Young Sunshine Coast lifesaver making waves for future

A young nipper turned fully fledged surf lifesaver is making waves as a Marcoola ambassador.

ON PATROL: Kirralee Barnard is representing Marcoola SLSC as the Summer Surf Ambassador. Picture: Patrick Woods

A YOUNG nipper turned fully fledged surf lifesaver is making waves as a Marcoola ambassador.

Kirralee Barnard was chosen to represent Marcoola SLSC as the Summer Surf Ambassador in Surf Life Saving Queensland's annual Summer Surf Program.

The initiative seeks to engage ambassadors from surf lifesaving clubs across Queensland while developing their skills and experience for their future careers.

The 19-year-old thought it would be a great way to challenge herself and raise funds for the surf club she's loved for so many years.

Ms Barnard is passionate about promoting awareness in the community on the dangers of un-patrolled beaches and waterways.

"When I was little I was stuck in a rip,” she said.

"It wasn't too serious but I remember how freaked out I was. So I'm trying to get people to avoid living that type of trauma, because no matter how big it is, everyone is bound to be in a rip.

"Going from being a nipper and thinking I knew a lot to realising I didn't was really eye-opening for the fact that no one can really judge the sea and know what's going to happen.”

As a budding nurse, Ms Barnard believes being a Summer Surf Ambassador has brought out her compassionate side.

"This program has really shown me that I like helping people, making them comfortable and engaging with first-aid techniques,” she said.

Marcoola lifesaving operations manager Olivia Wilson said Ms Barnard had improved her public speaking skills due to the program.

"It's been great to see her grow in the role, she's a lot more confident now and I think she's learnt a lot about herself,” she said.

Ms Barnard will head to the Gold Coast on May 7 for judging on her surf rescue, beach patrol and water safety skills, along with her fundraising initiatives for the past year.