Madeline was one of eight Aussies hand-picked to work on the Daytona beaches, and compete in their state and national competitions.

In just six months stateside, Madeline has collected two gold and two silver medals in various divisions and events.

The 18-year-old told the Guardian it had been an eye-opening experience.

“It has been such a blast! I have had so much fun, seen so many new places and have gotten so much out of this trip,” she said.

“Working over here has been great, a little different to back home, but a good experience. I have loved meeting new people and seeing new places like New York, New Orleans, around Florida and soon the west coast!”

And there’s been the opportunity to compete.

“Competing was very different but fun to try something new,” she said.

“I competed in both the junior and senior competitions where I won the surf ski race and placed second in the board race for both age groups. 

“Our team won the overall point score for our division (small lifeguard associations) and I think we ended up third in the overall point score which was very exciting to be a part of.”