A much-loved swim teacher at Rainham Leisure Centre has retired after 48 years in the leisure industry - having taught thousands of local people to swim over the decades, including parents, their children, and now their grandchildren.
Debbie Organ, 66, from Ockendon, has been a local swimming teacher for 45 years, having started out as a lifeguard in the late 1970s. Her career has taken her full circle, finishing where it began in Rainham.
Debbie grew up as a competitive swimmer at Barking & Dagenham Aquatics Club, alongside her siblings, who also swam competitively as children.
Debbie said: "I've always had an interest in swimming. My twin sisters and my brother all swam competitively too, so it was in the family."
After leaving school, Debbie briefly worked in a corporate job at a solicitors' firm - but it wasn't for her.
In 1978, aged just 18, Debbie landed a full-time lifeguard job at Chafford Sports Complex in Rainham, becoming the first woman to hold a lifeguard role there. Three years later, in 1981, she took her swimming teacher qualification at Chafford, and that's where her career in swimming began.
In 2006, when leisure operator Everyone Active took over the running of local leisure centres, Debbie moved roles to nearby Hornchurch, successfully applying for the position of swim manager - a role she has held ever since, right through to her retirement in 2026.
As swim manager, Debbie has been responsible for overseeing the swim school, including lesson scheduling, rotas and supporting the wider team of teachers, though she has continued to teach herself whenever needed in the pool.
Debbie remained at Hornchurch until January 2021, when Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre opened, replacing the former Hornchurch Sports Centre. She then continued her role there until July 2023, when the brand-new Rainham Leisure Centre opened - replacing the old Chafford Sports Complex, also in Rainham, where Debbie had started her career all those years before.
Debbie has worked full time right up until her retirement, and says she has loved every moment.
"I absolutely love teaching and I love the leisure industry. I love helping generations of swimmers, from parents right through to their children and grandchildren. You get to know these families over the years, and being part of their lives for that long is something really special.
"I also love helping other swim teachers develop and progress – it’s so rewarding.”
Debbie is passionate about the importance of learning to swim. She said: "It's such an important life skill, I really believe everyone should learn. It's not just about being able to swim a length; it could save your life one day, or someone else's.
“It's also a great way of keeping active and it's brilliant for people who have suffered injuries, too, because it's such a low-impact, low-weight-bearing activity.
She laughed as she revealed the moment she knew it was time to retire: "When the staff started calling me 'nan', I knew it was time to leave!"
Despite hanging up her whistle full time, Debbie is staying on the books at Rainham Leisure Centre to do cover teaching on an ad hoc basis when needed.
Debbie's swim teaching legacy continues at Rainham through Jodie Denham, who has taken over as the centre's new swim manager. Debbie played a key role in Jodie's own development, having encouraged her to become a swim teacher.
Debbie said: "Jodie's one of the swim teachers I encouraged to get into teaching, and I couldn't be prouder to be handing things over to her. I know the swim school is in great hands.”
When asked what she’s going to do next, Debbie said: "I've got a long list of DIY projects waiting for me, and I love a power tool! I'm looking forward to doing some gardening too. I’m also looking forward to spending time with my grandchildren.”
Tony Phillips, general manager at Rainham Leisure Centre, said: “Debbie is one of a kind. I've known her for more than 30 years and have been lucky enough to have Debbie as my swim manager at Rainham for the past three years, since it opened.
“She's like the mum of the sports centre. She'll have banter with anyone, and give as good as she gets, but what sets her apart is how much she cares about her swimmers learning at the right pace, about her teachers enjoying their jobs, and about everyone around her.
“Over the years she's taught thousands of locals to swim, developed teachers who are still working across our centres today, and taught generations of the same families. Not many people get to leave that kind of legacy behind.
“Debbie will be missed enormously, both as a colleague and a friend. Although she's retiring, we're hoping to still see her back now and again to help cover lessons.”
Councillor Graham Day, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, Havering Council, said: “Debbie’s remarkable 48-year career is a wonderful example of community service and the positive impact one person can have on thousands of lives.
“Through her passion for swimming and commitment to helping others, she has given generations of Havering residents an invaluable life skill while inspiring countless young people and fellow teachers along the way.
“On behalf of Havering Council, I thank Debbie for her outstanding contribution to our borough and wish her a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.”