For Mattias Steljic from Mermaid Beach AEME Surf Life Saving Club, Surf Life Saving has become an important part of both his leadership and service journey.
Alongside regular patrol duties, Mattias has completed qualifications in Advanced Resuscitation Techniques, First Aid and CPR, while also contributing through the Membership Committee and the QA Surf Lifesavers CAS Group Leadership Team, as co-captain.
Despite the responsibility that comes with patrols and training, some of Mattias’ favourite memories have simply involved being around other members at the beach.
“Hanging out on patrol with other QA students and practising on the boards” stood out as one of the highlights he reflected on most.
Mattias also explained that Surf Life Saving has helped shape the way he approaches challenges and teamwork, particularly through learning how to support others in high pressure situations. At the end of last season, Mattias was awarded Youth Lifesaver of the Year for the club, further consolidating his dedication and leadership throughout the community.
At Mermaid Beach AEME Surf Life Saving Club, Aaron Gilmour has spent the season involved in patrols, training sessions and supporting younger members through Nippers programs.
Aaron reflected that Surf Life Saving has strengthened his understanding of community responsibility and beach safety, while also helping build practical skills that extend well beyond the surf club environment.
For Mia Watson from Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, one of the standout experiences of her involvement came through attending the 2025 Youth Excellence Program camp.
Mia described the camp as one of the most rewarding opportunities she has experienced through Surf Life Saving, particularly the chance to meet and connect with youth members from clubs across Queensland.
Through patrols, camps and club involvement, Mia reflected that Surf Life Saving has helped her build confidence in the ocean, strengthen communication skills and become more comfortable stepping outside her comfort zone. Mia is also a co-captain of the QA Surf Lifesaving program and has demonstrated exemplary leadership during training sessions, events and supporting our new members.
Meanwhile, Liesl-Mae Avin from Mermaid Beach AEME Surf Life Saving Club joined Surf Life Saving in 2024 and quickly became involved in patrol operations throughout the season.
Among the highlights of her experience were completing First Aid and Advanced Resuscitation Techniques courses, which exposed her to more advanced emergency response scenarios and practical lifesaving training.
Liesl-Mae reflected that Surf Life Saving has strengthened her ability to collaborate with others and reinforced the importance of staying calm and prepared during emergency situations.
Across both parts of this feature series, one message has remained consistent. Surf Life Saving is not only about rescues, qualifications or competition results. It is also about resilience, friendships, community and becoming part of something bigger than yourself.
On patrol, QAHS students work alongside volunteers from every generation and background imaginable. Some are long time members who have spent decades protecting local beaches, while others are teenagers stepping into patrol life for the very first time.
There are serious moments, difficult surf conditions, first aid incidents and long shifts in the Queensland heat. But there is also plenty of fun mixed in along the way. Shared meals during patrol, stories in the patrol trailer, board sessions with friends, early morning beach set ups and the occasional tourist asking for a selfie with the lifesavers all become part of the experience.
Surf Life Saving has connected students to local communities, lifelong friendships and experiences that extend well beyond the classroom.
From sunrise patrols to leadership camps, from ocean swims to radio calls into SurfComm, these students continue to represent QAHS in a unique and meaningful way across beaches throughout the Gold Coast.
Dion Obst
HOD Global Connect