Albany lifesaver to share passion for ocean in national mentoring program

With a lifelong love of the water and a passion to give back, Albany Surf Life Saving Club’s Lauren Darge will join an Australia-wide program to mentor the next generation of female leaders.

Last week, Ms Darge was named among the newest recruits of Surf Life Saving Australia’s Women’s Mentoring Program.

The program, now in its second round, pairs 21 mentors with 21 rising surf lifesavers across five States for a year-long online program.

The initiative is designed to help female surf lifesavers gain the skills and support to excel in leadership positions within their clubs.

Ms Darge was among eight WA women selected in this year’s program and the first from Albany.

After moving to Wellstead last year, Ms Darge travels regularly to Middleton Beach to do what she loves, having been involved in various Surf Life Saving clubs since she was nine years old.

“I can't really explain why, but it's a part of who I am,” she said.

“I've moved a couple of times and the first thing I have always done is check out the local surf club.

“In my experience I was often the only girl or the only one my age, so being able to share ideas with someone in a similar situation to you is a huge advantage.

“You sometimes don’t have someone at your club who is an appropriate mentor for your experiences, and if you do, it’s awesome to have an outside perspective.”

She has been involved in Surf Life Saving at both a State and national level and has been dedicated to the education and development of other club members.

“I'm really interested in what happens beyond the sand and surf,” she said.

“I have given lots of different aspects of Surf Life Saving a crack, from rowing to patrolling and training, and I like being able to share my experiences if it is going to help others.”