BAYWATCHING WITH VIOLET - JAMAICA TOURIST ISSUE 14
Looking out on the stunningly beautiful white sand beach of The Palmyra, you will quickly notice an enthusiastic lifeguard, watchfully scanning the sun-drenched cove. The attentive eyes of 37-year-old Violet Dixon ensure that all guests at the recently opened luxury resort are safe and comfortable. A certified lifeguard and rescue diver, Violet makes it a point while on duty to keep her territory clean and guests happy. Although she has her hands full watching the pool and beach areas, Violet will share her expertise with guests so they become more confident snorkelers and swimmers once she has spare time on her hands.
“I just love the water,” says Violet with a great smile. Growing up in ‘the country’ in Sunderland, 15 minutes from Montego Bay, Violet learnt to swim by jumping into a nearby river at an early age. “I did not take formal swimming lessons, just learnt by moving around in the water,” adds the lifeguard. With two boys ages 7 and 2, Violet has a natural gift with children and you might well spot her helping a child braiding a strand of hair or build a sand castle when she is not busy lining up beach chairs and distributing beach towels.
Her love for the hospitality industry, extroverted nature and genuine friendliness, allowed her to climb up on the ladder of success doing what she loves. Her journey started as a supermarket cashier and then led her to the housekeeping department of Sandals Resorts in 2000. “I pride myself in being a versatile employee,” explains Violet. Hence, she figured out how to implement her love for the water into her job by being part of the company’s cross-training program. This great opportunity offered to Sandals staff, made it possible for her to start training in the watersports department in 2001.
“I had to qualify for the lifeguard training first by doing a 200 meter swimming test and then float for 5 minutes which was really easy for me,” recalls Violet. She passed the test with flying colors and went on to succeed with lifeguard and PADI rescue diver certifications. After mastering the basic, open water and advanced levels in 2002, the goal oriented Violet is now looking into future possibilities. “My next aim is to earn the title of Dive Master, which allows me to teach people how to dive,” she says proudly. A willing and versatile staff member at The Palmyra, Violet always finds ways to help out in other departments. “If I am needed in the kitchen or in housekeeping, I am there in my spare time,” states Violet.
With diving experience to 120 ft. deep, the depth necessary to obtain the advanced open water certification, guests at the beautiful Palmyra are in good hands. “I keep my eyes open at all times, especially with kids around.” Hence, Violet does not ‘clock out’ until every guest has left the beach or pool.
“I just love the water,” says Violet with a great smile. Growing up in ‘the country’ in Sunderland, 15 minutes from Montego Bay, Violet learnt to swim by jumping into a nearby river at an early age. “I did not take formal swimming lessons, just learnt by moving around in the water,” adds the lifeguard. With two boys ages 7 and 2, Violet has a natural gift with children and you might well spot her helping a child braiding a strand of hair or build a sand castle when she is not busy lining up beach chairs and distributing beach towels.
Her love for the hospitality industry, extroverted nature and genuine friendliness, allowed her to climb up on the ladder of success doing what she loves. Her journey started as a supermarket cashier and then led her to the housekeeping department of Sandals Resorts in 2000. “I pride myself in being a versatile employee,” explains Violet. Hence, she figured out how to implement her love for the water into her job by being part of the company’s cross-training program. This great opportunity offered to Sandals staff, made it possible for her to start training in the watersports department in 2001.
“I had to qualify for the lifeguard training first by doing a 200 meter swimming test and then float for 5 minutes which was really easy for me,” recalls Violet. She passed the test with flying colors and went on to succeed with lifeguard and PADI rescue diver certifications. After mastering the basic, open water and advanced levels in 2002, the goal oriented Violet is now looking into future possibilities. “My next aim is to earn the title of Dive Master, which allows me to teach people how to dive,” she says proudly. A willing and versatile staff member at The Palmyra, Violet always finds ways to help out in other departments. “If I am needed in the kitchen or in housekeeping, I am there in my spare time,” states Violet.
With diving experience to 120 ft. deep, the depth necessary to obtain the advanced open water certification, guests at the beautiful Palmyra are in good hands. “I keep my eyes open at all times, especially with kids around.” Hence, Violet does not ‘clock out’ until every guest has left the beach or pool.
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