Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3pTIYilhKPsl0ogq0qTe0u

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-neva/id1620093755

Youtube: https://youtu.be/4S2rgx8KMfY

Episode Title: Navigating Certification, Communication & Career Advocacy in Aquatics

Join Nicole Fairfield for a dynamic conversation with Amanda Green, Risk and Safety Manager for Skokie Park District, and Wesley King, national aquatics consultant and trainer. Together, they tackle the realities of lifeguard certification policies, professional development, and building credibility in the aquatics world.

Listeners will gain clarity on:

The legal obligations employers have in training and certifying lifeguards

Why communication and professionalism are non-negotiable in aquatic leadership

When it’s appropriate to advocate for paid certifications—and how to do it effectively

The hiring process: expectations, red flags, and how to build solid relationships with managers

This episode is packed with experience-driven insight, perfect for aquatic instructors, lifeguards, pool managers, and anyone who trains or hires aquatic staff.

Where Listeners Can Learn About Pay, Training, and Employment Laws:

1. U.S. Department of Labor – Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
   • This is the federal law that sets standards for minimum wage, overtime, and training time.
   • 📍 Website: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa
   • Helpful sections: “Fact Sheets” on training time, volunteers, interns, youth workers.
2. State Department of Labor
   • Each state may have stricter rules or additional protections (like youth labor laws or mandatory breaks).
   • 📍 You can Google: “Your State + Department of Labor” (e.g., “Illinois Department of Labor”)
   • Or use this tool: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/state
3. YouthRules! (for Parents and Teen Workers)
   • Designed to help teens, parents, and employers understand what jobs youth can do, hours they can work, and how they must be paid.
   • 📍 Website: https://www.youthrules.gov/
4. National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) or your local/state parks association
   • Some associations offer HR guidance, training policies, and salary benchmarks.
   • Especially helpful for new aquatic directors or supervisors.
5. Ask HR or Legal within Your Organization
   • Encourage listeners to respectfully bring up questions or concerns with their supervisor or HR rep.
   • Sample prompt:
     “Hey, I just heard a podcast discussing staff training policies—can we review how our current process lines up with labor laws?”

• Department of Labor: Fact Sheet #22 https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/22-flsa-hours-worked