Twenty-two of the state’s most passionate lifesavers of the future will pack their bags and travel to Sydney’s Northern Beaches in April for the 2026 NSW Junior Lifesaver of the Year (JLOTY) camp – three days of networking, activities, and idea sharing among likeminded volunteers.
Held at the Collaroy Centre from 8-10 April, the JLOTY program offers a platform for junior lifesavers to grow their skills and make new, lasting connections with fellow volunteers from across the state. It also opens the door and builds awareness of the opportunities available to the membership.
Each of the 11 Branches are represented, with male and female Junior Lifesavers of the Year from that level earning the invite to the NSW camp. There, the overall NSW Junior Lifesavers of the Year will be crowned.
Last year’s winners – Mia Jamal from Avoca Beach SLSC and Max McDermott from Warriewood SLSC – painted an exciting picture of what’s to come for the 2026 cohort.
“Obviously at the start there’s a little bit of nerves, maybe some awkwardness, but that passed so quickly, and we all had so much fun,” Mia said.
“It’s a blast, so many fun activities, you get to know the instructors really well, and so good to get to know everyone there and create friendships,” Max added.
ABE’S BAGELS is on board this year as the Supporting Partner of the JLOTY program – a huge endorsement of its passion for elevating opportunities for Surf Life Saving’s youth members.
“ABE’S is proud to support the development of the next generation of Surf Life Savers through the Junior Lifesaver of the Year program,” said ABE’S BAGELS Head of Sales and Marketing, Catherine Parlane.
“It is inspiring to see young members showing such dedication, leadership and commitment to their communities at such an early age.
“These young lifesavers represent the future of keeping our beaches safe, and we’re honoured to play a small role in fuelling and supporting their journey.
“It’s key to celebrate the important role they will play in protecting our beaches for years to come.”
2026 NSW Junior Lifesaver of the Year Finalists
Far North Coast | Yamba SLSC | Abe Patricks
Far North Coast | Lennox Head Alstonville SLSC | Miliani Tighe
North Coast | Woolgoolga SLSC | Reuben Wong
North Coast | Nambucca Heads SLSC | Issy Alder
Mid North Coast | Tacking Point SLSC | Declan Jones
Mid North Coast | Port Macquarie SLSC | Scarlett Brook
Lower North Coast | Forster SLSC | Daniel Reid
Lower North Coast | Crowdy Head SLSC | Tallow Eady
Hunter | Cooks Hill SLSC | Hamish Lawrence
Hunter | Nobbys SLSC | Edith McNamara
Central Coast | Ocean Beach SLSC | Will Nash
Central Coast | Ocean Beach SLSC | Piper Lawrence
Sydney Northern Beaches | Dee Why SLSC | Nixon West
Sydney Northern Beaches | Bilgola SLSC | Tilly Hobbis
Sydney | Coogee SLSC | Jonathan Kodomichalos
Sydney | Coogee SLSC | Evangelina Anderson
Illawarra | Bulli SLSC | Taj Caldwell
Illawarra | Bulli SLSC | Bianca Staniforth
South Coast | Kiama SLSC | Henry Whittaker
South Coast | Mollymook SLSC | Alexandra Woods
Far South Coast | Broulee Surfers SLSC | Harry Leach
Far South Coast | Broulee Surfers SLSC | Emma Dawson
2026 NSW Junior Lifesaver of the Year Facilitators
Coordinator | Narooma SLSC | Kane Doull
Coordinator | Kempsey Crescent Head SLSC | Taylah Moffitt
Facilitator | Wollongong City SLSC | Kayla McKenzie
Facilitator | Byron Bay SLSC | Daniella Berti Carrabs
Facilitator | Copacabana SLSC | Beau Henry
Facilitator | Queenscliff SLSC | Harper Hinterleitner
Monday 16 March 2026