FAME: Martens leading the way as a lifeguard

By Rhys Sept on March 24, 2021.

The weather is improving and our hopes of returning to a more familiar state of normal are growing stronger with each day. Many of us are looking forward to the day we can return to the swimming pool. Prior to COVID, pop culture romanticized the role of lifeguarding through film and television, often portrayed by strong, beautiful, perfect men and women – Adonis’s among the average. Many occupations still conjure up gender bias and lifeguarding is not exempt. The idea that lifeguarding is male-dominated is linked to the belief that this job is part of the protective service sector like law enforcement, firefighting and paramedics.

The Lifesaving Society is the leading expert in lifeguard training and education here in Canada and around the world. With regard to the gender demographic, statistics based on courses and recertifications from 2015 to 2019 show 53% of all lifeguards trained were female. These statistics parallel similar findings from a 2021 study in the United States on CareerExplorer.com with 56% of all active guards being female.

Who are these women that make up the majority of lifeguards here in North America? Taylor Martens is one of them, but originally she had no interest in becoming involved in this profession.

“The idea of being wet all the time and not knowing if I would be strong enough to carry people was really not for me.”

Encouragement was fostered through Michelle Knodel who saw potential after watching Taylor play water polo.

“She was so small in stature,” Michelle reflects. “She was out there asserting herself and I couldn’t believe her strength. She is a little powerhouse. She is driven. I saw the team spirit, and in the water she did her best. She didn’t let her size deter her and when she wasn’t playing, she was cheering them on from the bench. She didn’t get down on herself. She is always pleasant, smiling and would say ‘hi’ to anybody.”

Talent comes in different shapes and sizes. Often being mistaken for a 12 year old, Taylor has had to overcome several hurdles to prove not only to herself but others that she is a valuable member of the team.

Through this journey she has found inspiration within herself, her training and her coworkers. Now a respected and valuable aquatic team member, Taylor reflects on what she brings to the role of lifeguard that might have been overlooked when she first started.

“You’re never alone! If I need help, I have developed that voice and know my limits. I might not be as strong as a male who works out regularly but, through training, I’ve found techniques and strategies that work for me. Adapting doesn’t reduce your value within the group. A team relies on many independent gifts and everybody offers a unique skill that helps strengthen the crew’s success.”

Thinking about becoming a lifeguard or instructor? You can access programs through http://www.Lifesaving.org, http://www.medicinehatymca.ca or http://www.medicinehat.ca/flc. What gift will you bring to your team and community?

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