Truro Lifeguard Australia-bound

Truro lifeguard Andrew Millar will work on the beaches of Australia this winter while the rest of us shovel snow and curse the cold.

Mr. Millar has been selected to participate in the 2001-02 Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service Australian lifeguard exchange program.

Initiated in 1986, the Australian exchange program is a reciprocal work exchange. It gives Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service staff an opportunity to lifeguard in Australia during that country's summer holidays, from December to February. As part of the arrangement, an Australian lifeguard travels to Canada during July and August to work on Nova Scotia beaches.

Mr. Millar worked as the area supervisor for Port Hood, Inverness, Pomquet and Bayfield beaches during 2001. He has also worked at the Dominion and Lawrencetown beaches. Currently, he is coaching the Truro Centurions swim team. Mr. Millar is a former competitive swimmer, having swum with the Truro Centurions and, more recently, the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds swim team.

Candidates applying for the Australian exchange program are selected on their ability to be a good ambassador and to demonstrate the skills required for guarding surf beaches and fitness and rescue-board skills.

The Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service is a joint project of the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission and the Lifesaving Society, Nova Scotia Branch.