SPRINGFIELD – As a water safety and life guard trainer, Healthplex® Sports Club aquatics instructor Jennifer Fleming knows that for emergencies in the water, seconds count. Appropriately enough, on March 30, Fleming was recognized for her service to the community at the Help Can’t Wait Awards, presented by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross. The annual awards, which took place at the Fairmount Park Horticultural Center, recognized several individuals and companies for their participation in health and safety programs.
“Jennifer has a true passion for teaching children and adults swimming and water safety skills. We are proud that the American Red Cross has honored her with the Help Can’t Wait Award,” says Jim Gallagher, president of the Healthplex® Sports Club.
For Fleming, promoting water safety has become her life’s work, having spent the past 20 involved with aquatics. Working at the club for just over two years, Fleming has served as an aquatics instructor for a variety of swimming classes and programs. In the past, Fleming has divided her time working with swimming programs at the Upper Darby Department of Recreation and through the Springton Lake Community Service program, as well as serving as a troop leader for the Girls Scouts. No matter what role Fleming has taken on, she has continually promoted water safety, adhering to the adage that knowledge is power.
“I believe the only way to prevent tragic childhood deaths from drowning is for children and parents to learn about water safety through swim lessons and parent-tot programs that talk about the dangers,” says Fleming.
While promoting water safety has and will continue to remain a priority for Fleming, she says her passion for educating the community has grown in recent years due to the births of her children.
“I began in aquatics 20 years ago as a teenager and have spent the last 10 years with this as my chosen career,” Fleming says. “Having three young children of my own only makes my passion for this even greater.”
The HealthplexÒ Sports Club offers a variety of swimming programs aimed at children, adults and seniors. For more information on the HealthplexÒ Sports Club’s aquatic programs, contact 610-328-8883 or go to www.healthplex.net.
As the region’s premier health club, the Healthplexâ Sports Club offers state-of-the-art facilities for all of your fitness and wellness needs; an experienced staff; a range of special programs and leagues for people of all ages; and convenient personal services.