Navigating Neva

Send us Fan Mail Podcast Preview of the September 20, 2025 Event Join hosts Nicole Fairfield (Georgia Swim School / Navigating Neva) and Wesley King (Wesley King Consulting) as they pull back the curtain on the All Things Aquatics event happening this fall on St. Simons Island, GA . This one-day summit is for the real ones—leaders, instructors, guards, directors, and innovators in aquatics who are...

Send us Fan Mail 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 tighter audits and stronger guard performance to better staff support and improved safety culture, this switch wasn’t just a training...

Send us Fan Mail 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 business, Wendy shares the highs, the hardships, and the heart behind her mission. 💬 We talk about: The moment she knew she had to take the leap Bal...

Send us Fan Mail 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 incidents. Please take care as you listen.  In this deeply emotional episode of Navigating Neva , Nicole Fairfield and cohost Wesley King sit down wi...

Send us Fan Mail 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 shares her inspiring journey from part-time swim instructor to community advocate, offering free swim lessons to families and transforming the way kids connect w...

Send us Fan Mail 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 expanding—get the scoop on our trauma-aware swim program  📍 Florida Workshop: November 15–16 with Helen Hughes  🚨 Drowning Prevention Week (June 14–21): Simple thi...

Send us Fan Mail 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 independence in the water. Jose shares real-world success stories—including a Maryland swim program that ordered 95 pairs after a single demo—and dives into how Dual Bo...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Nicole and Wes to share how she blends purposeful play with swim skill development—especially for little ones. From her unique tools and playful approach to cultural differenc...

Send us Fan Mail  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 goes beyond standard safety tips and dives into the emotional and transformative moments of a real rescue. Join Nicole as she shares what she learn...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Navigating Aquatics . But today, we’re exploring his next chapter with Splash Save . 🔹 Phil’s Backstory: We dive into Phil’s journey, from his earl...

Send us Fan Mail 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 with over 37 years of experience. Dana shares her groundbreaking water safety program, "Where There's Water, I Will Wait," designed t...

Send us Fan Mail 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 municipal pool manager to swim school owner. Elaena shares how she built a thriving aquatic career, what it takes to retain great staff, and how burnout led he...

Send us Fan Mail 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 training and hiring. From legal responsibilities to relationship-building, they unpack what it really takes to succeed in aquatic leadership rol...

Send us Fan Mail  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 and advocates alike.  Support the show 🔴 Follow Your Host on TikTok : Stay connected and see behind-the-scenes content by following me on TikTok...

Send us Fan Mail 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 lost skills to modern-day challenges, this convo is a deep dive into lifeguard culture—past, present, and future. #LifeguardTraining #GuardCulture #RaiseTheStandard...

Send us Fan Mail  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 guests Nichol Willis (University Representative) and James Burton (Waterfront Lifeguard Rep & Camp Program Director). Don’t miss this deep dive into recruitment, retenti...

Send us Fan Mail  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 who started as lifeguards and how their skills shaped their success. If you’re wondering where lifeguarding can take you, this episode is for you...

Send us Fan Mail 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, emergency response, and injury prevention—while also highlighting how management ensures a safe and compliant facility. Whether you're a parent, swimm...

Send us Fan Mail  🎙️ 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 and opportunities in each setting, and learn how to advance your lifeguard career with expert tips and real-world insights.  Support the show 🔴 Follo...

Send us Fan Mail  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 in to learn what it takes to pass the test and why it's about more than just swimming skills.  Hey listeners! We want to get to know you bet...

Send us Fan Mail 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? We begin by exploring the importance of having qualified lifeguards on duty, with organizations like the Redwoods Group advocating for having two lifeguards to en...

Send us Fan Mail Navigating Neva is back for Series Two!  Your host, Neva Nicole, returns with special co-host Wes King from Wesley King Consulting. In this behind-the-scenes video, we’re testing our new equipment as we gear up for the next exciting series! For those who don’t know, Navigating Neva started as a water safety audio podcast back in 2021, and we’ve been working hard to bring you somet...

Send us Fan Mail You can teach your child how to swim. Yes. Your child does not have to go through swim lessons of the American Red Cross or the YMCA.  Hiring a swim instructor for the child is an option, but may be an expensive option. I understand. Traditional teaching method says:  ‘just throw them in, they'll swim or sink’. But that kind of teaching methods does not work for all, I know i...

Send us Fan Mail You can teach yourself to swim. Yes, you’ve read it right, without the need for all that drama – hanging around pools, being pushed by other swimmers into the waters, thinking of hiring a swim instructor but who’s expensive.  But, it’s possible to learn to swim even as an adult—all on your own. You may not know this: according to statistics, learning to swim is one of the top five...

Send us Fan Mail Safety first. Yes, that’s what you think about when it comes to swimming.  No doubt swimming is a cardio sport just like riding your bike or running, it helps build up your cardio. And these days, the American Red Cross recommends swimming even at the early age of one -- because it's helpful for them, it's helpful for the developmental reasons. Yes, they can learn to swi...