The new Morris Hospital YMCA, which is set to open in early 2025, will feature an eight-lane state-of-the-art lap pool that will offer YMCA aquatics programs in Grundy County for the first time. And, as we prepare to welcome the community to this new facility, we are excited to introduce Francis Demes as the Morris Hospital YMCA’s first-ever Aquatics Director! Francis brings more than a decade of professional aquatics experience with him to the Y, and you can learn more about him in the Q&A below. 

Q: Where are you from and what is your background in aquatics? 

I grew up in Chicago and I remember going to the Pav YMCA in Berwyn every weekend. I started swim lessons there when I was four years old and swam on the YMCA swim team. I went onto Morton West High School where I swam and played water polo. I got my first lifeguard certification when I was 15 and I have been a swim instructor, swim coach, and aquatics director for a wide range of facilities and organizations. 

Q: Why were you interested in joining the Y staff team? 

Whenever I think of the most fun times I’ve had in my life, I think back to the YMCA. And now that I’m working here, I feel so much nostalgia. The Y has always had a family friendly culture and vibe. It’s one of the top nonprofit organizations in the world and, when you learn how much of an impact it has on those in need, you want to be a part of it. 

Q: What are the most exciting things about aquatics at the future Morris Hospital YMCA? 

This is going to be an awesome facility and we’re so excited to bring new dimensions of programming to the community. This is going to be the epicenter of aquatics for Grundy County. Not only for recreation, but for education as well. We’re looking forward to helping kids learn to swim and training new lifeguards. We also can’t wait to work with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers to provide support for their patients and staff. 

Q: What are some of the benefits of joining the Y staff team as a lifeguard or swim instructor? 

The skills lifeguards and swim instructors learn are incredibly useful for those who are looking into careers as firefighters, EMTs, or members of the military. You’re also helping others stay safe and learn. I know we all enjoyed watching the Olympics this summer, and the Katie Ledecky’s and Michael Phelps’ of the world don’t get there without learning how to swim in a safe environment.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I’m an exercise enthusiast in general and I’m a certified nutritionist. I have black belts in kickboxing and taekwondo and a blue belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu. Outside of that, I’m a family person. I enjoy spending time with my mom, sister, niece, and nephew.

We are so excited to have Francis leading the Y’s new aquatics team in Morris! If you would like to join the Y team as a lifeguard or swim instructor, apply online today. To learn more about the Morris Hospital YMCA, click here.