2018 Awards of Excellence Winner Profile: Samantha McIntyre

Winner Name: Samantha McIntyre
Club: Floreat Surf Life Saving Club
Category: Young Achiever of the Year
What Year Did You Join Surf Life Saving: 2005
Achievements:

• In 2014, while she was in Year 11, Samantha swam the English Channel in a team with five other people
• Samantha has been a Training Officer at Floreat for the past four years
• She is the youngest female Patrol Captain in Floreat Surf Life Saving Club’s history

If you’re looking to be inspired today, take a note out of our Young Achiever of the Year’s book.

Samantha is a student nurse and works as a swimming teacher, she has swum the English Channel in a team, is a qualified Bronze Medallion Trainer and is the youngest female Patrol Captain in Floreat Surf Life Saving Club’s history, and she’s only just turned 20!

As a mentor and role model to younger members, Samantha is a passionate and enthusiastic young member of the surf lifesaving movement who embodies the heart and soul of what surf lifesaving is all about.

As a 19-year-old during the 2017/18 season, she assisted in training seven new Surf Rescue Certificates and 27 new Bronze holders, as well as undertaking further awards to enhance her own training and development.

1. Tell us something interesting about yourself!
   I’ve never broken a bone in my body, and I have a fear of getting injections.
2. Did you grow up with the beach? If so, where was your home beach?
   I started going to Floreat SLSC when I was very young, and all of my best childhood memories were made there.
3. When you’re not down at the beach, what keeps you busy?
   If I’m not at the beach, I’m working as a swimming teacher, studying Nursing at university, or spending time with my friends.
4. What does Surf Life Saving mean to you?
   When I was younger, I participated in Surf Life Saving only because my parents wanted me to learn to be safe in the ocean. Now, I couldn’t imagine my future without it. The people at Floreat SLSC have become my second family and I have learnt invaluable life lessons during my time there.
5. What is the best thing about your Surf Life Saving Club?
   I love how close and supportive everyone is – there’s always lots of people ready and willing to help you if you ever need it.
6. What is your most memorable – whether it be funny, happy, tear-jerking or exciting – moment you’ve had during your time with Surf Life Saving?
   My favourite memories of my time in Surf Life Saving would have to be the ones made at my club’s competitions. My friends and I are all pretty competitive, but we also always have a tonne of fun.
7. How has Surf Life Saving shaped who you are today?
   My participation in Surf Life Saving has played a huge part in shaping who I am today. It has helped me develop my confidence, resilience and self-awareness. It has also provided me with teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills that I will continue to use throughout the rest of my life.
8. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in joining Surf Life Saving?
   I would tell everyone to get involved and have a go at whatever appeals to you. Surf Life Saving has so many different components and offers so many different things to its members – from competitions to education to social events.