A swim teacher who spent nearly five decades in the leisure industry has retired.
Debbie Organ, 66, spent 45 years of her career teaching, having started out as a lifeguard in the late 1970s.
She worked for nearly 50 years in the industry, starting out at Chafford Sports Complex in Rainham in 1978 as the facility's first female lifeguard.
Ms Organ said: "I've always had an interest in swimming. My twin sisters and my brother all swam competitively too, so it was in the family."
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Just three years after starting as a lifeguard, she qualified as a swimming instructor at Chafford, setting her on a path to teach generations of families to swim. She later took on the role of swim manager at Everyone Active’s centre in Hornchurch, overseeing the swim school, lesson planning, rotas, and supporting other staff—while still stepping in to teach when needed.
In 2021, she moved to the newly opened Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre, before returning to Rainham in July 2023 when the Rainham Leisure Centre opened, replacing the original Chafford Sports Complex where her career had begun.
Ms Organ said: "I absolutely love teaching and I love the leisure industry. I love helping generations of swimmers, from parents right through to their children and grandchildren.
"You get to know these families over the years, and being part of their lives for that long is something really special. I also love helping other swim teachers develop and progress – it’s so rewarding.”
She emphasised the importance of swimming as a life skill, adding: "I really believe everyone should learn. It's not just about being able to swim a length; it could save your life one day, or someone else's."
Though officially retired, she will remain on the books at Rainham Leisure Centre to provide cover teaching.
Tony Phillips, general manager at Rainham Leisure Centre, said: "Debbie is one of a kind. I've known her for more than 30 years and have been lucky enough to have Debbie as my swim manager at Rainham for the past three years, since it opened.
"Over the years she's taught thousands of locals to swim, developed teachers who are still working across our centres today, and taught generations of the same families. Not many people get to leave that kind of legacy behind."
Cllr Graham Day, cabinet member for adults and health at Havering Council, said: "Debbie’s remarkable 48-year career is a wonderful example of community service and the positive impact one person can have on thousands of lives.
"Through her passion for swimming and commitment to helping others, she has given generations of Havering residents an invaluable life skill while inspiring countless young people and fellow teachers along the way. On behalf of Havering Council, I thank Debbie for her outstanding contribution to our borough and wish her a long, happy and well-deserved retirement."
Ms Organ now plans to spend more time gardening, working on DIY projects, and enjoying time with her grandchildren.
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