Aquatic director hired for new pool

Above, Jesse Navarro, right, Hiwassee Valley Pool and Wellness Center director, shows Sam Duncan Sr. around the new facility. Duncan recently made a payment on a substantial pledge to the Hiwassee Valley Recreation Committee's Finish-Line Campaign. United Community Bank also made a pledge payment to HVRC's Finish-Line Campaign.

The Hiwassee Valley Recreation Committee has hired Geri Heier of Murphy, who has more than 20 years of experience in aquatic programming, as aquatic director for the new Hiwassee Valley Pool and Wellness Center.

Heier is a graduate of the University of Florida's College of Human Health and Performance and holds a B.S. in Recreation Management.

Heier has been trained on pool equipment operations, a state requirement to operate a pool, and also has CPR certification. She is certified as a Level One swim coach and previously coached swimming at the high school level and has taught swimming to both children and teenagers. She has been involved in competitive swimming since age five.

"I am very impressed with Geri's background in pool programming and overly confident that she will be a success at our new facility," said Jesse Navarro, new wellness center director.

On left, from left are veteran Murphy swim instructor Diane Brown, HVRC board member Debbie Garrison and Geri Heier, newly hired aquatic director for the Hiwassee Valley Pool and Wellness Center, which will open in June. Lifeguard training begins May 25.

Heier's duties include planning aquatic programs, swim lessons, swim team coaching and scheduling.

Diana Brown, a veteran of Murphy swim program, will join Heier in hosting the facility's first lifeguard training program Friday through Monday, May 25-28, at the new pool.

Anyone interested in working at the facility as a lifeguard and who needs certification should register early for the 31- hour course as space is limited. Lifeguards must be 15 or older. Çost for the class is $95, which includes books and materials.

"I am excited about our new facility and believe it is a much needed enhancement to our community. I'm looking forward to offering something for everyone," Heier said. "The pool is regulation size and will accommodate our recreation swim programs and swim competitions and will meet our needs."

"We have a lot of people who will be interested in our facility and programming, and will want to be involved and I'm looking forward to meeting them."

Heier and Navarro are in the process of finalizing operating hours and a a variety of activities at the new pool and wellness center. Further information about programs to be offered will be available in the near future.