1. YMCA - YWCA of
Guelph
130 Woodland Glen Drive
Guelph, Ontario N1G 4M3
519-824-5150
www.guelphy.org
To whom it may concern,
My name is Joel McCallum and I am the Supervisor of the Aquatics Department at the YMCA-YWCA of
Guelph. I have worked with Rachel Boyd since September 2012 and she has always been a reliable employee
working as a Swimming Instructor and Lifeguard. Rachel is an asset to our department as she is reliable,
approachable and demonstrates initiative. She has never missed a shift and is always on time for work, if not
early. When instructing Rachel is fun and energetic, but also makes sure that her children improve and use
proper swimming techniques by giving constructive and specific feedback. She keeps track of her children’s
progress and is comfortable speaking to parents to discuss how their children are doing in with their swimming
When guarding Rachel scans the pool effectively and keeps her full attention on the pool. In between
lifeguarding rotations she takes charge and cleans, completes pool tests along with other miscellaneous tasks
without prompting from her immediate supervisor. She is always willing to complete extra tasks beyond what is
required in her role as a Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor. She also acts professionally each shift and works
very well with the rest of the Aquatic team.
Rachel has demonstrated that she is a strong leader by teaching a Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross course.
She was organized and planned appropriately to ensure all material was covered while allowing the participants
in the course to have ample time to practice their rescue techniques. Participants in the class respectedRachel
as an instructor since she knew the material very well and was able to give participantsspecific and constructive
feedback. Rachel excelled at teaching the First Aid component of the courses and has expressed interest in
teaching more Bronze Medallion and Cross courses in the future.
Rachel Boyd is a dedicated and professional worker. She is mature and takes initiative to complete work tasks
without prompting. She always puts in 100% effort and I know she will be successful in the future as she begins
to work on her undergraduate degree next year.
Joel McCallum
Supervisor, Aquatics
YMCA-YWCA of Guelph
(519)824-5150 266ext.