With International Women’s Day approaching on March 8, we’re shining a light on the women who help shape the Douglas Shire through their everyday contributions, including Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club’s Carie.

When Carie joined Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club, she came home to something she loved as a teenager, and now shares with her children.

As a teenager, Carrie competed and patrolled, and after having babies she was itching to participate in a sport with her kids. 

“As soon as my daughter was old enough for green caps, we joined,” Carie said. 

“I signed up to do my bronze and was so excited to meet and train with likeminded adventurous people.”

What she found was more than a sport. It was a connection, challenge and growth for herself and her family.

“I feel so incredibly fortunate to now have a teenage daughter who encourages me to train, patrol and compete alongside her.

"When many parents and teens grow apart, I feel we are growing together.

“Getting my son Koby off Minecraft is a mission, but he always thanks me for the ‘forced’ beach trip once we’re in the water. Proof that fresh air and saltwater beat a screen every time.

“There is no better feeling in life than being on a party wave with my favourite people.”

One of Carie’s proudest moments came when her daughter Lani joined her on patrol.

“The first day Lani patrolled alongside me in the red and yellow uniform was an extremely proud moment,” she said.

“Seeing my 13-year-old daughter operationally ready, trained and competent was so cool. 

“She is incredibly physically fit and ready to perform a rescue, and I couldn’t be prouder. Surf Life saving is more than just service, it's watching your kids grow into capable leaders.”

Ocean courage

Carie admitted there were moments of doubt when stepping back into training.

“Realising I was twice the age of some of my cohort was a little intimidating, but it also meant I had twice the resilience. 

“Taking on an IRB drivers’ course in heavy seas as one of only two women was a mental hurdle. It turns out age is no barrier, just a different kind of strength.

“You don’t learn how to handle a rescue by being perfect: you learn it by getting it wrong in practice until it becomes second nature.”

Her willingness to push beyond her comfort zone has taken her across the country for further training, including a Flood Water Rescue course in Tasmania and an Advanced Lifesaving Course on the Sunshine Coast.

Those experiences reinforced an important lesson.

“To start taking advantage of every opportunity that comes my way,” she said.

“I realise I have a deep craving for adventure and adrenaline that I wasn’t fully feeding.”

Now part of the Surf Life Saving Queensland Advancing Women in Leadership program, Carie is passionate about encouraging other women to step forward and give it a go.

“Come down and just give it a crack, you have nothing to lose and zero regrets to gain,” she said.

“Please stop waiting to ‘get fit’ before you start. The training is the transformation.”