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She's a lifesaver - Marin

Hi Team Tama,

We are into week 4 of our Tama Women profile series, and we’ve had some great feedback about it, thank you, and keep it coming! I’m editing this week (Zoe) and I met our next featured Tama legend when I went to the Bronze info night on a swelteringly hot summer’s evening back in 2020, (before La Nina kicked in). This week it’s all about Marin, who hails from Georgia in the US, she is small but can she swim! Marin is an absolute gun in the water, but so laid back you would never know until she leaves you in her wash, and comes out as if it was a walk in the park so to speak. Marin is also an invaluable part of the ‘She’s a Lifesaver’ campaign, a loyal club member, buddy, and great person to just hang out with. She is off overseas for several weeks soon, safe travels Marin, and thanks for being part of our campaign and our club, over to you...


Marin and Ben at graduation

Tell us a bit about yourself Marin :) 

I was born in the US and moved to Australia from New Zealand about 6.5 years ago. I've always been keen to pick up and take on a new adventure. 
I was a competitive swimmer in my younger years but I only got into ocean swimming once I moved to Sydney. There is nothing like the flow state you enter when being in the open water. You can be entirely focused on the present moment whilst also appreciating being a tiny person in the great ocean. 

 

3 words: Friendly, motivated and energetic

How did you get in Surf Life Saving? How did you join Tama? I got into Surf Life Saving as a way to meet other people who enjoyed ocean swimming. I had been discussing the idea with my friend Ben Lee who was also considering joining a SLSC. We found out the Tamarama SLSC info night was coming up and decided to attend together. The people were so warm, friendly, and welcoming at the meeting. As an ex-pat, I was really excited to find a sense of community within Sydney.

What are the best things about being part of the Surf Life Saving community? Being able to meet different people that I may not cross paths with in my daily life. We have the chance to give back to our local community. 

I also love that there are so many people keen on different activities within Tama and everyone welcomes newcomers.


Tamaramian's Coogee swim for Michelle's bday

How would you describe our community at Tama? Fun to hang out with, inclusive and positive energy! 

Tell us about what you do when not on the beach at Tama looking after people? I also live in Tamarama, so you may find me nearby. ;) For work, I am the Head of People for a tech company HQ'd in Sydney. I have always had a passion for making a positive difference in people's lives and have applied my Masters Degree in Organisational Psychology to do this in the corporate world. After work, I am always keen to grab a beer with friends or hang out with my partner and catch up on some trashy TV (while he suffers through it). Usually, you can be certain I am asleep by 9 pm to be up for a sunrise swim/activity.


"a tiny person in the great ocean"

Ideal holiday destination right now? Anywhere that doesn't resemble a Zoom virtual background.

What would be your advice to any woman thinking to give surf lifesaving a go? Just go for it! I am so happy I got out of my comfort zone the night I went to the info session. Once you give it a shot, you won't turn back! 

What have you learned from your time at Tama? What has been something you learned that has surprised you? I have learned a lot about beach types and rips!😅 I have also learned that there are a lot of amazing people around that want to give back to their community. I have learned that I can do a lot more than what I thought I was capable of when encouraged by a great group of people.


Happy Gropers at the Coogee Island Swim earlier this year

Join us next week for another She can, she will, she does. She's a lifesaver at Tamarama SLSC edition.

Yours in Comms

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