Helen Rippon, a passionate and dedicated swimming instructor, at Kiama Leisure center, shared her profound love for her chosen profession with The Bugle. She has spent 34 years teaching generations of local residents to swim and over those years, has even started teaching the children of kids who she taught decades ago. 27 of those years have been at The Kiama Leisure Centre. With an infectious enthusiasm, she expressed her unwavering belief that she had been blessed with the most extraordinary occupation in the world.

Chloe, Hallie, Elijah, Koegh, Isla & Tallon with their adult in the KLC pool with Helen

Helen told The Bugle “I have the best job in the world teaching two-year-olds basic swimming skills such as kicking and floating. It's such a joyful experience.”

The center aims to provide a happy and safe environment for children to learn water confidence. They offer swim school classes for children aged 6 months and up with Austswim, Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA) and Swim Australia accredited instructors. 

The toddlers learn basic survival skills of kicking and keeping their heads above water, and Helen has possibly saved a number of young lives over the years with swimming being such an essential skill in our coastal area. Certainly the 2 year olds the Bugle was introduced to this week mostly enjoyed their time in the water. Accompanied by parents and grandparents, it is a great weekly activity that provides not only water safety lessons, but social bonding in the group. 

Beyond the technical aspects of swimming, Helen recognises the immense value of her role in fostering a love for the water. She understands that by creating a positive and nurturing environment, she is not only teaching these little ones how to swim but also instilling in them a lifelong passion for the water. Through her guidance, they would come to view the pool as a place of joy, adventure, and endless possibilities.

Beyond the obvious benefits of water safety lessons, this weekly activity offers so much more. It serves as a platform for social interaction, allowing parents and children to come together and forge deeper connections. It is a scene that showcases the power of community and the importance of fostering relationships.

Danielle Ward, who is the Administration Team Leader at the Kiama Leisure Centre, said of Helen: “She has been with us for many years and taught many generations of local families. Both the Leisure Centre and the community love Helen and appreciate the passion she brings to her swim school role. We love having Helen as part of our team here at the KLC.”

The KLC swim school classes help children to progress their swimming skills and learn water confidence.

They can then progress to mini squad training eventually which aims to improve stamina and develop a variety of stroke techniques.

Helen taught over 300 students just last term! Certainly an icon at the pool. As Helen concluded her conversation with The Bugle, it was evident that she had found her true calling in life. Her dedication to teaching these young ones the basic skills of swimming was not merely a job but a vocation that brought her immeasurable happiness. With each passing day, Helen continues to shape the lives of these young learners, leaving an indelible mark on their journey of growth and discovery.