(May 2, 2013) — Growing up under the sun and always near the water, this California girl is no stranger to swim meets, water polo competitions, and lifeguarding jobs. Junior Selin Rostami has had love for the water for as long as she can remember.

“I started swimming before I could walk just because I was so comfortable with the water,” Rostami said. “My whole family has been involved in swim. My mom and my aunt have both been swimmers, so as a family we always loved swimming.”

Rostami has been involved both in school water polo and swim teams and has also been in the Southern California Swim League. “I’ve done competitive swim since I can remember, and I’ve done competitions, and gone to pretty much all of California’s pools,” Rostami said. “My teammates are awesome, they’re the best. I’ve grown up with them, and every month or so we do competitions together.” Putting her skills to good use, Rostami also works as a lifeguard for the Glendale YMCA.

“Lifeguarding is really fun,” Rostami said. “It’s a great environment to be in over summer, and since I’m near the pool, I’m a lot happier,” Rostami said. “Most people think it’s just a fun job, but when someone is drowning, and you have to actually do the CPR and get them out of the pool safely, then that’s really risky and dangerous, and anyone who is a lifeguard should be really prepared for it.”

Rostami also has high hopes for the future, and says she would love to enter professional diving in the future. She also says that if she could ever get the chance to compete in the Olympics, it would be a great honor and achievement. “My friend was four seconds away from getting into the Olympics, so it’s really hard and competitive but I would love to continue swim if I could get that far,” Rostami said.

Embracing her love for swim and water, Rostami is in the pool every chance that she gets, no matter the season or time. “I feel like whenever I’m in the water I have more control over myself, and it’s the only place where I can think and actually relax,” Rostami said. “When I’m outside I’m me too, but when I’m in the water it’s just something else, a whole new experience.”