.
“Probably my least favourite thing about my job is some of the stories you hear about our patron’s lives and what they’ve been through. I love having chats and getting to know our patrons on a personal level, but some of the stories you hear are really sad and it’s amazing what they have been through.
“Swimming is often the greatest highlight of their day, and it is nice to know that you are a special part of their daily routine,” Kayma-Ree said.
Where do you see yourself in the next three to five years?
“The last five years have had their ups and downs and I have learnt so much, but I never imagined five years ago that I would eventually be running a swim school.
“I can only hope that in the next three to five years I continue learning new skills and gaining new knowledge which will enable me to have the opportunity to continue with my Belgravia Leisure journey and be able to help the company in even more ways than I currently am.
“I have been enjoying my leadership role here at the Nambour Aquatic Centre and I know it’s only the tip of the iceberg of what could be in my future with Belgravia Leisure,” Kayma-Ree said.
What are three things you’re most passionate about in life and why?
“Health has always been a big passion of mine. My parents were in the health and fitness industry, so growing up it was all I knew. Having gone through some health issues a few years ago myself, it has shown me how important it is to be active and keep on top of your health. A lot of people don’t have the physical ability to do what a lot of us take for granted during our normal day-to-day.
“My family. Having lost significant members of my family teaches you to appreciate the people you have around you and always tell them how much you love them. Obviously, my dogs are included in that.
“Children. growing up around a lot of small children and babysitting and teaching them has given me a love and a passion for kids I never knew could exist. I just want to give children the best chance at life they could possibly have by giving them important skills and tools to take with them into adult life.
“Nothing hurts me more than seeing children who will never have the basic opportunities and life skills accessible to them because of their circumstances. Growing up I used to watch a lot of WorldVision and organisations who would go into third world countries and build orphanages and help adopt kids into families who would give them the best chance at life. It is something that impacted me greatly when I was younger, and it is still a big goal of mine to be able to travel to one of those places and help families for a period of time,” Kayma-Ree said.
