Ben is a scientist and engineer, and works as Head of Processing for Imerys British Lithium. He lives in St Austell with his wife and two daughters, who are active members of the Club.
Ben has been involved in life saving since a young age and has held RLSS awards up to Distinction level and the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, working as a pool lifeguard for 8 years and an NPLQ Trainer Assessor for 4 years. Ben has previously been Chairman and Club Captain for the University of Bath Lifesaving Club, competing in BULSCA lifesaving sport competitions and running several pool lifeguard courses. He has also served as Chairman of Jabiru Bushratz RUFC and was the founder of Jabiru Lifesaving Club, in the Northern Territory in Australia.
Ben is Chairman and a Charity Trustee, overseeing the management and governance of the Club. He is passionate about teaching water safety, lifesaving and first aid as essential life skills throughout the community, and frequently coaches training sessions for adults, youths and nippers.
Ute is a counsellor and psychotherapist who’s passionate about helping people through life’s ups and downs. Originally from Germany, she’s lived in the UK for over 30 years and now happily calls Cornwall home. Living by the Cornish coast, especially spending time in the sea, is one of her greatest joys, along with her love for the outdoors.
As a mum of three daughters, two of whom are involved in surf lifesaving, Ute cares deeply about ocean safety. She believes everyone should have the skills and knowledge to enjoy the water safely. One of her biggest challenges being involved with surf lifesaving is knowing when to wash her hair, since she’s always about to jump back into the sea!
In her role as Club Secretary, Ute brings her passion for the outdoors and the ocean, along with her organizational skills, to support the club’s community. Whether it’s through her work or her time at the club, Ute is committed to making a positive difference and helping others enjoy the ocean safely.
Harry is a web developer by trade, but overwhelmingly prefers to be outdoors, finding any excuse to get out of the office and get to the beach. He is a Coastguard Rescue Officer in St Austell, volunteers as a RNLI Beach Lifeguard in Newquay, and is also the Senior Paddle Rep at Fowey River Canoe Club. He is also a member of the Cornwall region HM Coastguard Flood Team, on call to assist with flood events at a national level.
In what little free time he has left, Harry is a keen musician, having played guitar for over 25 years, and is also learning to play the drums in tandem with his eldest son.
He is passionate about water safety, and believes everyone should be able to enjoy the coast safely, regardless of age or ability.
Charli joined the Club as she is passionate about water safety. With a young son and living on the coast she immediately saw the benefits of having the Club on her doorstep and jumped at the chance to be involved.
Since joining the Club, Charli has completed a Tube Swimmer qualification and is working towards qualifying as a Coach.
Charli attends the children's sessions with her son, and also the Ladies sessions. She leaves the sea on a Wednesday evening with the biggest smile on her face as she realises what she has achieved. She then complains every Thursday that she aches but still comes back for more, and is constantly telling anybody who will listen that they should come along and give it a go - in her words 'the worst thing that will happen is you'll learn something new'!
Outside of Club life, Charli is a qualified HR professional currently working within Adult Learning. She has worked in all levels of education and has a strong moral compass for doing the right thing, which makes her experience perfect for her role of Club Safeguarding Officer.
In her spare time Charli loves crafting, snuggling on the sofa with her family, and adventurous holidays.
Clare spent her childhood growing up in Cornwall, considering herself very lucky to have had the beach on her doorstep and is so glad that her two young boys will also have that experience.
She has joined the club as she believes that everyone should be able to enjoy the coast in the knowledge that they can keep themselves, their families and friends safe. She can often be found in the Sandhopper sessions with her youngest and coaching the beginners ladies night. Clare is passionate about supporting people to get in the sea and involved in surf life saving - especially if they are nervous or unsure if they can do it!
After many years providing financial and legal advice within education, Clare is currently studying for a masters degree in psychology.
Clare lives on a busy farm and by day you can find her in the farm office and running her farm shop.
She has three children who keep her very busy with after school activities. Her 2 eldest girls swim competitively. They joined Carlyon Bay SLSGB as it was such a useful and practical addition to their swimming with such purpose.
You can find her behind the scenes managing the membership side for Carlyon Bay.
She is just dipping her toes in the water now at the ladies group, and in her spare time you can find her on her peloton, walking the dog, and also enjoy playing netball and tennis.
Andy passed his lifeguard qualification at St Agnes club and also volunteers as a lifeguard at St Agnes and Newquay clubs. He's been involved with Surf Life Saving since he was a teenager in the 70s.
He loves swimming and boards equally but is probably a better swimmer. It is great to train and develop young people and see them progress. He has taken my son Gwithyen to national competitions and enjoys the atmosphere, and is looking forward to attending many more.
In addition he's also an ASA(swimming) judge and attend swimming competitions to time keep and ensure that swimmers follow the rules when swimming and do not have an unfair advantage.
He's ex forces and has an adventurous personality, where he was given the nickname Flipper due to his having attended swimming competitions throughout German and Army championships in Sandhurst. Whilst serving he was posted on active service in both Yugoslavia and Northern Ireland and understand how important it is to be part of a team.
Steve's Lifesaving experience started 30 years ago working in a sports centre in the Midlands and lasted 10 years.
His youth was spent in and around swimming pools where he followed in his dad’s footsteps becoming a swimming teacher, lifesaver and pool lifeguard, finally hanging up the Speedo’s at the age of 24.
The last 25 years has seen him through a career in Banking with a move down to Cornwall in 2012.
He rediscovered Lifesaving too late for his own children to be involved (it’s never too late btw!) however he's keen to make sure locals know how to keep themselves and others safe in and around the water.