Advertisement

Laguna Beach hires new aquatics coordinator

Share

Laguna Beach’s community pool has a new full-time aquatics coordinator — a familiar face for some regulars.

The city selected Albie Beeler, interim pool supervisor since September, after a “competitive national recruitment,” according to a news release.

Beeler, who started as a part-time pool lifeguard in 2008, said it “was an amazing day” when he received a phone call alerting him of the job offer.

Advertisement

“I love coaching and love the kids, but this is step for me and my future,” said Beeler, 41, who currently coaches the Laguna Beach Water Polo Club’s 10-and-under coed team, along with the girls’ Junior Olympics team.

Beeler’s brother Chad established the club, according to the organization’s website.

“I want to provide a safe place for everyone to come and enjoy the water,” said Beeler, who began his new role Feb. 14.

The city chose Beeler from among 71 applicants because of his experience, skill set and knowledge of Laguna’s aquatics community, Assistant City Manager Christa Johnson wrote in an email.

After Roger Coldiron resigned as pool manager last summer, the city updated the job description and title, Johnson said.

Beeler oversees all operations at the pool, including lifeguard training, program and maintenance scheduling, and special events.

The city and Laguna Beach Unified School District share the pool, located across from Laguna Beach High School at 670 Park Ave., through a joint-use agreement. Laguna Beach High swimming and water polo teams use the pool, while the city hosts several programs, including water aerobics classes and swim lessons.

Beeler grew up in Anaheim Hills and said he “fell in love” with Laguna when, as a 16-year-old, he earned a job as an ocean lifeguard with the beach city. Beeler was an ocean lifeguard for 10 years and coached Laguna Beach High’s junior varsity swim teams for two years.

Beeler said one of his goals in his new position will be educating swimmers about water safety. He said he will continue his Laguna Beach Water Polo Club’s coaching roles until the end of this season.

“It’s a community here,” Beeler said. “People know each other and trust each other.”

bryce.alderton@latimes.com

Twitter: @AldertonBryce

Advertisement