JOANIE BEISEL

2018 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

            Joanie has had a long and successful career in aquatics as a competitor, lifeguard, swim instructor and “Swim Mom”.  Over more than twenty years, Joanie has been a nationally recognized swimming official for USA Swimming, NCAA, and High School swimming.  She competed as a youngster through high school for the Cranston YMCA.  Like many competitive swimmers, Joanie spent her high school and college summers lifeguarding and teaching swimming as a Water Safety Instructor.  Joanie lifeguarded and taught swim lessons at Narragansett Town Beach and Bonnet Shores from 1976-1980.

            When her daughter began competing as a swimmer, Joanie became an active participant again, this time as an official.  Soon her professionalism and dedication to the sport led her to top levels of national certification for the USA Swimming.  Joanie has been the Deck Referee, Chief Judge, and Stroke and Turn Official for many United States Swimming National Meets.  She was the Administrative Referee for the World Deaf Swimming Championship in 2015.  In the last 10 years, Joanie has been an official at over 500 competitive swim sessions.

            In addition, Joanie was selected to be the Meet and Administrative Referee for numerous New England Swimming Championships and Florida GC Speedo Sectionals.  In New England, Joanie serves on the New England Swimming Officials Committee and serves in New England and Rhode Island as a USA Swimming National Evaluator.  In November of 2014 Joanie was recognized nationally with the Maxwell Award for her contribution to local swimming.

            Joanie has added NCAA certification to her resume and now works many meets at Providence College, Brown University, Roger Williams University, Bryant University and the University of Rhode Island.  She was the Meet Referee for the Men’s and Women’s Ivy League Championships in 2014, 2016, and 2017.

            In Rhode Island, Joanie has been involved with the special Olympics Aquatic Summer Games management team for over twenty (20) years.  As a high school swim official for the past 12 years, she has served as the Rhode Island Interscholastic League Officials Association Vice President and is involved with the training and progress of their new officials and the development of the program.  Joanie lives in Saunderstown, Rhode Island with her husband Ted and is the mother of Danny and Elizabeth Beisel.