MOST of us would love to skip winter and the cooler months and just experience summer all year round – and Madeline McCullagh will do just that.
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The 18-year-old is one of eight Aussies hand-picked to travel to America to spend six months engaging in key aspects of lifeguard services and competitive surf sport.
Thanks to her Surf Life Saving supervisor, who encouraged her to apply, Madeline leaves for Destin Beach, Florida next month where she will spend time keeping a watchful eye on the locals, as well as competing in their state and national competitions along the East Coast and in Daytona.
“At first, I actually didn’t consider applying,” Madeline told the Guardian.
“After having a chat to mum and dad, and a couple of friends, they told me I should do it.”
The selection process involved sending her resume and results from recent surf carnivals to the officials, who then narrowed the nominations down to 12.
From there, she was asked to answer a number of questions.
“I knew I’d be able to handle something like this, but didn’t think it would be something I would do at such a young age – I’m only 18,” she said.
“All the qualifications we have will be similar to over there, but I’m expecting the equipment and some of the processes will be a bit different.”
Another aspect which she’s preparing herself for is the sheer number of people on the beaches.
“The areas they cover over there are massive,” she said. “And I understand it’s a huge retirement state.
“I’m a bit nervous, especially because here we (the public) are drilled with surf awareness campaigns and surf safety – I’m not sure what the levels of education will be like over there.
“It’ll be a huge change to country NSW.”
… and alligators.
“Everyone is telling me to watch out for all the alligators,” she said.
“At first I didn’t know if they were joking or not, but they were all serious.”
Her time abroad will begin with with some training, followed by her time working and competing – and of course, some time to explore.
“I’ve never been overseas before so saying I’m just excited is an understatement … I’m so glad I ended up applying – and it turns out I’m going with someone I’ve known for years,” she said.
“There will be a lot of experienced people there providing a lot of support, so I won’t be alone.
“It will be great to just experience the culture, food and atmosphere over there.”