Muhammad Fadeli, 28, a lifeguard at Wild Wild Wet at Downtown East, has been making a name for himself in the aquatics industry.
He started as a part-time slide operator at the water theme park in 2011 while studying Engineering at ITE, before taking up the internationally recognised Ellis & Associates Lifeguard and Instructor programme and the Bronze Medallion certification in 2016.
Since then, he has been promoted to Lifeguard Supervisor and Lifeguard Instructor in 2021.
Fadeli is currently an Aquatics Safety Supervisor. His job involves managing breaks and rotations for his team, checking water quality and ensuring the safety of all guests and staff at the water park.
He is also responsible for managing the slides and responding to emergencies that may occur.
“When I upgraded myself to become a lifeguard, I realised that safety is very important, not just before, but also during emergencies … that’s when we are expected to rescue the guests,” Fadeli said.
As if the responsibility of saving people from drowning was not heavy enough, lifeguards also have to deal with the burden of being misunderstood.
“Under the hot sun, I tend to frown. So when people see me, they think, ‘Oh, he’s a very fierce lifeguard.’
“But it’s just when the sun is shining, I frown so that I can see the surroundings clearly … I’m just doing my job and trying to keep the environment safe,” said Fadeli.
Leading by Example
Fadeli’s dedication to his work has earned him recognition in the industry. He was a Star winner of the recent Excellent Service Awards (EXSA) 2022, and was selected as one of the top five finalists for the Association of Singapore Attractions EXSA SuperStar 2022.
Fadeli’s passion for his job and desire to help and improve the guest experience, especially during times of emergency, sets him apart from others.
“I continue to excel in this career to provide better service and improve the overall industry standard upon my personal encounters with other service personnel,” he said.
Fadeli’s ultimate goal is to inspire others in the industry and continue growing and learning as a lifeguard.
“I want to lead the team successfully and professionally. And I really hope to be a role model to my team and fellow colleagues,” said Fadeli.
An Enabling Environment
A big part of Fadeli’s progress was due to his employer’s willingness to help their staff achieve their goals.
“They have sent me for courses, lots of courses throughout the years, to upgrade myself. With that, I managed to learn and bring back that knowledge to share with the team – so that we are all on the same page.
“I’m thankful and blessed to be here,” he said.
When asked about his industry experience and career progression, Fadeli said: “When I started here as a slide operator, during my schooling days, I joined here as a part-timer, just to enjoy because it’s a fun job.
“Then I saw progress in my career. My superiors believed in me and saw that I was up for it. I am hoping that I can be better promoted,” he shared.
Fadeli’s story is an inspiration to young workers who are passionate about their work and determined to excel in their chosen fields.
He proves that success is always within reach with hard work, dedication, and love for what you do.