COAST LIFESAVER CLAIMS TITLE, CAR

GOLD Coast lifesaver Sophie Gerry used to fear the water, now she dominates it.

The 19-year-old from Mermaid Beach took out the overall 2019 Surf Life Saving Queensland Summer Surf Program during the weekend, competing against the best in the state.

Ms Gerry admits she was terrified when she joined her local club aged 12.

“I had a massive fear of the ocean,” she said.

“I was in tears every day while I was doing my SRC course in bronze, but with the love and support of my club I’ve overcome it and obviously I enjoy it now, it’s a huge passion of mine,” she said.

Ms Gerry spent the past week competing in a range of gruelling categories from CPR ability to rescues and patrols while being marked by a judging panel. On top of the physical skills, Ms Gerry also took part in a number of education and fundraising activities over the past 12 months as part of the program.

The teen singlehandedly fundraised more than $46,550 for Mermaid Beach Surf Life Saving Club. As well as the state title, Ms Gerry also won a new car.