Meet Wanda, our Swim Teacher of the Year!

Wanda Grime brings over two decades of dedication and passion to her role as the Swim School Co-Ordinator and Swim Teacher at Portland Leisure Aquatic Centre (PLACE).

Since Belgravia Leisure took over management of PLACE in 2020, Wanda has been an integral part of the team, nurturing young swimmers and instilling a love for water safety and swimming.

When she’s not in the pool teaching, Wanda can be found pouring her heart into renovating her home and being a devoted mum to Millie and Jordie, who are ‘the centre of her universe’.

In 2023, Wanda’s dedication was recognised when she was nominated for AUSTSWIM and Aquatics & Recreation Victoria (ARV) Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety of the Year.

Wanda (left) won both the state and national titles was not just a career highlight but a testament to her unwavering commitment to swimming and water safety.

“I teach because I love what I do, but to be recognised for that feels very special. Winning these awards has opened even more doors for me.

“I got the chance to meet and become friends with Olympian Brooke Hanson, who even visited our centre last year to see me teach lessons. I was also invited to join the Life Saving Victoria (LSV) swim teacher steering committee,” Wanda proudly said.

Looking ahead, Wanda sees herself continuing to make a positive impact within the aquatics industry. Her focus remains on improving teaching methods, motivating fellow instructors and above all, continuing to share her love for swimming with future generations.

“I get to come to work every day and teach people how to swim. It is something I have been passionate about my whole life and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

“I don’t see it as a job. It brings me joy and pride to see the progression from being too scared to enter the water or put eyes under the water to swimming laps of the pool confidently and willingly.

“The only negative is that I cannot clone myself or create more hours in the week so I can teach even more children and adults how to swim. I genuinely love what I do so much,” Wanda concluded.

For Wanda, every day at work is a gift. She cherishes the camaraderie of her team, the opportunity to pursue her passion and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others within the Portland community.