IAN MUIR
2018 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME
Ian began his career in aquatics in Australia in 1972 teaching children and adult non- swimmers how to swim. During this time, in Australia, he worked as a lifeguard and coached Masters Swimming and Age Group Swimming. Ian also swam in the Australian Masters Program and was recognized as one of the top ten swimmers in his age group. In 1989, Ian began his career in Rhode Island as a Water Safety Instructor and lifeguard at Kent County YMCA. At Kent County, Ian coached the age group swim team and coached in the Masters Program as well. During this time, Ian was credited with creating and implementing a stroke and endurance program for the YMCA. During the summers from 1992 through 2006, Ian served as the Head Lifeguard and the summer swim team coach for both Quidnessett Country Club and Warwick Country Club as part of the Narragansett Summer League. His coaching experience also included responsibilities with the Bruin Swim Club, the Ocean State Squids, and the South County YMCA.
His career at the Fox Point Boys and Girls Club began in 2003. A competitive program that once totaled six (6) participants now has over ninety (90) participants and a non-existent swim lesson program now teaches more than one hundred children annually. Once a child got involved with taking swim lessons, Ian was able to inspire and motivate them to continue in life saving and competitive swimming. As an American Red Cross Instructor, he taught many lifeguard courses as well as basic swim lessons. Ian created and implemented a program titled, “Swimming for the Terrified”. Many adult students have become firemen in Providence and surrounding communities and other adult swimmers have gone on to become Navy Seals.
His swim teams have won four Rhode Island-Massachusetts Association (RIMA) Championships with Ian being named the RIMA Coach of the Year in 2006 and 20009. Many of his swimmers continue to compete in the interscholastic league representing schools in Providence, East Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, and North Providence. Ian has coached at the Lincoln School for Girls in Providence. His Master’s Program participants have participated in annual Save the Bay swims and other locally sponsored long-distance swims.
As an Aquatics Director, Head Swimming Coach, lifeguard and an instructor, Ian completely resurrected the swimming program at the Fox Point Clubhouse. According to Ryan Queenan, “Fox Point Clubhouse Director, “ Ian has been a great advocate for the importance of water safety and the inclusions for all community members.” Ryan further stated, “One of Ian’s personal missions is to instill within the program assurance that all members regardless of age, race, ethnicity for socio-economic background have the opportunity to learn to swim and to participate in aquatics for recreational and competitive purposes.”
Ian needed to secure a safe facility to achieve these goals and he is credited with the work done to restore the Fox Point Clubhouse Pool. He continues to maintain the facility benefitting not only the clubhouse but the entire community. The pool is utilized by interscholastic league member schools; East Greenwich High School, Lincoln School for Girls, Wheeler School, and formerly, LaSalle Academy.
As a leader in aquatics in Rhode Island, Ian presently continues his career at Fox Point Clubhouse. He is married to Karen and has three children; Marshall, Andrew, and Ashley. Ian and Karen have two grandsons; Kai and Gavin.