Grace R. Sweeney
Old Saybrook
Summary
Dedicated senior at George Mason University pursuing a degree in Community Health with a minor in Health Systems Management on the pre-med track, complemented by over 15 years of competitive swimming. A four-year member of GMU Women’s Swimming & Diving, and two time A10 Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll designee. Prior to GMU, was recognized as a seven-time recipient of the CT Swimming Top 16 Award and named MVP of Daniel Hand Women’s Swimming & Diving in 2021, along with breaking the 19 year-old team record in 100 butterly. Proven leadership abilities demonstrated through coaching and mentoring athletes, alongside extensive experience as a lifeguard supervisor at Connecticut State Park, where expertise in safety protocols and crisis management was honed. Committed to fostering a positive environment while ensuring compliance and injury prevention, with certifications in USLA, CPR and First Aid, Water Safety Instruction. Proven effective communication skills.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Swim Instructor and Coach
Fairfax County Parks and Recreation
09.2025 - Current
- Instruct children ages 5-12 in swimming techniques and safety protocols
- Develop customized lesson plans to accommodate varying skill levels and learning styles
- Teach swim basics and strokes, such as backstroke and freestyle
- Ensure safe swimming environment by enforcing facility rules and emergency procedures
- Part time Youth Swim Coach to help team-mates stay in shape for NOVA summer league
Lifeguard
Fenwick Borough
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Hired by the Borough of Fenwick to ensure the safety of its residents while on the beach and in open water
- Taught swim lessons to children ages 2-12 in the Long Island Sound
- Responded swiftly to emergencies, providing first aid and rescue services as needed
- Navigated challenges of open water swimming safety
Head Coach(s)
CCH Snow Sharks Winter Swim
09.2024 - 05.2025
- Coached swimmers ages 4 to 14
- Assessed various skill levels and wrote training sets for each group
- Worked alongside another coach to ensure proper training and enjoyment for our swimmers
- Taught young kids to love the sport of swimming
- Ensured that all kids knew proper water safety skills
Lifeguard Supervisor
Connecticut DEEP
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Supervised team of lifeguards, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and procedures
- Trained new hires by offering insight into job duties and assessing shift performance
- Updated job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
- Traditional Lifeguard duties to ensure the safety of beach patrons, rule compliance and First Aid and rescue practices as necessary
- Summer Employment
CT State Beach Lifeguard
CT DEEP
05.2021 - 09.2023
- Monitored beach conditions to ensure safety of patrons during peak hours
- Responded swiftly to emergencies, providing first aid and rescue operations as needed
- Enforced beach regulations to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors
- Monitored surrounding environment constantly to watch for potential risks
- Used radio and digital technology to stay in constant contact with fellow beach safety personnel
- Participated in training sessions regularly to stay up-to-date on open water lifeguarding and supervising standards
- Communicated effectively with team members, superiors and beach patrons
- Documented incidents and courses of action
- Summer Employment
- Remained level-headed and proactive during emergency situations
- Maintained a safe environment by controlling crowds at incident situations
Lifeguard
Madison Racquet & Swim Club
06.2020 - 05.2021
- Examined recreational equipment for signs of damage and potential safety risks
- Instructed patrons on proper use of diving boards, slides, ladders
- Adhered strictly to emergency action plans
- Reminded patrons to walk carefully and avoid running around or near pool edges to prevent falls
- Observed swimmers from elevated chairs while scanning the entire pool deck
- Maintained accurate records of incident reports, pool chemicals, and patron counts
- Monitored area for distress signs and acted immediately in emergencies to alleviate potential injuries or fatalities
Education
B.S - Community Health & Health Systems Management
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA05-2026
High School Diploma - undefined
Daniel Hand High School
Madison, CT06.2022
Skills
- Swim coaching
- Leadership
- Public speaking
- Team collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Communication skills
- Lifeguard training
- Injury prevention
- Faculty communication
- Crisis management
- CPR certification
- Safety protocols
- Incident reporting
- Crowd control
- First aid administration
- Emergency response
- Water safety education
- Risk assessment
- Staff training
- Decision-making
- Safety procedures
- Accident site management
- Attention to detail
- Professionalism
- Emergency management
- Water rescue techniques
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Time management
Accomplishments
- Multi time award recipient during age group competitive swimming years
- Multi time record holder on age group club teams and MVP of DHHS Tigers Women's Swimming
- Broke 19 year old DHHS 100 Fly record in 2021
- Named to the Atlantic 10 Conference Honor Roll Sophomore and Junior years
Certification
- Red Cross Certified
- USLA Certified
- DEEP Certified
Timeline
Swim Instructor and Coach
Fairfax County Parks and Recreation
09.2025 - Current
Lifeguard
Fenwick Borough
05.2025 - 08.2025
Head Coach(s)
CCH Snow Sharks Winter Swim
09.2024 - 05.2025
Lifeguard Supervisor
Connecticut DEEP
06.2024 - 08.2024
CT State Beach Lifeguard
CT DEEP
05.2021 - 09.2023
Lifeguard
Madison Racquet & Swim Club
06.2020 - 05.2021
High School Diploma - undefined
Daniel Hand High School
B.S - Community Health & Health Systems Management
George Mason University