How many people have you helped?

Thousands! I have been lucky to work on a busy beach and be very hands on. But I have helped more in a pro-active way

How old were you when you started working as a lifeguard?

20 years old

What is it like being a lifeguard?

It is very rewarding. It has its good and bad parts like every job. But its great to work as part of a team.

How do you keep fit?

Swimming, running, surfing and team sports on the beach

What do you do each day?

It’s a mixed role. Maintain safety on the beaches, being proactive and educating the public. I carry out rescues and first aids, deal with lost kids, and train new lifeguards.

How do you manage people who do not like your advice and who get angry with you?

I am diplomatic, patient and explain what I want and why it is for their safety.

What training do you do to drive the boats and water craft (Jet skis)?

There is lots of training to do and qualifications to be taken. Now that I am qualified I have to do a test once a year to show my competence and then I train as often as I can.

Have you ever saved a child from the sea?  If so, how old were they and what happened?

Yes, the past few years I have saved many children aged 2 –12, most were on body boards and out of their depth. Most of the time I would go out on a paddle board and pick them and their board up and catch a wave back in with them. If there is a few of them or they are a long way out we would aim to use the IRB.

How dangerous is your job as a lifeguard?

Parts of my job are very dangerous. There are times you put yourself out there to save others; but that’s what its all about and that’s what we train for.

How do you feel when you are out on a rescue?

It’s a fantastic feeling if you can help.

What made you want to be a lifeguard?

I want to help others, work outside in a team and keep fit.

What’s the training like? Is there a lot of reading and writing?

The training is mostly physical however there is a bit of reading and writing.

What does your family think about your lifeguard work?

They are happy for me although don’t always consider it a ‘real’ job!

Have you ever been up in a helicopter? If so, was it good?

Yes, it’s fantastic. It can be very useful for some incidents.

Describe a special rescue you have been involved with.