Lincoln student helps keep Canterbury swimming safely

Alex, who is studying a Bachelor of Environmental Policy and Planning at Lincoln University, has spent the past three summers making sure South Canterbury’s waterways are safe for recreation.

Her job with Environment Canterbury (ECan) takes her to popular swimming, fishing, and boating spots across the region. Testing water quality at over 30 sites each week, Alex covers a vast area, including Timaru, Fairlie, and the Waitaki district. She describes it as a unique experience - even as a local.

“Honestly, I didn’t even know some of these places existed, and I grew up here!”

Alex’s work involves using special gadgets to monitor E. coli levels and the presence of toxic algae, which can thrive in warmer weather and pose risks to people and animals.

“I use a bathyscope - which looks a bit like a road cone - to see underwater. I’ve also got a grab arm for collecting water samples, thermometers for measuring temperature, and a Kestrel to check wind speed.”

Once the samples are collected, they’re sent to a lab for analysis. Health experts review the results and issue warnings if needed. Updates are published on the Lawa website, 'Can I Swim Here?'

Alex’s role has allowed her to collaborate with experts in hydrology, biosecurity, and planning, broadening her understanding of how her work contributes to larger environmental decisions.

“It’s been great to see how planners and scientists use the monitoring data I collect. This job’s given me a really well-rounded view, working on the other side of what I might be doing after university.”

Her degree here at Lincoln has been an advantage for her role, with courses like catchment management closely relating to her work.

“I got the job in my first year, and my degree was probably half the reason why. Over time, my degree has definitely helped me with both the specifics of water monitoring and the bigger picture of how the industry works.”

When she’s not in the water or behind books, Alex trains with the Canterbury Women’s Academy, balancing her environmental work with her rugby ambitions, supported by Lincoln's sports scholarship.

As Alex enters her honours year, she’s focused on finishing her degree and is excited about her future in the industry.

She believes Lincoln was the perfect place to start her studies and encourages anybody with a passion for the environment to consider it.

Want to make a splash in environmental science? Discover our Environmental Policy and Planning programmes at Lincoln University.

Image credit: The Press