Meet the Voices of Navigating Neva

Where big hearts, bold ideas, and real stories flow.

Welcome to the guest spotlight of Navigating Neva—a podcast created for the doers, the dreamers, and the wave-makers shaping our communities. Each guest featured here has lent their voice to our mission: to explore, elevate, and empower the people behind the progress.

From swim safety innovators to nonprofit leaders, youth mentors to aquatic professionals, our guests are more than just interviews—they’re changemakers who inspire action.

Take a moment to meet the humans behind the mic. Click their profiles to learn more about their work, catch their episode, and discover how they’re making ripples that reach far beyond the shoreline.

Todd Thomson

First Guest. Forever Lifesaver.
“Human nature is to do things we’re not supposed to do...”
— Todd Thomson

As the very first guest on Navigating Neva, Todd Thomson helped lay the foundation for what this podcast is all about—honest conversations, hard truths, and real tools to keep our communities safer.

A seasoned firefighter with Glynn County Fire Rescue and a former lifeguard with over a decade in water rescue, Todd brings lived experience from both land and sea. He knows the risks—because he’s seen what happens when people avoid the lifeguards and go off where it "looks quieter.” But as he shares in this episode, that decision can be deadly.

“A fireman usually doesn’t prevent things from happening—they respond. But a lifeguard? A lifeguard gets the chance to stop it before it ever starts.”

From the dangers of rip currents to the myth of "safe beaches," Todd breaks it down for anyone heading to the Golden Isles. He talks about why swim lessons start in the pool (not the ocean), what to do if you’re caught in a tide, and why choosing a beach with lifeguards isn’t optional—it’s essential.

💬 Topics covered in this episode:

Why people avoid lifeguards (and why that’s dangerous)

How Todd shifted into water rescue work

What actually happens during lifeguarding hours

Are all Golden Isles beaches protected?

Ocean vs. pool lessons: what’s best for beginners?

What you need to know before hitting the water

Todd's passion and experience have been a cornerstone of this podcast’s mission: #ZeroDrownings.

🎧 Catch the episode and hear straight from Todd—because safety isn’t a vibe, it’s a responsibility. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1961195/episodes/10588987

Wesley King

From Guest to Co-Host. From Facebook Friend to Aquatics Ally.

"All things aquatics. All in."

Back in 2018, I met Wesley King on Facebook—two water safety nerds in the same orbit. Life did its thing, and we went radio silent for a while… until the universe had other plans.

Right before APOA and NDPA in February, we reconnected. And on that long drive to the conference—podcast playing, ideas flowing—I had a lightbulb moment: Wes should co-host Navigating Neva. The way our conversations ebb and flow, the shared passion for pools, prevention, and the people who make it all happen—it just made sense. And here we are.

Wesley King is the powerhouse behind Wesley King Consulting, LLC, specializing in aquatic safety, service, and sustainability. With nearly 25 years in the industry, Wes has seen it all—from lifeguarding with Ellis & Associates back in 1995 to managing YMCA facilities, Red Cross operations, and corporate aquatic centers.

“Profitability and safety? You don’t have to choose one over the other.” – Wes King

Wes works with vendors, directors, and operators across the country to help pools run smarter—not just harder. His consulting, trainings, and quality control insights have helped countless facilities create safer, more sustainable aquatic programs.

💬 In this episode (and every one after), Wes brings:

🔍 Behind-the-scenes wisdom on running aquatic ops

🚨 Real talk about lifeguard training and safety culture

💡 Strategy for making aquatics both impactful and profitable

🤝 The kind of collaborative energy that turns big ideas into action

Wes isn’t just a guest—he’s part of this podcast’s DNA now. His deep roots in aquatics and his sharp, heart-forward approach help shape every conversation we have on Navigating Neva. Together, we’re diving into everything from swim school strategies to the future of aquatic leadership.

🎧 Hit play and meet the guy who helps keep this whole thing flowing.

James Burton

Camp Program Director – Florida Division, Camp Keystone

James Burton doesn’t just work at camp—he runs it. As the Camp Program Director at Camp Keystone, James brings unmatched insight into what it takes to build and lead lifeguard teams that can handle the unpredictable world of waterfront safety. With boots-on-the-ground experience and a heart for mentorship, James is a leader who's raising the bar for aquatic safety at camps across Florida.

