Back in The Netherlands Ijsbrand Schaap was lucky to get 35 good beach days a year and had to swim in chilly North Sea waters of just 10 degrees.
Strictly speaking he should be melting on Australia's beaches, but instead the man known as Ice Cool to Mollymook locals on the New South Wales South Coast has built a reputation as a respected lifeguard.
"We get maybe one or if we're lucky, two good months a year to swim at the beach on the North Sea," Ice, also known as Ice Baby, said.
"The water in the North Sea is dark, murky and a greenish brown all year round."
Living up to his nickname, Ice spent much of his life doing water sports off the coast of The Netherlands.
He was working as a psychiatric nurse but decided to go come to Australia on a year-long holiday with his wife and their two young children.
That was eight years ago.
On their travels they discovered Mollymook and within a day of arriving Ice had joined the local surf club.
This year, he has been named the top Shoalhaven lifeguard for his efforts mentoring the young.
Ice likes to show the rookies how to engage with the general public and prevent incidents.
It's not a job you can switch off
His sense of duty often brings him back to the beach after-hours if the surf is rough or there are a lot of people still swimming.
"One rescue that stands out was at 5.30 in the afternoon as I was just going home," Ice said.
"My mate had already taken the first-aid kit back to the club at the other end of the beach and all of a sudden there was panic in the water and a kid had been pulled out in a rip.
"I just ran back to the beach, stole a boogie board from other kids and paddled out."
The incident was a game changer for Ice
Although the child was unhurt, it made him realise that just because lifeguards leave the beach, it does not mean the danger goes away.
Ice is already getting fit for summer in a bid to prove to the younger lifeguards that he can keep up.
Shoalhaven lifeguard supervisor Ken Walsh considers Ice to be highly competent, one of the best.
"He is what one would call a quiet achiever," Mr Walsh said.
Ice now has set his sights on the NSW Lifeguard of The Year.
