Experiencing Marine Reserves

Overview

I volunteer with the Experiencing Marine Reserves programme to help students and families safely explore marine environments. Across multiple seasons I have moved from supporting sessions to confidently leading safety briefings and snorkel groups. This work has strengthened my leadership, communication, and practical conservation skills.

My role

Senior youth snorkel guide, safety briefer, and participant mentor.

Impact

Recognised as a top youth volunteer and helped hundreds of participants experience marine reserves firsthand.

External links

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Field notes

I started with EMR because I wanted people my age to feel the same awe I feel underwater. Early on, I focused on learning clear communication and safety systems, especially how to support nervous first-time snorkellers.

By my second and third seasons, I was leading briefings, helping volunteers set up sessions, and guiding groups through reserves with confidence. I now support younger volunteers and model calm leadership in the water.

This project keeps reminding me that conservation starts with connection: when people experience marine life up close, they care more deeply about protecting it.