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We’ve all heard it before — the idea that ‘if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life’. It may sound a bit cliché, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t some truth to it.
Not everyone can say that they’re passionate about their jobs. Bill, however, can.
Bill, a Kelowna local, is a former deep-sea-diver and oil-driller with a passion for water. Spending time on the water has been a significant part of his life for as long as he can remember, and something he still loves to this day.
“I could leave everything else, but swimming — I have to have my swimming,” said Bill.
When Bill ‘semi-retired’ and moved to the Okanagan at the age of 38, he had some free time on his hands. He had been a lifeguard before in high school, and when he saw an opportunity arise with the opening of a new aquatic centre by the YMCA, he decided to give it a go. He never looked back, and has been working with the YMCA of Okanagan as a lifeguard for over 30 years now.
“Other aquatic centres have tried to lure me over several times over the years, but they didn’t have the flexibility that the Y offers,” said Bill. “It is the flexibility that won me over, as much as just liking the environment.”
The YMCA offered Bill a chance to work in a field that he cares about, with the flexibility to still travel and spend plenty of time with his grandkids.
“I love to come to work every day. I have six grandkids, and I spend a tremendous amount of time with them, but I love the Y. I come to work to have a rest,” laughed Bill. “I love what the Y stands for, and that’s what I always keep in mind.”
Bill also enjoys that working at the Y means being part of an amazing team and supportive community. He now mentors new lifeguards coming on deck — new lifeguards starting at the Y, young or old, have an invaluable opportunity to be mentored by experienced and passionate team members like Bill.
“I like the fact that, as old as I am, I work alongside them. They are brand new to being a lifeguard and I give them information that they wouldn’t normally get from a lesson,” said Bill. “These kids are great — they put in the effort and the time it takes to put on the uniform. It’s a good, healthy work environment.”
“The path to becoming a lifeguard is not the easiest,” added Bill. “But it teaches critical skills like dedication, responsibility, leadership, problem-solving, conflict-resolution, and customer and public relations skills.”
Lifeguarding not only teaches critical skills, but opens up other employment and volunteer opportunities. High school students are even able to earn extra credits towards graduating.
While lifeguarding is a great job for students, but there really is no age limit. Take Bill for example, who is now 68 and still spends his free days swimming, exercising and working at the Y.
“The older I get, the more lucky I feel to be doing what I am at my age.”
The YMCA of Okanagan is currently seeking lifeguards of all ages to join their engaging team. They offer a program which opens the door to volunteer and employment opportunities in aquatics, both at the YMCA and elsewhere, which you can learn more about here. There are several positions available at the Kelowna Family YMCA and H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre, which you can learn more about here.
The YMCA offers a fun, positive and rewarding work environment, career and development opportunities, free training, work-life balance, free memberships and more. Lifeguarding not your thing? Not to worry — there are always plenty of different opportunities available.
It’s never too early or too late to explore a passion, whether it means trying something brand new or keeping up with an old hobby. Click here to find your ‘Y’.
The YMCA of Okanagan was established over 30 years ago as a cause-driven charity with a mission dedicated to building healthy individuals and communities. They provide a wide range of programs and services with a focus on inclusiveness and accessibility, serving people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through all stages of life.
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