After almost four decades of service at Brock University, Aquatic Programs Co-ordinator Margie Lizzotti is preparing to retire at the end of March.

The longtime Aquatics supervisor and program lead at Brock’s Eleanor Misener Aquatic Centre dedicated 40 years to the prevention of drowning and water-related injuries.

Lizzotti spearheaded community-focused swim lessons, essential life-saving training programs and public education initiatives and also conducted research on the prevention of drowning.

“Brock University and the staff are amazing. It’s been such a great place to work. I have lifelong friendships because of this place,” Lizzotti said. “My time here is about the people I’ve worked with, volunteered alongside, and shared laughs and tears with.”

A self-described “pool rat,” Lizzotti grew up in Merritton and began working at Brock in 1984 as a lifeguard and swim instructor.

In 2019, Lizzotti’s dedication to the field of aquatics was recognized at Queen’s Park as she received the Commonwealth Honour Award, Bar to Service Cross, which recognizes leadership and dedicated service to the Lifesaving Society.

“These awards represent all of us. My staff made me look good,” she said. “It’s been rewarding to witness individuals of all skill levels enjoy swimming, from reluctant children crying about entering the pool to others tearfully reluctant to leave.”

As the area chair for the Lifesaving Society, Lizzotti facilitated communication and collaboration between Brock’s Eleanor Misener Aquatic Centre and other aquatic facilities in the Niagara region, emphasizing the importance of shared knowledge and resources.

Her involvement in initiatives such as the Aquatic Sharing Information Group and the Niagara Drowning Prevention Coalition highlights her dedication to fostering a safer aquatic environment for all.

“Margie is deeply committed to promoting aquatics accessibility for all age groups and prioritizes lifeguard training as a key aspect of her work,” said Director of Brock Recreation Karen McAllister-Kenny. “Her enthusiasm for this field is evident. Margie’s passion for training lifeguards helped build the largest university Lifesaving program in the province.”