Honza's Story

Meet Honza. He’s a lifeguard with the YMCA working with our local day camps and in our swimming pools. 

Last week, many of our swimmers graduated from their levels and programs. It was a week full of confidence and seeing how our staff ignite potential in our community. 

“It feels good to know that the skills children and adults learn from me could potentially be used to help save their lives,” says Honza. “As the kids get older, they also start to learn lifesaving skills which better prepares them to help others who may not know how to swim.” 

Honza’s first experience with the Y was during his Bronze Medallion course in 2022. He says this was the first step he took to become a lifeguard, and it would also be his first step towards becoming a YMCA employee.  

Honza completed his Bronze Medallion, and while working through his Bronze Cross and National Lifeguard certifications, he also worked with Beyond the Bell™ at Queen Victoria. 

“I would interact with the children in fun and educational ways like helping with homework and doing arts and crafts. 

As the summer of 2022 was approaching, Honza finished his National Lifeguarding certification and applied to work at Camp Chippewa at Christie Lake Conservation Area and landed the job as a lifeguard. 

Honza wanted to continue lifeguarding, so when the summer ended, he applied for a position at the Les Chater Family YMCA.

“I took my instructors course with the YMCA so that I could teach swim lessons and lifesaving courses like the ones that had been taught to me.” 

“It's great to see others succeed because I know with each obstacle a person overcomes—or new skill they master—that person is one step closer to achieving their true potential,” he says. 

Now, Honza is a lifeguard and swimming instructor at both he Les Chater Family YMCA and the Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA. He teaches lessons twice a week and runs a bronze cross course—all while studying to become a nurse. 

And while life is quite busy for Honza, he doesn’t forget to be grateful for the relationships he’s built because of the Y. 
 
“The one thing I love most about the YMCA is the people,” he says. 

“I’ve made so many friendships and met so many wonderful people. Everyone that works at the YMCA is so friendly and welcoming. It really is this the best place to work.” 

Honza is a spark, igniting potential in each of his swim students, just like his instructors ignited the potential in him.  

#ShineOn #YSavesLives

At the YMCA, we support people at every stage of life, helping them overcome any obstacle they may face. When you donate to the YMCA you spark the potential in every young person, adult and senior.

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