The Los Angeles Pierce College swimming pool has been the home for Brahmas swimmers for more than three decades. The pool system runs day and night, seven days a week. However, keeping the pool running at its full potential requires a trained individual who can handle both pool and student issues.
Deborah Hefter, a tan, fit, and always cheerful individual is in her fifth year as swimming pool supervisor. She is respected by her staff members, which she hires and trains.
“She is probably the best boss I will ever have,” says staff member Briggitte Krets. “She is a friend, a mentor, a boss, swim coach and has helped me a lot this year with both pool deck and personal problems.”
Hefter says she brought the once mossy green pool back to a deep ocean blue with constant maintenance and a change in chemicals. Currently, Hefter is working to get the 30-year-old pool system and its machines up to date by using energy efficient systems to save money. Hefter, a former student and swimmer at Pierce, heard about the position one year after she graduated.
Her passion is coaching and teaching young adults.
“This seems to be what I am best at, guiding young kids into adulthood, teaching them to be good adults and how to work well in business environments,” Heftor says.
She belongs to the student culture, as she is also a current student working on her master’s degree to continue teaching and move up in management. Her other interests include exercise, surfing and kayaking.
Once inside the pool area, the music and deep blueness of the pool stand out. Creating an atmosphere of having the summer year round, there are plenty of activities going on while the staff members practice a mixture of safety and fun.
“It is always a good time, always fun to be here,” Hefter says. “It is a place of work too, but it is not all stagnant and boring. That is a direct effect of my environment too. So we like to keep it fun. We want everyone to be safe. That’s our biggest priority, but after that, it’s time to have fun and enjoy life.”
