Mary Brown Communications & Marketing Manager When I started working as a lifeguard here I was so shy that I was scared to blow my whistle in case anyone looked at me. I was also worried that I would have no chance of promotion as I had had quite a long period of unemployment prior to starting. I didn't have anything to worry about. All my bosses have been brilliant. I have been put through numerous training courses including the Institute of Sport & Recreation Managers Diploma and recently an Advanced Diploma in Communication Studies. I like working for a charity. It is important to me that we are doing something from which the community benefits. I love being part of an organisation that has integrity as a core value and genuinely cares about customers. A lot of the private leisure operators out there are ripping off their members and paying their front line staff a pittance. We have excellent terms and conditions and the best of pension schemes. Marc Jones Group Sales & Fitness Manager The highlight of my career with Aquaterra, apart from winning the fantasy football league two years running, was developing Sobell Leisure Centre's exercise programme into the biggest and best in London. The continued growth, involvement and opportunities within Aquaterra are always encouraging. Other benefits for me include the excellent pension scheme, flexible working hours and good pay rates. Lenita Pond Operations Manager I started work at Aquaterra as a part-time receptionist in 1989 and now work as an Operations Manager. During my fourteen years here, I've worked in various departments including Human Resources and Memberships. My career here has been diverse because I'm always willing to take up new opportunities and gain more experience. I've also trained and qualified as a netball referee and lifeguard. My biggest achievements are helping to organise the big events that take place in the centres. For instance, when I worked as a booking manager, I managed the running of a national judo competition that took place in Sobell. It was hard work but it a real success when it finally came together.