Who’s who at the Y? Meet Mya McAllister

I started working at the YMCA in May 2022 as a Swim Instructor. In June of 2022 the Y funded my National Lifeguard Course so that I could become a lifeguard.

Since becoming a lifeguard I have been given lots of opportunities to grow my career at the Y. In November 2022 I got my Lifesaving Instructor’s. In February 2023 I got my Standard First Aid Instructor. In April 2023 I got my Bronze Course examiners.

After being a Swim Instructor for just over a year, I became a Supervisor in September 2023.  In February 2024 I got my First Aid Examiners. In March 2024 I got my Airway management, and I am now certified to teach National Lifeguard just 2 years after first becoming a lifeguard.  My most recent certification is my Trainers which allows me to teach others to become instructors.

I have taught and examined many courses in the last 2 years allowing the Aquatics staff to grow tremendously as a lot of our staff come from the courses we run here at the Y.

I have been working at the Y for 2.5 years and it is a job I love because of everything it has to offer and all the opportunities I am given. Being in Aquatics I have had lots of opportunities to grow and gain more certifications. I started at the Y with 1 certification and after 2.5 years I now have 8 certifications in addition to being a supervisor. I have had the ability to grow in my career but also as a person. Working alongside the community has been very influential to my goals, and has allowed me to give back to those around me.

Being in a leadership position here at the Y has allowed me to grow and accomplish so many things. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the opportunities the Y has offered me. I have made lifelong friends at the Y, met many amazing members and have started University where I am studying a Bachelor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Leadership. All things that have been possible because of my role at the Y and the opportunities I have been given.

Being part of the Y community has been very influential in my life, and I am very grateful to be able to say that I am part of the Y community.

If you’re interested in becoming a lifeguard like Mya, please visit us under Certification Courses online.