Essex Lifeguard recognized as In Motion All Star

Essex Lifeguard, Zachary Kireta, shows off his In Motion All Star Award in the gym, where he likes to spend time working out. 

by Sylene Argent

In celebration of National in Motion Week, which was recognized from October 1 through 7, Southwestern Ontario in Motion (SWARG), an organization that combines local and regional resources and builds partnerships to promote physical activity across Windsor-Essex County, hosted its 11th annual awards ceremonies.

  On Monday, October 2, at the at the Amherstburg Libro Centre, SWARG recognized a myriad of organizations and individuals for their commitment to keeping active.

  The Town of Lakeshore received the Outstanding Community Partner award for its leadership in promoting physical activity, Amherstburg resident Kristen Saunders won the Community Champion Award, and 20 individuals from around the region were recognized as In Motion All Stars.

  One of those All Stars was Zachary Kireta, who works at the Essex Aquatics Centre as a Lifeguard and Instructor. Kireta said Jason Jolicoeur, Assistant Manager of Programs for the Town of Essex, nominated him for the award.

  Jolicoeur said Kireta shows great dedication to physical fitness and passes that passion onto fellow staff members by arranging special days to work out in a fun way.

  “I do it as a hobby. I try to stay fit,” Kireta explained of his dedication to physical fitness. He enjoys participating in any type of sport or games. He uses working out as a way to challenge himself to go further, eliminate frustrations, and have fun.

  “It keeps me busy,” he said. “Being a lifeguard helps. I have to stay in shape to keep up with physical standards, which are tested quarterly [throughout the year],” he said, adding he tries to encourage the youth he instructs to explore different ways to exercise and keep active.

  “I was surprised to get it,” Kireta said of the In Motion All Star Award, which was kept secret from him. “At first, I thought it was a scam. I got an email the day of [the awards ceremony].” After talking to his bosses at the Essex Aquatics Centre about the suspicious email, it was confirmed he indeed was going to be recognized.

  “It encourages me. It keeps me going,” he said of receiving the award or any achievements he is able to accomplish.

  Kireta said he always ensures he has time to do what he loves to do, and working out, whether through sports or weight training, is a big part of that.

  For more information, log onto www.swarginmotion.com.