Year 12 Cranbrook student and surf lifesaver Noah Teitler demonstrates how teenage volunteers can make an impact, balancing academic excellence with meaningful community service and personal growth.
Noah Teitler’s journey with volunteering began at South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club, a decision that would shape his entire perspective on personal development and community engagement.
A pivotal moment came during his early years in Nippers when Noah experienced a panic attack during a swim. Instead of discouraging him, the lifesavers supporting him became a source of inspiration.
“One of the lifesavers came to calm me down and for the next three weeks always did the swim with me to ensure that I felt safe,” he recalls.
This experience transformed Noah’s understanding of community service.
“When I was reflecting on it, I was like, this is a great way to give back to my community. What’s helped me for the past nine years when I go down to the beach and I feel safe, I can give back to other people.”
At just 17-years-old, Noah turns every wave into an opportunity to serve his community.
He has now logged over 400 patrol hours, performed 12 rescues, and leads youth programs while excelling in leadership and rescue training.
“There’s no one right way to do it,” he says, reflecting on the diverse opportunities volunteering presents.
As a Year 12 student at Cranbrook School, Noah balances his rigorous International Baccalaureate studies with his commitment to surf lifesaving.
He views volunteering not as an additional burden, but as a crucial element of personal development.
“You’re not going to be most productive if you have your head in a book all day,” he says. “You need to find your balance.”
The skills Noah has gained through volunteering extend far beyond beach safety.
“From lifesaving, I learned how to become a leader. I’ve learned how to problem solve. I can take those lessons into the future.”
His involvement in the federal government’s Hanging out to help out awareness campaign has further amplified his message about the importance of youth volunteering.
Launched in October 2024, the campaign shines a light on the benefits of volunteering by challenging assumptions and highlighting the positive personal impacts for younger Australians.
Formal volunteering in Australia has been declining since 2010 and dropped sharply in 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 83 per cent of volunteer-involving organisations saying they need more volunteers.
Research shows there is currently limited awareness among 15- to 18-year-olds of the need for young volunteers, and limited understanding of the flexible and variable aspects of volunteering.
The campaign aims to raise awareness among this age group and showcases the diverse range of volunteering options, that it can be fun, done with friends and the personal development that results.
Noah is also encouraging others to find volunteer opportunities that align with their interests and availability.
“There are so many different ways to volunteer; it’s diverse and flexible,” he says. “For me, I found the beach. I found lifesaving. But for someone else, it could be at a soup kitchen because they enjoy cooking.”
Looking forward, Noah hopes to channel his passion for helping others into a career in medicine, specifically aspiring to become a rheumatologist. His motivation stems from a personal connection to autoimmune conditions, demonstrating how volunteering can be a pathway to broader life goals.
For educators and students alike, Noah’s story offers a powerful testament to the value of community service. It’s not about making grand gestures, but about finding meaningful ways to contribute and grow.
As the conversation around youth engagement continues, Noah represents a new generation of volunteers who see community service not as an obligation, but as an opportunity for personal growth, skill development, and meaningful connection.
The Australian Government is investing over $83 million through its Volunteering and Community Connectedness programs through 30 June 2026 to support volunteering.
To find out more visit volunteering.gov.au.