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Water, wellness, well-being: a portrait of swimming and sauna champion Pia Fax
At the ULRICHSHOF, swimming and sauna master Pia Fax provides feel-good moments and unforgettable experiences. With her passion for water and wellness, she brings joy and relaxation into the everyday lives of guests young and old every day.
Pia, how did you decide to become a swimming champion and what fascinates you most about this profession?
I actually started out as a seamstress, which I really enjoyed doing. But after a while I had shoulder and neck pain, so I was looking for something new. And that’s how I became a swimming champion! What I love about this job is the variety – from technology and chemistry to first aid and liaising with bathers. There’s always something new to learn and it never gets boring!
What qualifications and training have you gained in swimming and rescue?
After my training as a pool attendant, I immediately continued my training. I got my licence as a lifeguard instructor, then became a sauna master and finally passed the examination to become a swimming supervisor. It was always important to me to be well prepared in order to offer my guests the best possible care.
What does your typical working day look like?
I’m not just a swimming instructor, I’m also a sauna master, so my day is pretty varied. In the mornings, I give swimming lessons and look after younger guests. In the afternoon, I’m in the sauna area and do Kneipp treatments, scrubs and sauna infusions. And no matter what’s on the agenda, I always have an open ear for guests’ questions and suggestions. The well-being of my guests is my top priority!
What are the biggest challenges when teaching babies and toddlers in the water?
The biggest challenge is often parents who are worried and overprotective. You have to be patient and show them that their children are in good hands.
"It's about getting the children to enjoy the water, because that's the key to learning to swim!"
Pia Fax
How do you organise baby swimming to ensure that the little ones feel comfortable and safe?
The parents hold their little ones according to my instructions and we try out different holds. The important thing is that the children feel comfortable and have fun – and the warm water is perfect for this. It’s all about getting the children to enjoy the water, because that’s the key to learning to swim!
What positive effects does baby swimming have on the development of infants?
Baby swimming has so many positive effects! It supports physical and motor development, helps build muscles and improves coordination. And the laughter and joy of the little ones in the water is simply priceless!
What exactly is the Aqua Discovery Course?
The aqua discovery course is all about play. The children dive, jump and glide to get used to the water. In the process, they improve their coordination and ability to concentrate and learn to swim faster at the same time.
How do you deal with children who are initially afraid of water or don't want to learn to swim?
Children with a fear of water require a lot of empathy. I praise them a lot and make progress in small steps. Nothing should be forced – confidence must grow, and we achieve this together with patience and positive reinforcement. If possible, I ask a parent to go into the water with the child to give them additional reassurance. This makes them feel less anxious and more willing to get involved in the water.
What are the most important skills that children learn in individual swimming lessons from the age of 5 and how do you specifically promote them?
For children from the age of 5, the most important skills are diving, gliding, jumping, breathing correctly and rough breaststroke. I always encourage them to try new things and to trust themselves so that they can develop these skills with confidence.
How do you go about taking the "Seahorse" swimming badge and what requirements do the children have to fulfil?
We take the seahorse in a relaxed manner during a swimming lesson. The children first practise bringing up a diving ring from shoulder-deep water and then jump from the edge of the pool to swim 25 metres. We also discuss a few swimming rules. At the end there is the badge, the seahorse patch, and a certificate, which is always a great moment for the children.
What has been the best experience you've had so far while working as a swimming supervisor?
I had a really wonderful experience in a beginners’ swimming course. A little girl, who had no arms and only one leg from birth, took part. Wearing a life jacket and a fin, she was the fastest in the water. That was a huge sense of achievement for all of us and showed how much you can achieve if you simply enjoy being in the water.
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