Rebecca Lance
Assistant Recreation Supervisor-Aquatics
City of Lynnwood Recreation Center
Lynnwood, Washington - U.S.A.
Featured in
World Waterpark Magazine, January 2024
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
I have been in Aquatics for 18 years, doing every role imaginable including teaching swim lessons, water fitness classes, coaching both recreation league swim team and high school swim team, lifeguarding, teaching lifeguard classes and CPR/ First aid classes, maintaining a back room that includes DE filters and chlorine gas tanks, and have now been supervising for the last 10 years.
WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE?
WSIT and LGI with the American Red Cross, and Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO).
WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED?
The award that I am most proud of is the Innovator Spirit in 2021, where I was recognized by my entire department (Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts) for thinking outside of the box about ways to improve staff moral and implementing them.
I was also awarded the distinction of Honorary Firefighter along with my coworker for going above and beyond the call of duty and saving a man’s life with early and effective CPR/AED skills after he collapsed in our racquet ball courts.
WHAT MADE YOU GO IN TO THIS FIELD?
I’ve been a pool rat my whole life. My mom told me that when I was 2 years old, I tossed myself in the pool during my sister’s swim lessons and when the lifeguard pulled me up I had a smile on my face. I found peace and tranquility swimming early in life and fell in love with what a special and unique medium it is for people to connect with each other and better their lives. I became an advocate for water safety after I started teaching swim lessons and learning that there were members in the community who didn’t know how to stay safe in, on, and around the water.
WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
Watching the joy on people’s faces when they are at my facility. And watching that joy turn into regular patrons who come back week after week to continue to enjoy the water and bringing their friends and family to enjoy it with them.
WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
My first supervisor, Amy Collins set me on the path that I am on today. She gave me every opportunity to grow, learn, and helped me temper my incredibly sarcastic side. Along with her supervisor, Bill Haugen, who was a coach to his core, who challenged me to grow as an instructor and a coach, and shined the light on what an impact one person can have.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER?
Is it cliché to say staffing? I feel like everyone, particularly after Covid, has been dealing with staffing issues. It is a challenge to get them in the door, get them trained, and keep them. My facility is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. However, we’ve noticed a shift in our staff. Most of our high school kids are only willing to work one day a week, and that means we need more staff than ever to function.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED?
Staying focused is a challenge, as I feel like most of my daily job is putting out fires, answering questions, and solving problems. I’m fortunate enough to have a strong team around me that are all focused on moving our facility in the right direction. So, if one of us gets sidetracked, we pull each other back in. This is not the job to fly solo in, you need a support system around you. Motivation is harder to quantify, but every “kid” that comes back through my doors and tells me what a positive impact we had in their life keeps me going.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY?
Ask questions, and dive in feet first. It is incredibly rewarding.
WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
I’m regularly perusing the internet for “how to” videos and articles, on things like self-motivation, growing yourself, and making connections.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
Watching my lesson kids who I’ve known since they were 3 grow up to be adults in the field of work they love.
WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN?
High school Science or English teacher.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA?
My coworker, Chris Klontz, pulled me in to help with a Webinar and I haven’t looked back since.
WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS?
My passion is horses. I’ve been riding horses for 25 years, so officially I’m one of those “crazy horse girls.” •