Life-saving stalwarts rewarded for efforts

Waimarama Surf Life Saving Club chairman Kim Nilsson (left), Lifeguard of the Year Jacob Crawley and Volunteer of the Year Pilar Kruger show off their prizes at Surf Life Saving New Zealand's Hawke's Bay Awards of Excellence last night. Photo/Duncan Brown

The region's top surf lifeguards were recognised for their dedication to saving lives at an annual awards ceremony last night.

The Westshore, Ocean Beach Kiwi, Waimarama and Pacific Surf Life Saving Clubs gathered for the Hawke's Bay Awards of Excellence at Taradale RSA last night to honour their peers.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand central region manager Charlie Cordwell said there was healthy competition among clubs.

"The degree of competitiveness is high, but when it comes down to water safety, they work very closely together.

"When you strip it all back, the [surf Life saving] movement is about keeping lives safe on the beach."

The night's top award, the Tremains Shield for Lifeguard of the Year, went to Jacob Crawley, 18, of the Ocean Beach Kiwi Surf Life Saving Club.

Mr Crawley said he had been hooked on the sport from a young age.

"I started as a nipper at the age of 13, qualified at 14 and I haven't looked back really. It's been a big part of my life."

Hailing from Marewa, Mr Crawley is currently studying chefing in Wellington and missing the beach lifestyle.

"It's nice to know they all appreciate me here. I always envisage coming back to Hawke's Bay."

Westshore Surf Life Saving Club captain and lifetime member Brian Quirk said he enjoyed catching up with other club members at the annual event.

"The district itself had a good year. There were no fatalities anywhere near our patrols."

The clubs were "doing well" in terms of membership numbers, with a big lift in junior surf life saving, particularly at Waimarama, Mr Quirk said.

The Club of the Year award went to Waimarama Surf Life Saving Club.