The ocean is my office
Brad Mexon
Council Lifeguard and Beach Education Officer
Sutherland Shire Council, Sydney
I am the Education Officer for Sutherland Shire Council's Lifeguard Service.
Schools from all over south-western Sydney are invited to visit our beaches and participate in the dedicated surf awareness education programs Sutherland Shire Council has developed. There is a course for primary school aged students which focuses on the beach environment and its dangers and also includes practical components such as deep water flotation and board paddling techniques. The high school aged course covers the same content plus rescue techniques and C.P.R.
When I am not hosting schools I undertake normal life guarding duties.
Initially I worked as a seasonal /casual lifeguard while I was studying at University. Once I received my qualifications I applied for the Education Officer's role and was successful.
Having the beach as your office is a definite highlight! I'm very much an active/outdoors person and it is fantastic to be able to work on some of the best beaches in the world.
I also enjoy being involved in the preventative action process of surf accidents by teaching students about the potential dangers when visiting the beach. I hope I am making a difference and as a result of lessons I teach, students are inclined to act in a more responsible and educated manner and stay out of trouble at the beach. It would also be great to think they are taking these lessons home and passing their new found skills onto other family members and their friends.
My council understands that employees have different needs and different skills to contribute and they do their best to cater for these. I also like the fact that I know I am making a direct contribution to the community.Career Pathway