West Essex YMCA Welcomes New Aquatics Leadership

By: Mollie Shauger | Tuesday, November 5, 2024 | Leadership

Antonio Culic, left, and Nirel Bravo, right

LIVINGSTON, NJ - The West Essex YMCA is excited to announce the recent appointment of Nirel Bravo as the Y’s new Aquatics Director and Antonio Culic as Assistant Aquatics Director. The duo will oversee the management and operations of Y swim programs and work closely with the Y’s leadership team to ensure the delivery of high-quality programs to members and the community.

Bravo developed his passion for aquatics in Plainfield, where he swam competitively for multiple swim teams. In high school, he was a lifeguard for the Plainfield public pools and taught swim lessons every summer, eventually becoming the head guard. In 2023, he became the Assistant Aquatics Director at the JCC of Central New Jersey.

“My passion and vision for aquatics continues to grow as I notice the pressing need for proficient swimmers within my own community and personal life,” said Bravo. “I believe swimming is an essential life skill that everyone should have the opportunity to learn and practice in a safe environment. As the Aquatics Director at the YMCA, I hope to expand my vision and advance the development of confident and capable swimmers.”

The West Essex Y offers group and private swim lessons for children and adults, starting at 6 months of age, as well as lap swimming throughout the week, Family Swim sessions, and a free Safety Around Water drowning-prevention program every summer. The Y also offers a youth swim team, the Racers, and a Piranhas Special Olympics team for swimmers with disabilities. 

Bravo is joined by new Assistant Aquatics Director Antonio Culic, who has taught swim lessons and lifeguard instruction at West Essex Y since 2018. He was named Aquatics Supervisor in December of 2023, before being promoted to Assistant Director. Culic’s love of swimming began at an early age, with one of his first memories of being in the water while vacationing in Croatia. 

“I learned to swim in the sea at just 4 years old, and that moment sparked a lifelong connection to the water,” he said. “Now, two decades later, I've had the privilege of teaching hundreds - if not thousands  - of children and adults how to swim. There’s no greater reward than passing on a skill that not only brings joy but also ensures safety for a lifetime.”

“The passion that Nirel and Antonio have for empowering young people, combined with their strong values, make them an ideal fit for the Y. We are confident that under their leadership, our programs will continue to inspire and positively impact the lives of adults, youth, and families in our community," said Cheryl Tuturice, District Executive Director at the West Essex Y.

###

ABOUT THE Y

Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its seven branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. The Metro YMCA serves 100,000+ individuals across NJ and provides more than $6 million annually in financial assistance and free programming.