MARK Rutledge admits he was at a loose end when he accepted a position as lifeguard at the Manning Aquatic and Leisure Centre.
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He had retired as a police prosecutor and that led to him working part-time at Walker Legal. Mark ended his association there but found retirement life wasn’t made for him – at least not yet.
“A job came up at the MALC as a lifeguard, so I applied for it and got it,’’ Mark, now 62 explained.
He’s been a frequent visitor to the MALC since it opened in 2000, using the pool and gym facilities there.
“And I’d always been in the surf club and with my work in the police force I thought I was qualified.’’
That’s proved correct for Mark was recently recognised as NSW’s best lifeguard.
The team leader at the YMCA NSW-run centre was named the Aquatic & Recreation Institute’s Lifeguard of the Year 2016 at an event in the Hunter Valley.
His colleagues nominated him for the award noting his unique professional skill set and the way he approaches his job with calm and confidence.
“It certainly is an honour to be named the Lifeguard of the Year – it means a lot to me. And I think the award reflects on the whole team at the centre, from our manager right through to all the lifeguards that I have the pleasure of working with,” Mark said
After spending most of his working life on the police beat or in courtrooms, Mark admits his current job isn’t anywhere as stressful.
“There some stress,’’ he quickly adds.
“There is a lot of responsibility. But I enjoy it – working in a team environment.’’
In summer the YMCA has 18 life guards working at the Taree and Wingham pool, when the outdoor pool at Taree is open. He said business was steady at the MALC during winter and he’s now gearing up for what he expects to be a busy summer.
YMCA NSW CEO Leisa Hart congratulated Mark and thanked him for his ongoing contribution.
“Mark is a highly respected member of the YMCA NSW team and often volunteers his time to mentor others, or help out during special events at Manning Aquatic and Leisure Centre and to make sure the facility is at its best for swim club competitions,’’ she said.
“It’s people like Mark who make our organisation and our community great. I offer my hearty congratulations to Mark on being named Lifeguard of the Year and thank him for all his efforts.”
Mark’s retired once and he can’t see himself rushing into it again.
“This is a great job here and the staff here are excellent,’’ he said.
“I hope to be around here for a long time yet.’’