Alex Costa: From the Beaches of Brazil to leading Recreation Operations in Margaret River

For Alex Costa, a career in aquatics and recreation was never part of a carefully mapped-out plan. Instead, it grew from a lifelong passion for the ocean, surfing, and a dream of building a life in Australia.

Alex grew up in Florianópolis, an island city in southern Brazil renowned for its beaches, surf breaks, and outdoor lifestyle. Surrounded by the ocean and raised in a family that loved spending time at the beach, surfing quickly became his favourite pastime.

"Like most Brazilians, I grew up playing soccer," Alex says. "But surfing became my passion. I spent countless hours watching surfing videos and dreaming about one day riding the famous waves of Australia."

After completing a Bachelor of Sports Science, Alex set his sights on fulfilling a lifelong dream. In 2006, he arrived in Australia seeking not only world-class waves but also a new lifestyle.

"I wanted to experience a different way of life, somewhere I could feel safe, build a future and truly enjoy life, not just survive. Australia represented that opportunity."

Alex initially settled on the Gold Coast, where he spent eight months exploring the famous surf breaks he had watched for years on VHS tapes. However, it wasn't long before Western Australia called.

"Watching surf movies introduced me to places like Snapper Rocks and Margaret River. After arriving in Australia, I knew I had to come west and experience the waves for myself."

What started as a surfing adventure soon became something much more significant. Alex fell in love with Margaret River's natural beauty, welcoming community and relaxed lifestyle.

In November 2026, Alex will celebrate two decades in Australia.

"Australia has given me so much. I have built a life here with my wife and twin sons, and I am grateful every day for the people around me—my family, friends, work colleagues and the community."

Professionally, Alex's journey in the recreation industry began in April 2021 when he joined the Margaret River Aquatic Centre as a Pool Lifeguard. Keen to learn more about facility operations, he quickly expanded his skillset and completed his Pool Operators Course in early 2022, allowing him to gain hands-on experience across operations, customer service and aquatic plant systems.

His dedication and willingness to learn led to his appointment as a full-time Pool Operator and Duty Manager at the Augusta Margaret River Recreation Centre in April 2022.  That same year, Alex completed the Facility Manager Course, gaining valuable knowledge in leadership, strategic planning, business development, legislative compliance, risk management, asset management and budgeting.

When the Aquatic Centre closed in September 2022 for a major refurbishment, Alex embraced another opportunity for growth. During the 18-month closure, he continued as a Duty Manager overseeing the centre's indoor recreation facilities while also supporting the aquatic redevelopment project alongside Centre Manager Dylan Brown.

The refurbished Aquatic Centre reopened in April 2024, featuring a new granular filtration system and upgraded chemical dosing technology. During the redevelopment period, Alex also researched and implemented a new facility management platform, leading the transition to the Phlozone system that continues to support the centre's operations today.

In January 2025, Alex was appointed Recreation Operations Coordinator for the Augusta Margaret River Recreation Centre. His portfolio now includes aquatics, indoor recreation, customer service operations and the Augusta Recreation Centre, including its gymnasium, sports courts and hydrotherapy pool.

Today, Alex leads a team of four Duty Managers, customer service staff, administration personnel, lifeguards and junior team members. His progression from Pool Lifeguard to senior operational leadership in just four years reflects the opportunities available within the recreation industry for those willing to invest in their professional development.

Alex's story is a powerful reminder that careers often begin with a passion and evolve through curiosity, commitment and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.

From the beaches of Brazil to the recreation facilities of Margaret River, Alex has built both a career and a life centred around community, wellbeing and the water—a journey that continues to inspire those entering the industry today.