The full list of 2016 Awards of Excellence finalists:
NZLGB Lifeguard of the Year
Ollie Irwin, Bethells Beach
Christiaan Maahuis, Waihi Beach
Shaun Smith, Papamoa
Michelle Mitchell, Waikanae
James Laver, Waimarama
David Bentley, East End
Isacc Hyde, Otaki
Craig Jamieson, Taylors Mistake
Nic Brice, St Kilda
DHL Volunteer of the Year
Joanne Hobson, Port Waikato Sunset Beach
Donal Boyle, Omanu
Susan Stewart, Waihi Beach
Calum Wilson, Waikanae
Jess Bennett, Ocean Beach Kiwi
Joanne Brimelow, Fitzroy
Justine Fleming, Otaki
Blair Quane, Sumner
Owen West, Oreti
BP Rescue of the Year
April 16- Muriwai - surfers saved from rip
March 28- Pauanui - overturned vessel
February 21- Bethells Beach - swimmer saved from rip
January 31- Capital Coast event safety team- resuscitation of Ocean Swim Series competitor
December 29- Tairua - resuscitation of elderly swimmer
November 24- Piha, Red Beach and Northern Region Beach Education team- off duty rescue of young girl found face down.
Wood Group Training First Aid Award
Tairua
Capital Coast event safety team
Omaha, Bethells Beach and Kariaotahi
Muriwai
Waihi Beach
DHL Instructor of the Year
Faron Turner, Orewa
Lucy Scown, Waihi Beach
Garry King, Mt Maunganui
John Minogue, Wainui
Brian Quirk, Westshore
Michael Corkill, Opunake
Sam Richardson, Lyall Bay
Tom Denman, Sumner
Alex Sutherland, Brighton
DHL Innovation of the Year
Tony Pattison, Hawke's Bay
Taranaki Lifesaving Committee, Taranaki
Waimairi ATV, Canterbury
Max Corboy, Otago
Surf Official of the Year
Johnny Clough, United North Piha
Ross Merrett, Papamoa
Debbie Hutchings, Waikanae
Denys Carpenter, Pacific
Brian Velvin, Fitzroy
Teri Anderson, Paekakariki
Graeme Trevor, North Beach
Doug Henderson, Kaka Point
Coach of the Year
Shane Edwards, Sunset Beach
Matt Cairns, Papamoa
Cory Hutchings & Dion Williams, Waikanae/Wainui
Cain Jefferson, Westshore
Ron Cole, Fitzroy
Shane Radovanovich, Paekakariki
Janice Murdoch & Mark Robberds, Waimairi/Sumner
Michael Trembath, St Clair