James joined us for our Lifeguard Roundtable Episode on Navigating Neva (April 2 @ 9:30 PM EST), where he dropped wisdom alongside university rep Nichol Willis in a dynamic conversation about:
🔹 What it really takes to become a lifeguard
🔹 The hidden challenges lifeguards face today
🔹 Why waterfront rescue work is a whole different beast
🔹 How to recruit, train, and keep great lifeguards
🔹 His personal journey—from guarding waters to leading programs

“The role of a lifeguard is evolving fast. We need leaders who can train for the job and inspire the mission.” – James Burton

Whether you're a summer camp veteran, a poolside rookie, or a director looking to level up your staff, James brings practical tools and real talk you don’t want to miss.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1961195/episodes/16908773

Nichol Wills

University Representative & Lifeguard Leadership Voice

Champion for Young Guards. Advocate for Aquatics Access.

Nichol Wills brings the campus perspective to the pool deck. As a University Representative and passionate leader in the aquatics space, Nichol joined the Navigating Neva Lifeguard Roundtable to shed light on what it really takes to support, train, and retain lifeguards in today's world—especially students juggling work, school, and certification requirements.

Nichol spoke alongside James Burton and your co-hosts Nicole Fairfield and Wes King on the April 2nd episode, diving into:
🎓 Lifeguard certifications & college-based training
🚨 Recruitment strategies for young adult guards
📉 Why retention is the real crisis in aquatics staffing
🌊 How universities and aquatic centers can work together
💬 The shift from "part-time summer job" to real career path

“Lifeguarding can shape leadership, confidence, and responsibility—but only if we support our young guards the right way.” – Nichol Willis

Nichol’s voice is a powerful reminder that the next wave of aquatic professionals starts now. Whether you're hiring lifeguards, managing college staff, or building training programs, her insights are must-hear.

🎧 Catch the Lifeguard Roundtable episode and hear how Nichol is helping redefine lifeguard leadership from the ground up.https://www.buzzsprout.com/1961195/episodes/16908773

Tom – 45+ Years in Aquatics.

Still Making Waves.
Founder, ARC2 Enterprises | Lifeguard. Educator. Health Advocate.

With over 45 years of experience spanning six decades, Tom is the definition of legacy in motion. From lifeguard to EMT, personal trainer to WSI, poolside educator to founder of ARC2 Enterprises—Tom’s career has been rooted in one thing: using water to heal, protect, and empower.

Tom joined Navigating Neva to share his deep insights on what real training looks like in aquatics, how safety culture can evolve, and why accountability in education is non-negotiable.

“Training isn’t a checklist. It’s a commitment to lives, health, and community.” – Tom

💬 In this powerful episode, Tom shares:
🛟 His journey through nearly every role in aquatics
🌊 Why aquatic fitness is essential for rehab & wellness
🏥 The intersection of lifeguarding, health coaching, and prevention
📚 What’s missing from today’s training models—and how to fix it
🚨 Why the future of aquatics must be community-centered and responsible

As the founder of ARC2 Enterprises, Tom’s mission is crystal clear: Improve lives through movement, mindfulness, and meaningful training. His passion, experience, and no-nonsense wisdom make this episode one of the most eye-opening yet.

🎧 Hit play and hear from one of the most experienced voices in the industry—because when Tom talks, the whole pool listens.

Venetia Belk

Venetia Belk on Mentorship, Swim Safety, and Raising the Bar in Aquatics

Venetia Belk is an experienced aquatic professional with a passion for mentorship, swim safety, and leadership development. With a background that spans lifeguarding, swim instruction, and aquatics management, Venetia is on a mission to make water safety more accessible through pop-up events and her future swim school. Her leadership style is grounded in breaking down complex challenges and building strong, confident teams.

Amanda Green

Risk and Safety Manager, Skokie Park District

Amanda Green brings a dynamic blend of leadership, dedication, and heart to her role as Risk and Safety Manager at the Skokie Park District in Illinois. With a background rooted in aquatics and recreation, Amanda first stepped into the industry during a pivotal internship with Wesley King Consulting amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. That experience not only launched her career—it brought her full circle, working under Wes’s first boss and later moving to his hometown, a twist of fate that has shaped her journey ever since.

Today, Amanda oversees risk management and safety operations for a vibrant community district, ensuring safe, inclusive, and high-quality experiences for all. Passionate about people and prevention, she brings forward-thinking strategies and a deep commitment to continuous learning in every role she takes on.

Amanda is based in the Chicago suburbs and uses her platform to promote safety, connection, and positive impact across parks and recreation.