Mia Jamal of Avoca Beach SLSC and Max McDermott of Warriewood SLSC have been named the 2025 NSW Junior Lifesavers of the Year after three days of team building and leadership development on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Formally recognised during a presentation ceremony on Thursday morning, 17 April, Mia and Max were two in a group of 22 eager teenagers who came from each of the 11 branches across NSW, having been acknowledged themselves as Junior Lifesavers of the Year for their region.
The pair represented the Central Coast and Sydney Northern Beaches with distinction, while commendations for all participants proved once again that NSW is blessed with talented young lifesavers along the entire coastline.
Knowing well that they were privileged to be among a very worthy group, all of whom could have been named as winners, the pair were thrilled.
“There’s a lot of thought going through my head, mainly excitement and pride,” Mia said.
“I think I was even a little stressed beforehand but just super happy to be in this position.”
“I’m a bit shocked actually, it’s fun to win obviously, but it’s fun to just be here and have the experience of the camp,” Max added.
A reserved but clearly passionate and personable lifesaver, Mia impressed the panel of judges with her vision for more resources to support all abilities in engaging with Surf Life Saving.
“I was really happy to get such great feedback, I just think it’s so important to build up the platform for people with disabilities and grow their confidence around the water,” she said.
“I’ve had friends, buddies in school who love the water and Surf Life Saving and I just want to help them and everyone who might not be able to get everything they need.”
Max, meanwhile, has community in his heart and a passion for what so many people enjoy about Surf Life Saving, the camaraderie.
“I’ve been really lucky at Warriewood, ever since I was five in the white caps, everyone comes together – the patrols, water safety, everybody. It’s one of the best communities I’ve ever seen,” he said.
“I want to grow that, and I’m also lucky that this camp has shown me there are so many different ways to do things and so many perspectives which has helped me.”
Junior lifesaver finalists engaged in a three-day team building and leadership development program at Collaroy, which culminated in Mia and Max being selected as the NSW Junior Lifesavers of the Year.
“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 been a blast, so many fun activities, got to know the instructors really well, and so good to get to know everyone here and create friendships,” Max added.
2025 NSW Junior Lifesaver of the Year Participants
Thomas Pockley – Far North Coast
Stella Byrne – Far North Coast
Kai Vigors – North Coast
Poppy Barclay – North Coast
Max Pengelly – Mid North Coast
Zada Robinson – Mid North Coast
Alfie Marshall – Lower North Coast
Sasha Belic – Lower North Coast
Ryan Boustead – Hunter
Grace Van Esveld – Hunter
Hamish Lawer – Central Coast
Mia Jamal – Central Coast
Max McDermott – Sydney Northern Beaches
Pearl Brown – Sydney Northern Beaches
Henri Delesclefs – Sydney
Emerson Su Shen Lee – Sydney
Nate Heffernan – Illawarra
Sienna Guisti – Illawarra
Lennox Harvey – South Coast
Polly Gazzard – South Coast
Archie Rosenbaum – Far South Coast
Ruby Bindon – Far South Coast
Thursday 17 April 2025
