When I got lucky enough to feature in the iconic Loaded, I couldn’t say no to giving you guys a little more to chew on. So I’ll be swinging by every Monday to give you a little slice of my life.
I'm Milla… the one in the red swimsuit with the crown by the way. I’m the reigning Miss England who lives by the sea and surfs most days. I'm also representing England at the 72nd Miss World next year.
But it's not all red swimsuits, sexy lifeguards, and the beach. At Miss World, I’ll take my #Beautywithapurpose project, #GOFARWITHCPR to try to change the law and save thousands of lives.
The iconic red swimsuit worn by lifeguards has a rich history, the tradition of lifeguards wearing red swimsuits dates back to the early 20th century when lifeguarding became an organised profession.
But it’s not all red swimsuits, sexy lifeguards, and the beach.
The bright red colour was chosen because it is highly visible against the blue-green backdrop of the ocean or pool. The red lifeguard swimsuit remains a symbol of vigilance, safety, and professionalism on beaches and at pools around the world.
The sun on your back, salt in your hair, and that undeniable rush when you catch the perfect wave is what defines surfing. It’s not just a sport, it’s a way of life. But behind all that is something we don’t talk about nearly enough: SAFETY. Yep Safety. Because while we’re out there ripping it up, the ocean doesn’t play by our rules.
Every surfer knows that the waves can be unpredictable. And whether you're a weekend warrior or a daily dawn-patrol kind of person things can go wrong out there. That’s where the unsung heroes come in—lifeguards. The ones watching from the shore, scanning the break, ready to jump into the fray when things get hairy.
If every surfer and or better still, every member of the public was armed with basic lifeguard knowledge and CPR training to step in when things go south, imagine how much safer our beaches would be. I’m pushing to get these skills into schools—because the sooner kids learn this stuff, the better off everyone will be.
Surfers are naturally a bit rebellious. We’re out there defying gravity and taking on some of nature’s wildest elements. But with great waves comes great responsibility. And knowing how to handle yourself when the ocean gets gnarly is part of that responsibility.
Lifeguard training isn’t just about looking cool. It’s about mastering how to recognize a rip current, knowing when someone’s struggling, and understanding the proper way to rescue them. Trust me, flailing around in the water doesn’t save lives—technique does. And that’s where lifeguard skills come in.
CPR: The Skill Every Surfer (and Human) Should Have.
CPR is not just something lifeguards or paramedics should know—it’s a skill that everyone should have in their back pocket. Imagine you’re out surfing with your mates, and someone wipes out hard. They’re not coming up. Time is ticking. Are you going to stand there, helpless, waiting for a lifeguard? Or are you going to step in and start CPR while help arrives?
Every second counts in those situations. If you’ve ever been to the beach, you know that even a minute can feel like a lifetime. Knowing how to perform CPR can be the difference between someone living to catch their next wave or not.
Getting It into Schools: Let’s Make It Happen
Why aren’t we teaching this stuff in schools? We’ve got PE classes where kids are forced to play games, but they’re not learning life-saving skills that could actually matter? Come on, it’s 2024—it’s time we upgrade the curriculum, and make CPR training mandatory.
I am lucky to have had the backing from HRH Prince William who has shown huge support for CPR training when visiting the lifeguard centre here in Newquay.
Imagine a programme where kids get hands-on CPR training as part of their school curriculum. Not only would it build confidence, but it would create a generation that’s ready to step up in emergencies. Plus, how amazing would it be if every kid could save a life if needed?
The bottom line is this: surfing is epic, but safety needs to be part of the conversation. Whether you’re a frothing grom just learning to pop up or a seasoned pro chasing barrels, lifeguard and CPR training should be something we all consider essential. Getting it taught in schools? That’s just the logical next step.
The ocean will always be unpredictable, but with the right training, we can make sure more people come home after a session—bragging about their latest wave instead of becoming another statistic. Let’s make it happen. Surf smart, save lives, and get the kids trained up.
Because out there in the water, you never know when the hero could be You.
Stay safe. Stay salty. See you in the water 🌊
Milla Magee, your Miss England 2024
