Qualifications Level 4 Senior Lifeguard Qualification

In 2019 Michelle Tetzlaf was awarded the Level 4 Senior Lifeguard Qualification scholarship by Skills Active as part of her winning Lifeguard of the Year 2019. We caught up with Michelle to see how she was progressing.

What was your timeline for the qualification? I started my apprenticeship in January 2020 and had hoped to have finished by the end of 2021 but because of the dreaded COVID, I completed it in April 2022

What have you learnt? I took a lot from the water treatment and emergency response courses Water treatment furthered my knowledge of water quality and plantroom operations. Emergency response opened my eyes to how you can handle more than you expect in an emergency. I also enjoyed being able to interact with the community on some other projects, getting them involved and voicing their thoughts/opinions

What's been of most value? The whole qualification Having a harder qualification for lifeguards after Level 3 is great for upskilling and progress within the aquatics sector.

Have you received good support from your work place? Yes! Jen, the other supervisor, has always pushed me along and helped with anything I may have struggled with. Dot, my manager, has always given me the time to work my way through the apprenticeship which I appreciated immensely, as it did take me longer than expected.

Have you received good support from Skills Active? Absolutely Yvonne has been a huge part in getting me through this. Linda has been there if I ever needed it and would check in on me from time to time, and Steve was always good at getting me back on track Without their support (or Steve cracking the whip) I’m pretty sure I’d still be completing Level 4

How has it helped you with your current role? When I started this apprenticeship, I was a senior lifeguard, so had some responsibility when supervisors were off The apprenticeship made me more confident and understanding of the sector During this apprenticeship I went from senior lifeguard to supervisor and I feel confident in my role I still have plenty to learn but my eyes are open, and I understand a lot more.