CLINT’S ON GUARD, LIVING OUT HIS DREAM

GOLD Coast lifeguard Clint Kimmins is a regular face on TV screens across the country rescuing beachgoers on popular show Bondi Rescue but his own life story is something any scriptwriter would dream of creating.

Starting his passion for the water as a Palm Beach nipper, Kimmins soon fell in love with surfing and became one of Australia’s most promising prospects at the turn of the millennium.

Winning the under-16 Junior World Championship in 2000 and competing on the junior circuit from 14years-old, Kimmins looked destined for a stellar career.

That all changed in 2004, when a 20-year-old Kimmins was involved in a fight during celebrations for a friend’s birthday at Tugun Surf Club.

Charged with excessive self-defence, he was sentenced to two years at maximum-security Borallon Prison but was released after six months.

“It was tough but I just focused on my fitness to get me through,” he said.

“I couldn’t do much about it once I was sentenced so I used the time to work on myself and my fitness.”

Following his release Kimmins took up life guarding, watching over the southern beaches of the Gold Coast.

He also put his new level of fitness into practice, moving into the world of big wave surfing and triathlons.

“I love the different challenges both (big wave surfing and triathlons) bring. They test you in different ways but both bring a great feeling of triumph when you succeed,” he said.

“I spent three years in LA training for triathlons until I wanted a change from the big city life.

“My plan was to move back home to the Gold Coast but some lifeguard friends I knew from Sydney told me about an opportunity to move there and work.

“It was a career I couldn’t ignore. Being able to spend every day at Bondi Beach and helping others in the surf was a dream job.”

Continuing to take on the big swell and scenic routes when time allows, the 36year-old is currently a fulltime lifeguard at Bondi Beach.

“I wouldn’t change my life. Everything that has happened has led me to where I am,” Kimmins said.

“My experiences have taught me how to handle different people and situations, which I think makes me the lifeguard that I am.

“I want to keep spreading the message of water safety and help others out so they can enjoy the ocean.”

Kimmins and his fellow lifeguards will star in Bondi Rescue’s latest season that launched last Thursday night on 10.