TO show just how much they appreciate the efforts of swimming lessons, locals have nominated two of Portland Leisure and Aquatic Centre’s swimming instructors for a state award.

Swimming instructors Cale Zippel and Wanda Grime have each been nominated for AUSTSWIM (The Australian Council for the Teaching of Swimming and Water Safety) Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety by the general public.

Furthermore, Ms Grime is also up for Swim Teacher of the Year and Teacher of Infant and Preschools.

She began as a lifeguard at Portland YMCA pool when she was 15, which led to her becoming an instructor at the Portland YMCA pool for 22 years and is one out of seven other instructors taking classes.

“To me, it’s about getting the kids used to the water, encouraging them to do something different they haven't done before and to see their faces once they've done something,” Ms Grime said.

“It's just my passion, getting the kids into the water and I have a knack of being firm, but fair, while still having fun.

“There's always challenges, you have kids that are in multiple levels in classes, there can be kids that can't put their face in the water and there can be kids that can go swimming around in circles.”

As a qualified infant and toddler teacher, Ms Grime can teach kids from six months old and up but has lately been teaching kids from age two and up.

Mr Zippel had only been nominated for the one but has also been hard at work around the pool in more places than one.

While he’s not conducting swimming lessons in Portland, he is in Casterton spending more time by the water teaching kids to swim safely.

“I've been a swim teacher for seven years and a lifeguard for about ten or 11,” he said.

“I started in Casterton when I was 16, then became a swim teacher and then came down here in the last two years, just to help and keep myself busy.

Mr Zippel has taught kids as young as three, as well as some adults in the past, and has recently been working with primary school students.

He believes he has been nominated for the Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety award because of his passion and drive to provide the best lessons possible for students.

“We're always progressing to make a difference in the aquatic industry with swim lessons and getting kids in the door that want to be here and not upset they have to go to swim lessons today.”

The results for the state awards are due to be announced later this month.

National awards will follow in July.