View from the Pool

“View from the Pool” is a distinctive series of conversation podcasts between Poolview’s Robin McGloughlin and his guests, who uniquely have all been Lifeguards at some point in their career. 

This weeks podcast features Ian Ogilvie - an industry leading  authority on pool water, plant, training and operations, co-host of Poolcast podcast and founder of  the Swimming Pool Network. ,

Ian branched out on his own after working in the leisure and sports industry for over 20 years for various private and public companies. He offers consultancy and individual training courses  to many different workplaces in the UK and around the world.

This pool guru tells one heck of a story, recalling his early battle with cancer, his journey of recovery and career connections that eventually led him to fill a gap in the market using his hard earned industry knowledge.
 
We discuss how the corona pandemic has opened up while new set of opportunities and he Ian describes his contact with the actual corona virus (all be it in a lab in a jar).

A thoroughly  fascinating story as he turns adversity into opportunity with a steely  focus and determination   

“View from the Pool” is a distinctive series of conversation podcasts between Poolview’s Robin McGloughlin and his guests, who uniquely have all been Lifeguards at some point in their career. 

This weeks podcast features David Ashbridge - Operational Delivery Manager with Hambleton District Council.

We explore Davids journey from becoming a 16 year old Lifeguard, through all his various career moves until his current position.

Always a local authority man, David shares his experiences with  Quest, mystery shoppers, a tragic drowning, the pandemic and his hopes for the future and the  recovery process.

David has a wonderful laid back but driven way of looking at and handling life. I really enjoyed the conversation with this affable Yorkshireman.  

“View from the Pool” is a distinctive series of conversation podcasts between Poolview’s Robin McGloughlin and his guests, who uniquely have all been Lifeguards at some point in their career. 

This weeks podcast feature Alex Blackwell - Water Babies Group Head of Facilities and Operations in the UK

Alex takes us on his journey from his local swimming club, to Lifeguard and onto the early days of CCT with DC Leisure. 

His deep interest in technology and the minuetia of safety  systems led him to Group Lifeguard Manager before making his move to the RLSSUK

Alex oversaw the development and manufacture of the PXB (Pool Extraction Board) something he is rightly very proud of.

Now  with Water Babies, he discusses the great shock felt by the Water Babies family, when the lost their CEO Steve Franks to Covid in the very early stages of the pandemic.

Alex has travelled the world making use of his life experiences to help  others - catch a sense of the man and his hopes for the future when you listen in.

“View from the Pool” is a distinctive series of conversation podcasts between Poolview’s Robin McGloughlin and his guests, who uniquely have all been Lifeguards at some point in their career.

In this episode we venture once again into the southern hemisphere and chat with Australian Aquatics Professional Gary Johnson and Recreation Aotearoa Aquatics Program Manager Tracey Prince-Puketapi

How the Kiwis coped with "the Covid" gets a personal experience airing - the different attitudes between the Health & Safety Culture in NZ compared to those in the UK are discussed as is the Maori Culture, Earthquakes and the infamous "Swim Reaper".

Why the art of "bombing" is actively encouraged in NZ swimming pools and the new super splash skill sets required to perform a "Manu", which is taken a seriously as rugby!

An entertaining and educational podcast from opposite sides of the planet.

Warning  - This podcast bring together three different accents that you will enjoy listening to again and again!

“View from the Pool” is a unique series of conversation podcasts between Poolview’s Robin McGloughlin and his guests, who uniquely have all been Lifeguards at some point in their career. 

In this episode we venture into Yorkshire and meet Kov Bahadori - Leisure Operations Manager for Wakefield Council. 

We hear Kov describe his "Park Run" obsession, grasping opportunities, his "wild card" entry into leisure management and the frustrations of having the brand new Aspire@The Park leisure facility completed and handed over during lockdown!

Connect - Share - Laugh - Learn

#istartedasalifeguard #supportinglifeguards #thisisnotagame #blendedlifeguarding 

This podcast concertinas two old friends fifty year journey into a 90 minute "fire side chat" - there should be something for everybody in this one!

Poolview's Robin McGloughlin in conversation with Richard Hewitt MBE - Director and Partner in Thrive Consultancy practice.

Richard was a childhood friend and neighbour, school class mate, University cohort and work colleague of Robins.

Together they discuss their time as Lifeguards and the life lessons they learned then, but still used today.

Whitehead Swimming Pool was a 1930's outdoor open air, tidal sea water pool which Richard managed for a few summers. Hear about the sophisticated technology involved in that one and the comfortable 12ºC bathing temperatures!

Richard recalls “Ironing Board Sunday” when he arrived in Sandhurst to begin a 20 year career in the military. Book ended by two "Gulf Wars" and a phone call from his Auntie Kathleen in the middle! 

Having been Commander and Lieutenant Colonel of 7th Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, Richard describes his move into "Civvy Street"  as Assistant Chief Fire Officer with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.

In the final third of this "extended podcast" the pair discuss his company Thrive, which in his words "has a unique setup and it can be tough to explain what we do to people who we know will benefit!" so listen as Richard enlightens us.

90 minutes in length, but plenty of chapter markers for you to return to!

Poolview's Robin McGloughlin in  conversation with Jo Talbot - Commercial Director of the RLSS UK.  

In this episode we hear how Jo got into Lifeguarding and how her attention to detail probably was the reason that she was "nudged reluctantly" into Health and Safety.

Jo takes us through her career steps from Group Lifeguard Manager with DC Leisure to the RLSS UK and her current role.

We talk about 45,000 miles per year on the road, new contract start ups, the Save a Life Series, the challenges for the RLSS UK and their members during the pandemic, on-line training and CPD.

We hear about a hopeful 2021 and a hint of the new developments coming.

Poolview's Robin McGloughlin in  conversation with Senior First Officer David Laverty, a seasoned Commercial Airline Pilot  

In this session we discover that by the age of 17, David was not only a qualified Lifeguard but also a qualified pilot - some combination!

We re-live his short lived musical career, flying school and his first time at the controls of a jet aircraft.

We then dig into continual pilot training and discover some amazing parallels with Lifeguards.

 The lessons from Sully and Kegworth and delve into the effects of "the Covid" on pilots working practices, the airline industry in general and what the future might hold!

Best of all though, we learn about the true nature of circulating air within an aircraft!

Poolview's Robin McGloughlin in  conversation with Helen Meckiffe - Head of Training for Right Directions and Australian Lifeguarding expert Gary Johnson.
In this lively exchange we discuss and compare the differences between Lifeguarding protocols in the UK and Australia.
What works and what doesn't, Lifeguard ratios, LZVT's, Layers of protection, mobile positions, Rescue Boards and  Architects to name but a few.
Gary's personal relationship with the Bondi Rescue team thrilled Helen
Technology was highlighted as we talk about the future.
 All this and more before rounding up with a sprinkling of Helens magic fairy dust!

Poolview's Robin McGloughlin in  conversation with Helen Meckiffe - Head of Training for Right Directions
Todays chat explores Helens journey from competitive swimmer, to Lifeguard, Duty Manager, General Manager and finally up to the present day, with a trip around the world thrown in for good measure.
Plenty of shout outs from Helen on this one which was recorded just before Christmas.
Establishing Helen's credentials perfectly and setting the scene for the next podcast in the series  alongside Gary Johnson