Charlotte Cooke

During December 2021, 2022 and 2023 and January 2022, 2023 and 2024 I was employed by Royal Life at the Adelaide Hills War Memorial Swimming Centre for their Vacswim programme

Due to my previous experience during the Vacswim programme I was chosen specifically to work one on one with some students with diagnosed additional needs including ADHD and autism My friendly approach, patience and perseverance enabled me to connect with these students and build positive relationships with them built on trust, set routines and reliability

Currently as a swim instructor at Adelaide Hills War Memorial Swimming Centre I take 9 swimming lessons each week The students range from 3 to 9 year olds in my lessons, although I have covered other shifts with older students In one of my lessons I worked with a student who was diagnosed as autistic with selective mutism, over the period that I taught this student I was able to build their trust and was able to communicate with them verbally and they were able to respond using hand gestures and over time a select few words

In my role as a Pool Lifeguard my role include setting up and packing up the pool for use, customer service, active supervision of visitors in and out of the pool, monitoring behaviour and providing feedback and directions on safe use of the pool and surrounding areas, administering First Aid as required and working in the pool canteen preparing and selling food