Hailing from the Minnie Water-Wooli club on the state’s North Coast, Natalie Durrington already boasts a lifesaving resume to be proud of. This talented teenager can now add one more achievement to her list; Profile of the Month for August.
Natalie’s involvement in Surf Life Saving spans 13 years during which time she has taken advantage of every opportunity that has come her away.
A believer in gaining as much knowledge as possible, Natalie is proud of her club and of being a part of the movement she has described as a “large family.”
In addition to her hours as a volunteer, Natalie is also a trained lifeguard and has ambitions to travel the world with those very worthy skills.
Below is Natalie Durrington’s story in her own words.
When did you join Surf Life Saving and what appealed to you about it?
I started Nippers at the age of 6 and completed my Surf Rescue Certificate at 14. I enjoyed my years in Nippers so much that I would go on to obtain my Bronze Medallion in 2013, my Silver qualifications in 2015, and finally my Gold certificate last year.
Additionally, I have also completed many more courses throughout my time in Surf Life Saving as I was eager to get in and show them how enthusiastic I was. I would watch other patrol members and thought that’s what I really want to achieve.
What are the key lessons that you’ve learnt from your time in Surf Life Saving?
The key lesson that I have learnt while at Surf Life Saving is how to be a valuable team member, i.e. how important it is to be well prepared and support each other in any type of situation that may arise.
I have also learned how to respect the ocean and to read the surf conditions to find the safest place for the public to swim and play.
Can you tell us about your time in Surf Life Saving and some of the roles that you have undertaken?
The main role I have undertaken while working within Surf Life Saving is to keep the beach going public safe at all times.
I’ve also volunteered as Age Manager being responsible for the U6/7 year old Nippers, which is something I enjoy.
Some of the other courses I have completed over the years have taught me skills in areas as diverse as Spinal Management, First Aid, Aquatic Search and Rescue, Advanced Resuscitation among others.
What makes Minnie Water–Wooli SLSC and its members special?
Minnie Water Beach is a great beach to me as I’ve spent many Sundays learning about beach safety while also improving my board and ocean swimming skills.
Our Minnie Water-Wooli S.L.S.C members are dedicated and ready to take on whatever our beach throws at us, and have always got everyone’s best interests at heart.
To me being part of this fantastic club is like being part of one big family.
Could you describe what you are most looking forward to about the 2017/18 season?
I’m looking forward to another beautiful summer, watching our beach while keeping the public safe, meeting new club members and catching up with the old ones, and just getting out there and having fun.
What are your goals within Surf Life Saving?
Some of my goals involve working on my board skills and fitness. I would like to complete more courses to add to my list.
Another big goal for the future is having the opportunity to travel overseas for lifeguarding and competing for my Minnie Water-Wooli club in future competitions.
Who is someone you admire in the Surf Life Saving movement and why?
I admire many people in the club. They have mentored me to be the best I can and have taught me so many great life values that I can take with me wherever life leads me.
Favourite beach that isn’t yours?
One of my favourite beaches is Bondi, because I admire the work of the lifeguard’s having to be responsible for keeping thousands of beach goers safe every year and you never know which celebrity will turn up at Bondi!!, and I love the crystal clear waters on a hot summer’s day.
Closer to home another one of my favourite beaches is Woolgoolga as that is where I spend all my Christmas Holidays with family.
Finally, what has been your best memory so far as a surf lifesaver?
One of my best memories in Surf Life Saving was receiving the Junior Club Person of the Year for the 2015/16 season and then receiving Senior Club Person of the Year the following summer. It makes me so happy to know that I am valued as an active participant within Minnie Water-Wooli S.L.S.C.
Thursday 31 August 2017