REBECCA AND SAMUEL TAKE JUNIOR AWARDS Assets to the community

TWP of the region’s most promising young volunteers were named the female and male Newcastle Permanent Junior Lifesaver of the Year during the Central Coast Branch Age Championships at Avoca Beach.

Rebecca Lawer from Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) and Samuel Terry from Soldiers Beach SLSC took out the respective honors.

Branch Manager at Newcastle Permanent Lorraine Gould said SLSCs were true assets to the community as she presented the awards.

“Our SLSCs not only ensure everyday Aussies are safe at the beach, they’re helping to mould and shape the next generation of exceptional young people,” said Ms Gould.

“Rebecca and Samuel are already contributing to their clubs and communities.

“They’ve both earned their surf rescue certificates, so are already going out on patrol and are both keen to further their education and help promote more youth involvement in surf lifesaving. They are two exceptional young people and very worthy of this recognition.”

SLSCC Director of Youth

Amy Fletcher said Rebecca and Samuel were evidence the future of surf lifesaving was in good hands.

“Our clubs and community should feel extremely proud of Rebecca and Samuel,” Ms Fletcher said.

“We’re always keen for more youth members and we hope these two wonderful members inspire young surf lifesavers across our branches.

The citations to the two lifesavers read:

‘Rebecca joined SLS in 2019 and has proven herself to be a champion team member, who values such vital qualities as effort and persistence. Smart, dedicated and hardworking, Rebecca is generous with her time, helping out around the club.

‘Samuel joined SLS in under 11s and quickly made an impression around his club with his keen attitude and friendly nature. Respectful of his trainers, Samuel soaks up all they have to teach him and is only too willing to pass on advice to the young nippers in the club.

“A beach lover who wants to help others enjoy our sand and surf too, Samuel wants to see more people learn the vital lessons required to stay safe at the beach.’

“People like Rebecca and Samuel perform a critical duty to keep us all safe as we enjoy the Aussie summer,” Ms Fletcher said.

Central Coast Branch has 15 SLSCs, from Umina Beach to The Lakes, each of them eligible to nominate a female and male for the award. The winners are judged on their written application and an interview with the judges.