INSPIRING children to have swim confidence is a passion for Bangor’s Lezah McMullan who has won a prestigious swim award.
The Bangor Aurora swim teacher has been named ‘Swimming Teacher of the Year’ at the Swim Ireland Swimdustry Conference Awards, which took place in Dublin recently.
This is the second Swimdustry Conference that Swim Ireland has delivered with the event bringing together swimming teachers, educators and leisure operators from across Ireland.
Over 300 public nominations were sent in, covering a number of categories, with a judging panel of industry experts selecting the finalists and the overall winners.
The borough’s first citizen, Mayor Jennifer Gilmour, was keen to congratulate Lezah’s achievement and paid tribute to her ‘infectious enthusiasm’ for swimmers and her colleagues alike.
As one of Aurora’s longest serving swim instructors, Lezah has been poolside since the aquatic centre first opened its doors in 2012 and has taught hundreds of youngsters this essential life skill.
Thrilled by her award success Lezah said: “One of the best things about my job as a swimming teacher is when a non-swimmer swims for the first time.
“We know what children are capable of but when they swim for the first time you can see a glow in their eyes, how happy they are, with their confidence growing. That is a very special moment and why I love my job.”
Lezah teaches every level and age on the centre’s swimming lesson programme and has also recently upskilled to become a level two diving coach. As well as mentoring new and existing teachers, she also took on extra responsibility last year supporting the aquatics lead Simon Dickson and deputising in his absence.
Leading the praise for Lezah, Mayor Gilmour said: “Warmest congratulations to Lezah for winning this prestigious award, against stiff competition from hundreds of worthy nominees.
“Her genuine passion for her role as a swimming teacher makes learning to swim an enjoyable experience for the hundreds of children in our borough every year. Her enthusiasm is infectious to all around – colleagues and swimmers alike.”
The Northern Community Leisure Trust operates Bangor Aurora Leisure Complex, Bangor Sportsplex and Queens Leisure Complex in partnership with Serco Leisure and on behalf of Ards and North Down Borough Council.
Chris Kelly, contract manager with Northern Community Leisure Trust, which operates the Aurora in partnership with Serco Leisure, said: “Well done Lezah. You’re a credit to Bangor Aurora and to swimming teachers everywhere. The empathy you show learners at every level is crucial to their enjoyment and progress in the lessons.
“Over the years, you will have had a positive impact on so many local people’s lives through your work here. This award couldn’t have gone to a more worthy winner. We are all so proud of you at the Aurora.”
