Q: What do you do?

A: I am a professional lifeguard at a Sydney beach.

Q: What was your first big break?

A: When my current boss employed me as a full time lifeguard. There is only one other full time female life guard employed on a beach in NSW.

Q: Can you briefly explain your career pathway so far?

A: I did my work experience in Year 10 at the beach and I worked casually as a lifeguard on the beach in my school holidays. When I finished Year 12 I worked on the beach again for six weeks and during my university holidays.

I have a degree in Sports Science and have worked full time as a lifeguard since 2000.

Q: What are your passions?

A: I'm really into surfing, fishing and gardening.

Q: Do you have any mentors? Who do you find inspiring?

A: Initially it was really hard working in such a male dominated area but the men I work with really encourage and support me in my job.

Q: What advice would you give to a young woman who is considering a career as a lifeguard?

A: You need to have been in and around the ocean all your life. Surfing has helped me to develop some of the skills of reading waves and water conditions.

Communication skills are really important as I deal with the public all day every day in this job. I work with many people from overseas and also Australians who have never been in the surf before so I need to be able to let them know about the importance of swimming where it is safe. This can be really hard if I cannot speak their language.

Q: What has been the high point so far for you?

A: After a really busy day on the beach, with lots of rescues and working closely with people all day I am exhausted but it is great to feel that you have achieved something in your job. I walk to work and I work in a beautiful place.

Q: What are your plans and goals for the future?

A: I am considering undertaking further studies next year - possibly in education so that I can teach at some stage in the future.