Finding Family Through Aquatics

“Once I arrived in Australia, it was a very supportive system to reach my goals and dreams.”

Valentina Gamarra, The Sands Torquay

Valentina Gamarra never set out to work in aquatics. As she says, "the career chose me." Her love for water, people, and community has shaped her path from Uruguay to Health Club Manager at The Sands Torquay, a finalist in the 2026 LSV Awards of Excellence for Swim & Survive Partner of the Year. 

Valentina came to Australia in late 2019 after meeting her now-husband during his travels in Uruguay. Even though she arrived alone, she soon found a friendly community and chances to follow her passion. 

"I always wanted to be a swim teacher," she says. 

Once in Australia, Valentina jumped into the aquatic industry. She taught learn-to-swim classes, helped with school swimming, and earned her Pool Lifeguard qualification. She also joined a local lifesaving club, got her Bronze Medallion, and spent many hours training, patrolling, and learning about Australia’s water safety culture. 

A passion for keeping families safe

Today, Valentina’s experience guides her work at The Sands Torquay, where the swim school has supported its regional coastal community for four years. With 600 students, including 130 in the Little Wonders program, 14 local teachers, and the only LSV partnership in the area, the program plays an important role in local swimming and water safety education. 

Her work reflects Swim and Survive, supporting children to build swimming, personal survival, basic rescue and lifesaving skills through progressive learning.

"For four years, our swim school has been the heartbeat of water safety in our regional coastal community." 

For Valentina, swimming education is about more than moving children through levels. It is about building confidence, competence and a safer relationship with the water.

"We believe swimming is for everyone, which is why we go above and beyond to ensure no student is left behind." 

Finding family through aquatics

Most of Valentina’s family is still in Uruguay, but she has found a sense of belonging with her colleagues, friends, and the wider aquatic community.

"Everyone has made me feel so welcome," she says. "I love immersing myself in the local community and Australian culture."

Whether she’s teaching, managing, surfing, swimming, or sailing, Valentina’s goal is always the same: to help people enjoy the water and stay safe.

People like Valentina show how important aquatic leaders are for safer communities. At The Sands Torquay, her focus on active supervision keeps making a real difference for families.