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
34 episodes
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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Holding the Line: Raising the Standard in Lifeguarding
In this episode of Navigating Neva, Nicole and Wes sit down with veteran lifeguard Tom Ford to explore the evolution of lifeguard training, leadership on the deck, and what it really takes to raise the standard. From l...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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47:58
Lifeguard Roundtable with Nichol and James
Join Navigating Neva Podcast for a Lifeguard Roundtable Episode on April 2nd at 9:30 PM EST! Host Nicole Fairfield and co-host Wes King dive into lifeguarding pathways, challenges, and industry evolution with g...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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1:04:20
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Beyond Lifeguarding - What's Next
What’s next after lifeguarding? In this episode, Nicole and Wesley explore the many career paths lifeguards can take, from health and safety to business, coaching, and even leadership roles in government. Plus, hear about famous figures w...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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36:05
Lifeguard Duties vs. Management Duties
In this episode of Navigating Neva, we dive into the critical distinctions between lifeguard and management duties. Many misunderstand what lifeguards are responsible for, and this episode clarifies their role in water safety, emergenc...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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23:54
S2 E3 Lifeguard Work Environments
🎙️ Podcast Episode 3: Lifeguard Work Environments – Join Neva Nicole and Wesley King as they explore the diverse work environments lifeguards face—from pools and beaches to resorts and military bases. Discover the unique challenges...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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29:27
S2 E2 Lifeguarding Prerequisites
In Episode 2 of our Lifeguarding Series, Nicole and Wes dive into the essential lifeguarding prerequisites: can you really swim? They break down the swim test requirements, why these standards exist, and how to prepare for success. Tune i...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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29:46
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Podcast Series 2, Episode 1: Introduction to Lifeguarding
In this episode, we dive into the world of lifeguard certification, answering the most common questions we get from aspiring lifeguards: How do I become a lifeguard? Where do I go to get certified? and Do I have to swim?
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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26:41
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