Navigating Neva
Navigating Neva is a podcast all things aquatics. Water Safety, No drowning, Lifeguarding, Lifeguard Instructor, Your Safety Comes First. https://my-store-ca1adf.creator-spring.com/listing/navigating-neva-hoodiehttps://my-store-ca1adf.creator-spring.com/listing/navigating-neva-sticker
Episodes
42 episodes
How Non-Swimmers Learn Through Play with Ron Usher
In this episode, we dive into Otterball — a revolutionary, inclusive water game created by veteran coach and adapted PE teacher Ron Usher.With over 50 years of experience in swimming, water polo, and aquatic education, Ro...
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Season 3
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Episode 26
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35:19
Phil 10.08.2025
In this episode, Phil Waggott from SplashSave joins Nicole Fairfield and Wes King to unpack New Zealand’s groundbreaking drowning-prevention data system — one that now tracks hospitalizations as well as fatalities.Th...
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Season 3
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Episode 25
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53:00
Jo Lay
What if fear of water could be measured — not guessed? This week, we explore the groundbreaking 12-Step Aquaphobia Program developed by Mike Berman and researched with Dr. Ali Barrow in Germany and Dr. Jenny Smith at the University of Chi...
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Season 3
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Episode 24
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34:22
Detection is a skill — not luck, Stephen Dixon
487 rescues. Zero drownings. That’s not luck—it’s a skill.This week on Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wes welcome Stephen Dixon, an open-water safety leader who turned a high-risk lake with 3–5 drownings a year in...
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Season 3
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Episode 23
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50:55
Ashley Marthaler Sept 24
From First Whistle to Facility Coordinator: Ashley Marthaler on LGIT & Aquatics Leadership (Sept 24, 2025) Tonight on Navigating Neva, Nicole and co-host Wes spotlight Ashley Marthaler—an aquatics pro who s...
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Season 3
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Episode 22
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34:06
Mark Rauterkus
In this episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wes welcome Mark — host of the Heavy or Not podcast, ISCA contributor, and longtime advocate for gameplay and water polo.We dive into:Why water polo is one of t...
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Season 3
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Episode 21
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50:45
Andy Graham from the Medical Fitness Association
In this episode, Wes and Nicole talk with Andy Graham about the Medical Fitness Association — what it is, how it connects fitness and healthcare, and why its standards matter. The conversation highlights how medicine has created strong pa...
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50:57
From Inglewood to the Paralympic Podium – A Conversation with Jamal Hill
In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Fairfield and co-host Wesley King sit down with Paralympic medalist, global speaker, and future LA 2028 athlete Jamal Hill.Jamal’s story is one of resilience, courage, and unshakable belief. ...
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Season 3
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Episode 19
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33:55
Lifeguard Culture Starts at Camp: A Conversation with Shannon
What if lifeguard training wasn’t just a summer requirement — but part of your camp’s culture?In this episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wes sit down with Shannon, a powerhouse camp director and lifeguard instructor who’s re...
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Season 3
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Episode 18
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43:28
All Things Aquatics 2025 – Official Promo Video
Are you ready to connect, grow, and lead in the world of aquatics? Join us for All Things Aquatics 2025, a full-day experience for water safety advocates, swim school leaders, pool operators, lifeguards, and aquatics pros from a...
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Season 3
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Episode 13
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8:59
Still on Deck: 39 Years of Guarding with Scott Ruddle
In this roundtable episode of Navigating Neva, we sit down with Canadian lifeguard legend Scott Ruddle—who’s still rocking the deck after nearly four decades. Nicole and Wes dig into Scott’s journey, the culture of guarding in Canada, ...
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Season 3
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Episode 17
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50:56
All Things Aquatics: Behind the Vision
Podcast Preview of the September 20, 2025 EventJoin hosts Nicole Fairfield (Georgia Swim School / Navigating Neva) and Wesley King (Wesley King Consulting) as they pull back the curtain on the All Things Aquati...
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Season 3
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Episode 16
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15:23
Why We Switched: A Lifeguard Program That Changed Everything
What happens when you realize the certification system you're using isn't cutting it anymore?In this powerful conversation, we hear from an aquatic director who made the leap from Red Cross to StarGuard Elite—and hasn’t looked back. From...
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Season 3
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Episode 14
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46:22
The First Year: Turning a Dream into Reality with Wendy Gibson
In this episode of Navigating Neva, we sit down with the incredible Wendy Gibson—a woman who turned her passion into purpose and her vision into action. From the spark that started it all to the real, raw truths of the first year in bu...
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Season 3
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Episode 13
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45:14
Witness to a Tragedy: Emily’s Story of Loss, Healing, and Hope
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of drowning, trauma, and emotional distress related to a real-life water tragedy. Listener discretion is advised, especially for those who have experienced or been impacted by aquatic inc...
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Season 3
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Episode 12
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42:51
Making Waves with Amanda Girton
In this heartwarming episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wes sit down with Amanda Girton—certified Water Safety Instructor, founder of Sunshine Swimming, and author of Teach Your Child to Swim: Second Edition.Amanda ...
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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29:11
What’s Making Waves This Week in Aquatics
Wes and Nicole break down what’s making waves in the aquatics world right now.🔥 CPR & AED Awareness Week—why it matters more than ever 🏊 Team USA domination + the power of swim role models 👶 Joyful Waters is expandi...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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27:32
Reengineering Swim Training: The Dual Boards Innovation with Jose Gallagher
In this episode, Nicole and Wes welcome Jose Gallagher, founder and CEO of Rip Current Sports and inventor of Dual Boards, a revolutionary swim training tool changing how swimmers build technique, confidence, and independen...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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45:21
Purposeful Play & Global Perspectives: Swim Instruction with Helen Hughes
In this episode of Navigating Neva, we head across the pond for a joyful and imaginative conversation with Helen Hughes, founder of Mini Water Adventurers and creator of the Orca Swim Trainer.Helen joins...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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47:45
International Water Safety Day Special: My Untold Rescue Story
In this special episode of Navigating Neva, host Nicole Fairfield shares a deeply personal and powerful story for the first time—her own experience with a water rescue. Recorded in honor of International Water Safety Day, this episode goe...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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45:40
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Meet Phil – From Navigating Aquatics to Splash Save
In this week’s episode of Navigating Neva, we’re kicking off something new and exciting. Host Nicole is joined by co-host Wes and our special guest, Phil Waggott. Phil is a familiar name in the aquatics world, known for his work with <...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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36:21
Where There's Water, I Will Wait
Episode Title: "Where There's Water, I Will Wait: Drowning Prevention for Children with Special Needs"In this episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wesley welcome special guest Dana Harvey, a seasoned swim instructor wit...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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46:01
From Lifeguard to Leader: Navigating Aquatics with Elaena Noffsinger
From Lifeguard to Leader: Navigating Aquatics with Elaena In this episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wesley sit down with Elaena Noffsinger, an aquatic professional whose 16-year journey has taken her from lifeguard to...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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59:36
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Pay, Policy & Poolside Ethics: Talking Training & Fairness in Aquatics
In this episode, Amanda Green, Risk & Safety Manager of Skokie Park District, joins Wesley King and Nicole Fairfield for an insightful conversation about professionalism, preparedness, and navigating the complex landscape of lifeguard train...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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52:59
Lead with Clarity: Venetia Belk on Mentorship, Swim Safety, and Raising the Bar in Aquatics
In this episode, Venetia Belk shares her inspiring journey in aquatics—from swim team to aquatic director—and dives into leadership, safety, and launching pop-up water safety events for families. A must-listen for aquatic professionals an...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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50:38
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