Karen Weeks
Smithfield
Summary
Experienced Aquatic Services Professional with over 20 years in the aquatics, recreation, and training sectors. A proven leader in operational management, team coordination, and program development across diverse community and commercial aquatic facilities. Strong background in compliance, training delivery, and business operations. Dedicated to delivering high-quality services that promote safety, inclusivity, and community engagement.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Self Employed
Vital Training
2019.12 - Current
- Operate a successful small business delivering accredited First Aid and Aquatic Training programs. Partnered with Royal Life Saving SA, St John Ambulance SA and Allen's Training
Swimming Pool Support Officer / WHS Officer
Wakefield Regional Council
2022.09 - 2024.08
- Managed day-to-day operations of three seasonal outdoor pools, ensuring safety, compliance, and community engagement. Worked closely with volunteer pool committees to maintain standards and strengthen local involvement. In the off season worked as WHS Officer
Duty Manager / Trainer Assessor
Belgravia Leisure
2017.12 - 2022.12
- Oversaw daily operations of a multi-use facility with swimming pools, gym, basketball and squash courts. Provided leadership across all service areas including lifeguarding, reception, gym supervision, and café operations. Coordinated and ran a yearly roster for First aid and Lifeguard Training for Belgravia Leisure across South Australia
Aquatic & Recreation Officer
Town Of Gawler
2015.08 - 2017.12
- Managed swim school programs including enrolments, assessments, staff rostering and program delivery. Promoted to oversee the entire aquatic team and lifeguard operations.
Site Supervisor
Bankstown City Council
2012.11 - 2015.08
- Led a team of over 65 instructors across three aquatic centres, overseeing all aspects of the Learn to Swim program including staff recruitment, training, supervision, and consistent growth each term.
Aquatics & Programs Coordinator
Belgravia Leisure
2005.08 - 2012.11
- Directed aquatic and recreational programs across multiple sites. Managed budgets, staffing, marketing, and program outcomes.
Aquatics Director
Girl Scouts, USA
2000.06 - 2005.08
- Led aquatic operations including safety, staffing, scheduling, instruction, and compliance. Advanced from volunteer to director.
Lifeguard / Swim Instructor
Moore Than Swimming, Indigo Shire, YMCA
1999.01 - 2005.08
- Lifeguard, Swim Instructor and Pool Plant Operator across multiple sites around Victoria
Education
Certificate IV Leadership & Management -
Certificate IV Training & Assessment -
WorkCover NSW Health & Safety Representative Training Course - undefined
10.2013
Certificate III Aquatics (Pool Operations) - undefined
Sutherland TAFE NSW
01.2012
Certificate II Sport and Recreation (Aquatics) - undefined
Wangaratta TAFE
01.1999
Skills
- Core Skills & Strengths
- Aquatic and Recreation Facility Operations
- Leadership & Team Development
- Program & Service Delivery Management
- Safety, Compliance & Risk Mitigation
- Budgeting and Business Planning
- Customer Service & Stakeholder Engagement
- Staff Training & Assessment
- Contract & Roster Management
Certification
Qualifications & Certifications
- Certificate IV in Training & Assessment
- Certificate IV in Leadership & Management
- Certificate III in Aquatics (Pool Operations)
- AUSTSWIM: Swimming & Water Safety, Infants, Adults, Access & Inclusion, Toward Competitive Strokes
- AUSTSWIM & Swim Australia Assessor
- Pool Lifeguard
- Provide First Aid
- DCSI Working with Children Check | Child Safe Environments
Timeline
Swimming Pool Support Officer / WHS Officer
Wakefield Regional Council
2022.09 - 2024.08
Self Employed
Vital Training
2019.12 - Current
Duty Manager / Trainer Assessor
Belgravia Leisure
2017.12 - 2022.12
Aquatic & Recreation Officer
Town Of Gawler
2015.08 - 2017.12
Site Supervisor
Bankstown City Council
2012.11 - 2015.08
Aquatics & Programs Coordinator
Belgravia Leisure
2005.08 - 2012.11
Aquatics Director
Girl Scouts, USA
2000.06 - 2005.08
Lifeguard / Swim Instructor
Moore Than Swimming, Indigo Shire, YMCA
1999.01 - 2005.08
WorkCover NSW Health & Safety Representative Training Course - undefined
Certificate III Aquatics (Pool Operations) - undefined
Sutherland TAFE NSW
Certificate II Sport and Recreation (Aquatics) - undefined
Wangaratta TAFE