
Reid Jones was Gold Youth Involvement Program winner and was recognised for 100-plus hours of patrolling.
THE Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club held its annual Presentation Night to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of the volunteer members during the 17/18 season.
The club recognised those who have excelled as they have overseen the safety of 20,000 plus beach visitors during their operating patrol hours.
Patroller of the Year was awarded to Lachlan Kewley who joined the club in December 2013 and has shown exceptional commitment and passion to lifesaving.
This was Lachlan’s first season as a Patrol Captain and he showed great enthusiasm and inclusion with getting his Patrol members to attend their rostered Patrols.
Australia Day patrol was a highlight with the patrol members hosting a free sausage sizzle for the beach visitors.
As well as volunteering over 50 hours of patrol for the club, Lachlan was employed over the summer weekdays as a paid lifeguard within the Bass district.
Reid Jones was awarded his Gold Yips (Youth Involvement Program) award together with recognition for patrolling over 100 hours this season.
Rookie of the Year Award goes to a first year Bronze Medallion holder and Lucas Walsh was a deserving recipient.
After completing his Bronze camp in December he attained further qualifications in Spinal Management, Advanced Resuscitation Technique and learnt to crew in the IRB (inflatable rescue boat). Lucas assisted with the Nippers program as a water safety member.
Other award recipients for the season included: Most Improved – Sumith Perera; Chief Instructor’s Award – Gayle Morris; Most Outstanding Surf Rescue Certificate Award – Annie Opie; Junior Athlete of the Year – Sophie Pinkerton.
Earlier in the day Club Championships were held in water and beach events with points tallied and the winners announced in the evening. Winners were: Masters Male – Peter Creswell; Masters Female – Anna Kilborn; Open Male – Lachlan Kewley; Open Female – Olivia Hughes; U18 Male – Liam O’Brien; U18 Female – Sophia Hughes; U15 Male – Will Creswell; U15 Female – Holly O’Brien.
Some of the annual awards including President’s Award and the Ansell and Bolton Outstanding Active Award will be announced later in the year when the club celebrates its 20th anniversary.