Alex Kavanagh: Surf Lifesaver Finds Balance in Motion

Alex Kavanagh has led an impressively active life, all while keeping up with the demands of Year 12.

The 18-year-old combined his final year of school with a passion for running and surf lifesaving, managing to juggle his studies with hours of training and community involvement.

“Even though training every day or patrolling for hours on the weekend sounds like a lot, they gave me a balance from study and kept me healthy, both physically and mentally,” Alex says.

Family played a key role in sparking his interest in sport. “My dad, John, was an elite runner who competed at the Under-20 World Athletics, and running was something my family always did together on weekends.

“When my brothers, Tom and Josh, joined clubs and found a great community, I wanted to be part of it too. I now compete for United Collegians, which was set up by my school cross country coach, Ms Doyle.

“She’s been the driving force behind the club and has had a huge impact on my running. I also train with the Adelaide University Athletics Club.

“My older sister, Rosie, introduced me to the Goolwa Surf Life Saving Club in 2019, and through that, I’ve built strong friendships and been given countless opportunities to develop leadership skills and teamwork.”

Alex’s fitness regimen would make most people tired. “Surf lifesaving involves patrolling for around six hours on Saturdays and Sundays, which is a big time commitment.”

Running usually meant training almost every day — and it remained his main focus until an injury in June left him with a lower back stress fracture, sidelining him for about four months. “The injury setback also reminded me that I had other communities to fall back on, and that helped me stay positive.

“Neither running nor surf lifesaving ever feel like work. They’re fun, rewarding, and keep me connected to people outside school.”

His involvement in sport has also been formally acknowledged through various certifications. Alex completed his Surf Rescue Certificate in 2020, followed by a Bronze Medallion, Certificate III in Public Safety (Aquatic Search and Rescue), and a Pool Lifeguard qualification gained through a leadership camp. These opened doors to work with VACSWIM and as a swim teacher at the YMCA, which, he said, “I still love doing.”

Looking ahead, Alex plans to study physics and engineering at university. “Running and surf lifesaving aren’t my career goals, but I know I’ll continue with both because of how much enjoyment and community they bring.”

He adds: “I’ll be patrolling again this year and want to work towards becoming a patrol captain. I’d also love to be a nippers age manager, helping kids aged five to 13 at Sunday sessions and carnivals.

“I’ll continue training with United Collegians and the Adelaide Milers Crew, and I’m excited to keep building on the friendships I’ve made through running.”

Alongside his passion for sport, Alex will carry the lessons and values he learned at school into the next chapter of his life. “My Ignatian education gave me opportunities that shaped me. The Bathurst Island Immersion showed me the real impact service can have, which encouraged me to give back through surf lifesaving.

“Programs like the Caroline Chisholm initiative I undertook at Minda deepened my appreciation of community service too. The school has always encouraged me to reflect and consider how I can serve others. I’m grateful for that support and know it will guide me beyond Year 12.”