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Although they cover one of the largest and most isolated stretches of coastline in the state, distance proved no barrier for the Far South Coast Branch as they powered home in the votes to take out the overall Branch of the Year at lifesaving’s night of nights. 

The determined effort of a group of Far South Coast surf lifesavers to go to the aid of a capsized vessel at Moruya has been recognised with the Rescue of the Year at the NSW Surf Life Saving Awards of Excellence.

After a season on the beach where he has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty, Port Macquarie Supervisor James Turnham could be forgiven for putting his feet up, but that wouldn’t be the newly crowned Lifeguard of the Year’s style.

From the time he first pulled on his Ocean Beach Nipper cap Matthew Calbert was hooked on the ocean, and now the talented teenager has one more feather to add to his considerable resume after he was crowned the Young Lifesaver of the Year.

For over 15 years, Captain Bob Powell has led Umina’s Patrol One, and this year the team was celebrated for its work both on and off the beach with the first ever Patrol of the Year Award at the 2018 NSW Awards of Excellence in Sydney last weekend.

As Patrol Captain Tracey Hare-Boyd strives to ensure that everyone on patrol feels valued and is utilised to the best of their ability, and it’s an attitude that has earned her the inaugural award for the state’s top Patrol Captain.

Canberra children growing up hundreds of kilometres away from the coastline are able to participate in the popular Nippers program thanks to one club’s determination and desire to make beach education a priority.

It’s been a busy season for South Curl Curl’s Mike Le Geyt who has facilitated a number of branch courses throughout 2017/18, and in the process scored himself an education gong at lifesaving’s night of nights.

An all-round surf lifesaver, North Bondi’s Paul Hotton, was acknowledged for his outstanding contribution to education at the annual Awards of Excellence in Sydney last weekend.