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Name: Israel Tubens
Job Title: Lifeguard and swim instructor
Asphalt Green Department: Aquatics
Q: How long have you been working at Asphalt Green?
A: I've been working at Asphalt Green for about four years.
Q: What do you do at Asphalt Green?
A: I’m a lifeguard. I am responsible for the safety of anyone and everyone who steps foot in the pool area. I provide first aid when necessary on the Asphalt Green premises.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of working at Asphalt Green?
A: My favorite aspect of working at Asphalt Green is that I get to see and work with people who enjoy swimming as much as I do. My absolute favorite part of working here is being able to watch such talented and skilled swimmers.
Q: What is one of your fondest memories of working at Asphalt Green so far?
A: My fondest memory of working at Asphalt Green would have to be my first time working The Big Swim. I was nervous and excited at the same time, but it was a great opportunity to gain experience and make new friendships with staff and faculty.
Q: How did you get into the aquatics industry?
A: I’ve been in the aquatics industry since I was 15 years old. Then, I decided to become a certified Red Cross lifeguard, so I took the lifeguarding classes at Asphalt Green. Shortly after becoming certified, I started working here.
At the age of 16, I became a New York City lifeguard at Rockaway Beach. Then, when I was 18 years old, I landed a coaching job at the Boys Club of New York, the facility where I spent most of my childhood and learned to swim.
Recently, I became a swim instructor at Asphalt Green and began coaching the Asphalt Green Unified Aquatics (AGUA) Swim Team on the weekends.
Q: When did you learn to swim?
A: I first learned to swim at the Boys Club of New York at the age of 8. Soon after, I started competing for the New York City Aquatic Club, which hosts practice at the Baruch College campus.
Q: What are your goals?
A: After a successful career, I hope that I can follow my true passion, which is to coach my own competitive, national travel swim team.
Q: What is your favorite or best swim tip?
A: My best swim tip for any swimmer of any age is to have a balanced rhythm. Having balance within the water will allow you to swim more efficiently. Rhythm is something that all successful competitive swimmers practice and apply during a competition. It creates a tempo that will improve efficiency in later laps and last yards in a competition.