Awards Lifeguard of the Year Kanae Atsumi: Aquatics Coordinator

The 2021 Lifeguard of the Year was presented to Kanae Atsumi. This award is given to a lifeguard who has made a significant contribution to their facility and the aquatics industry.

Kanae started her lifeguard career in Japan and is now based out of CLM’s Parnell Baths as the Aquatics Coordinator She has been working within CLM for the last 10 years and has become a highly respected and beloved member of the team. Kanae’s passion lies in engaging with youth and upskilling those who work alongside her

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Kanae was integral in providing extra support and assistance for facilities throughout the Auckland region. Her colleagues describe her as resourceful, passionate, and a student of continuous improvement.

Kirsty Knowles, CLM General Manager of Operations, says, “Kanae has worked her way up from a lifeguard to managing an aquatics team at a large and very busy facility, all with English as her second language. She has in depth knowledge on aquatics lifeguard qualifications and is a real asset to her team and the industry.”