Rachel Jackson, Bay Port 2023, is the head lifeguard at the Howard-Suamico Community Pool. Rachel works the early morning shift, and enjoys making sure her pool guests feel part of a safe and caring family environment. “Rachel has special interactions with all the morning patrons,” said Aquatics Supervisor Tracy Barden. “She makes a point to ask how everyone's weekend was and what was their highlight. Her interaction with the public is a reason they treasure coming here. We very much have a community atmosphere in the morning hours, much of that is driven by Rachel.”

Rachel has a regular patron who gives her a fist bump and brings her a butterscotch candy every morning. Another patron grew up during the war in Poland, and Rachel loves hearing his stories and seeing his face light up when she asks him questions. “I am always thinking about how I can impact the people who come through my door,” said Rachel. “I love being someone who can smile and bring a little bit of joy to someone else’s day. The pool is precious to our community members, and it makes them feel part of a family and like they belong.”

Outside of lifeguarding, Rachel is attending school at NWTC for radiography.