Jumping into water to save someone isn't the same as jumping into a swimming pool to win a race.

If you need evidence just ask Kelsea Vessey.

She is a gold-medal swimmer for the Acadia Axewomen, coached by Gary MacDonald, and has already qualified in two butterfly events for the U Sports nationals next month at UBC.

As a rookie last year, she won four medals in the AUS championships, including gold in the 200-metre final. At the nationals, she made it to the 200 final, placing ninth.

But it's what happened after the season that makes for an interesting tale.

Vessey, who grew up in Halifax before moving to New Brunswick and Ontario as part of a military family, decided she wanted to stay in the Annapolis Valley for the summer. That meant finding work.

She came in contact with Paul D'Eon of the Nova Scotia Lifeguarding Service. Despite Vessey having no credentials, except outstanding skills in the water, D'Eon posted her to Aylesford Lake Beach. It would be up to Vessey to meet the certification requirements.

"I lucked in to the job," said Vessey, a business administration student. Click Here for more.