The Lifesaving Society's 2025 Annual General Meeting will be held in Edmonton on June 20th at the ACT Aquatic & Recreation Centre.
At this event, we gather to recognize and celebrate our collaborative efforts to reduce drowning and water-related injury, while also connecting with fellow members, learning about the latest Society developments, and enjoying some refreshments!
This year, we will once again be offering free workshop sessions during the afternoon, which all attendees are welcome to participate in. Read on for an introduction to this year's workshop hosts, and to get a sneak peek at the topics!
Lead Lifeguard Training
Host: Paula Kirchmann
Experienced lifeguards are essential members of a lifeguard team. How can facilities and management work to train new lifeguards to be effective shift leaders, head lifeguards and future aquatic supervisors? What training can be done to build on the foundations a lifeguard has learned in their National Lifeguard course?
This workshop will focus on training activities and tools available for aquatic supervisors and management to integrate into annual or specialized inservice training. New lifeguards attending will be introduced to advanced activities to learn new skills, while experienced lifeguard attendees will have the opportunity to refine existing skills and collaborate with other aquatic leaders.
Recommended Audience: this workshop is geared towards aquatic facility management, aquatic supervisors, head lifeguards, shift leads, as well as new and experienced lifeguards.
About the Host
As a National Trainer for the Branch, Paula actively collaborates with, trains, and supports Trainers virtually and in person. She has been involved in aquatic leadership since 2009, leading over 100 aquatic training sessions including onboarding, annual training, aquatic staff in-services, specialized leadership training, and incident command training.
Through her years in aquatics, Paula has developed multiple staff training exercises and activities to develop lifeguard leadership knowledge, skills, and attitudes. She excels in creative thinking, design, and facilitation of hands-on activities and developmental exercises.
ADHD on the Pool Deck
Host: Derrick Ferry
If you have ADHD or work closely with someone who does, this workshop will present some tips and techniques for sustaining vigilance while on duty at the pool, while also avoiding fatigue, distraction, and overwhelm.
Recommended Audience: This workshop is aimed at individuals with ADHD or those who work with and/or supervise them, but the techniques can be beneficial to anyone whose job requires them to sustain vigilance for extended periods.
About the Host
Derrick is a former lifeguard/instructor and aquatic supervisor with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Derrick was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, which gave him a better understanding of his past struggles while working on the pool deck.
This realization inspired him to study ADHD more, later enrolling in the ADD Coaching Academy in New York. Derrick now runs MonkeyFish ADHD Coaching Ltd., which helps those with ADHD to learn, adapt, and chart a course towards success.
Understanding Disability in the Aquatic Environment - Disability Awareness Training
Host: Tanya Salwach-Hoffert
This workshop will discuss the importance of having disability awareness training for all staff in the aquatic environment, particularly lifeguards and instructors. Topics include what disability is, why it's important we understand diverse needs requirements, social and behavioural challenges associated with a diagnosis, use and familiarity of specialized equipment, and what accessibility and inclusivity needs are in an aquatic setting.
Participants will get some interactive experience with specialized accessibility equipment and come away with a better understanding of how to support clientele and families with diverse needs.
Recommended Audience: this workshop is primarily aimed at lifeguards and instructors, but pool managers and aquatic directors can also benefit from attending.
About the Host
Tanya is a certified aquatic therapist and WATSU practitioner specializing in complex care clients. She also has years of experience in reflexology, traditional Thai massage, and yoga, which she enfolds into each of her individual and group aquatic therapy sessions.
Tanya's mission is to inform and educate the wider community about embracing the diverse needs community with as much professionalism, integrity, love, awareness, and knowledge as possible. Primary focuses of her current community outreach are positive parenting seminars, and public in-services for disability awareness training.
Accessible Yoga: Breathing & Meditation Techniques for First Aiders and First Responders
Host: Rahmi Diomande
This workshop will teach participants yoga and meditation techniques for both self-care, and the care of others.
Recommended Audience: this workshop is aimed at First Aiders and First Responders, but everyone is welcome to attend!
About the Host
A prevalent personal trainer, group fitness instructor and yoga trainer, Rahmi is the owner of her own yoga school where she teaches 200, 300, and 500-hour yoga, as well as pre and postnatal yoga. For the last 5 years, she has facilitated meditation workshops for the YMCA, Calgary Winter Club, Canfit Pro, and more.
