From near drowning to Duty Manager: Nirajan’s inspiring journey at SWIRL

From near drowning to Duty Manager: Nirajan’s inspiring journey at SWIRL

Nirajan Lama, affectionately known as “Nemo,” is the Duty Manager at Smithton Wellbeing Indoor Recreation & Leisure (SWIRL) in Circular Head, Tasmania. His journey from a young boy in Nepal to a community leader in Australia highlights the power of providing opportunities and inclusion for all.

Growing up in Nepal, Nirajan faced significant challenges. During his school years, he lacked access to swimming facilities and a near-drowning incident in a river left a lasting impact on him. 

Upon relocating to Smithton, Tasmania, Nirajan discovered SWIRL and its swimming programs where he enrolled in the swim school, quickly mastering various swimming skills. His passion for swimming flourished as he dedicated himself to training six days a week.

Inspired by his progress, Nirajan got his lifeguard certification and his hard work paid off when he secured a position as a lifeguard at SWIRL. This role not only further improved his skills but also allowed him to forge meaningful connections within the community.
“I learned swimming and then I became a part of SWIRL being a lifeguard. After that, I became connected with the community and after a while, I became a Duty Manager. So being at SWIRL, I have achieved lots of things, more than I could have imagined. I never thought I could be in this position at this place,” Nirajan explained. 
Nirajan’s dedication and competence quickly caught the attention of his supervisors, leading to his promotion to Duty Manager at SWIRL. His journey highlights the importance of a diverse workforce in creating an inclusive environment for our communities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the water.