Pete Lifeguarding Australia

Pete Geall, who was raised in Southill, swapped the rolling green pastures of home for an exciting life on the beach working full-time as an International Beach Lifeguard. He is currently busy covering a Cornish beach in Penwith. Here he tells us about his lifestyle and his thoughts on home:

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Trevigro, one of the small hamlets in Southill and I went to school at Callington Community College.  My family are keen beach people, so despite being from one of the most landlocked parts of Cornwall I spent a lot of my youth in the ocean or enjoying the beautiful countryside around our house.

Why did you decide to be a lifeguard?

After going to University I spent some time working at Falmouth University and at a design agency.  The work was interesting but I found the whole office scene, with its water cooler gossip and weekend dreaming a tad stifling.

After my contract was up I went travelling and wanted a way to sustain a beach lifestyle and my passion for surfing.  Lifeguarding seemed like the most logical conclusion at the time and I haven’t looked back since.

Where has Lifeguarding taken you?

Newquay Lifeguards

I’ve spent the past three summers working in the Restormel district of Cornwall in Newquay, lifeguarding for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.  I spend the winters lifeguarding in the Southwest of Australia near the city of Perth.  So you could say that I lead the endless summer!   Last summer I had the opportunity to work for the lifeguard service in Japan and was based on a beach close to Tokyo for 6 weeks.

Another great thing about the flexible nature of my work is I get plenty of time of to travel in between contracts. In the last year I was fortunate enough to visit Japan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Best and worst thing about your job?

Looking after a busy beach is a satisfying job, being able to have a beach as your office is a privilege. The most frustrating aspect is repeating safety messages to tourists who consider they know more about your job than you do. These are the people who invariably need lifeguards assistance.

What are your favourite things about the Parish of South Hill?

I spend a lot of my time on the road travelling, so coming home to the tranquility of SE Cornwall and spending time with my family is always a pleasure. I enjoy walking my dog in the lanes and always find I sleep really well at home with no traffic noise – we are very lucky.

If you could change one thing about South-Hill?

It needs a pub! I always liked the idea of being able to go to a local community pub, especially in the winter.

We’re always looking for stories about people from South Hill.  If you know someone with a good story to tell, please contact the Editor.