The tireless work of those who spend their summers patrolling beaches and keeping swimmers safe will be recognised this weekend.
Last Friday the finalists for the 2017 Hawke's Bay Awards of Excellence were announced, ahead of next week's ceremony where members of Hawke's Bay's surf lifesaving clubs will converge at the Ellwood Function Centre to recognise the hard work of their peers.
The regional awards are held annually around the country, to celebrate the hard work and dedication of Surf Life Saving in New Zealand members.
Members from across Hawke's Bay - including Westshore, Pacific, Ocean Beach Kiwi and Waimarama Surf Life Saving Clubs - are nominated for the awards, which recognise the best of the region.
Top awards include the best volunteers, coaches, and of course, lifeguards.
Hawke's Bay club development officer Debbie Moodie said they were looking forward to celebrating the region's top lifeguards, volunteers and sports people.
"It's a chance to show everyone what these people do, and give them the recognition they all deserve," she said.
Ms Moodie said for those who received an award, it was "a bit of kudos" for their hard work over the season.
For most finalists, being involved in surf lifesaving meant giving up hours of their time to coach, patrol, or compete - some members had put in nearly 90 hours this season.
While there was some healthy competition between the Hawke's Bay clubs the awards also showcased their camaraderie.
Every club can nominate finalists for each category. Most years - as well as nominating their own members - some clubs would also put forward the names of those from others who they felt deserved the award.
The Hawke's Bay Awards of Excellence will be held on Sunday. The awards formalities will commence at 5.15pm with the presentation of lifesaving, sport and regional awards.
Tickets cost $10 per person and are available through club administrators. .
Awards of Excellence finalists:
Volunteer of the Year:
Jason Broome, Waimarama
Karen Greenslade, Pacific
Helen Jackson, Ocean Beach Kiwi
Lifeguard of the Year:
Andrew Callinicos, Ocean Beach Kiwi
Leah Cooper, Pacific
Rhys Harman, Waimarama
Sean Meagher, Westshore
Innovation of the Year:
Michael Finlayson - Waimarama Tower
Helen Jackson - IRB Plan, Ocean Beach Kiwi
Instructor of the Year:
Jess Bennett, Ocean Beach Kiwi
Brian Quirk, Westshore
Outstanding Contribution to Junior Surf:
Anne Cooper, Pacific
Neil Galland, Westshore
Jarrod Lowe, Waimarama
Outstanding Sportsmanship Junior Surf:
Sam Connor, Waimarama
Rachel Klem, Westshore
Outstanding Contribution to Powercraft:
Taylor Dick, Westshore
Mike Harman, Waimarama
Helen Jackson, Ocean Beach Kiwi
Legend Ironman:
Kieran Kruger, Ocean Beach Kiwi
Jonty Laver, Waimarama
Most Improved Athlete (Hume Cup):
Joshua Lee, Ocean Beach Kiwi
Logan Sanko, Waimarama
Most Outstanding Beach Athlete - Male:
Ben Cross, Waimarama
Ben Lewis, Ocean Beach Kiwi
Most Outstanding Beach Athlete - Female:
Amiria Bates, Ocean Beach Kiwi
Georgia Rathbone, Waimarama
Sportsperson of the Year:
Michael Bassett-Foss, Waimarama
Ben Lewis, Ocean Beach Kiwi
Georgia Rathbone, Waimarama
Sports Team of the Year:
Ocean Beach Kiwi U16 Men's Beach Relay Team
Pacific U19 Women's Canoe Crew
Waimarama Premier IRB Crew
Westshore Masters Boat Crew - Red
Surf Official of the Year:
Denys Carpenter, Pacific
Harley McLaughlin, Waimarama
Mike O'Malley, Pacific
Trina Wills, Westshore
Coach of the Year:
Michael Bassett-Foss, Waimarama
Cian Jefferson, Westshore
Gavin Gilbert, Pacific
Greg Larsen, Ocean Beach Kiwi