Our surf life savers shine at state awards

Two Central Coast surf lifesaving achievements have been recognised on the state stage, with honours awarded at the Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence in Sydney recently.

Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club’s Hayden Smith was named Masters Athlete of the Year, while North Entrance Surf Club claimed Community Education Program of the Year for its Blackspot Project – The Entrance Channel.

Smith’s award follows a remarkable competitive season which saw him create history on both national and international stages.

At the World Surf Lifesaving Championships, he became the first masters competitor to win all individual water events at a single world titles, taking gold in the 40–44 years Surf Race, Board, Single Ski and Ironperson events.

His achievements also included a 10th place finish overall in the elite open male field at the Long Course Coolangatta Gold, where he set an all-time masters course record.

Surf Life Saving Central Coast CEO Michael Hyslop said Smith’s contribution to the sport goes well beyond competition.

“Hayden is a tremendous athlete who gives so much back to our sport,” Hyslop said.

“It’s exciting to see our people recognised at a state level.”

North Entrance SLSC’s recognition came through the Blackspot Project, a rookie-led safety initiative developed in response to a drowning at The Entrance Channel in 2024.

The project tackled the challenge of reaching holiday crowds, many of whom speak English as a second language, with safety messages translated into Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Hindi and Korean.

The campaign carried the memorable slogan Don’t Be A Pelican, Stay out of The Channel.

Young lifesavers fundraised more than $800 through kiosk and barbecue events to support the program, launching it with a public demonstration on Australia Day that reached hundreds of beachgoers.

Hyslop said the initiative was an example of grassroots surf lifesaving at its best.

“The Blackspot Program represents a wonderful response from our youth following a tragic event,” he said.

“It shows the power of local surf lifesavers to directly prevent drownings and save lives.”

North Entrance SLSC life member and lifesaver Scott Laing said the award was testament to the effort and commitment of the club’s rookies.

“After the recent drownings, our rookies came together and put this whole program together – the paperwork, the literature, the fridge magnets in caravan parks and motels, translated into four different languages – to make people aware of just how dangerous this beach and channel can be,” Laing said.

“It would be a shame if they weren’t recognised nationally, because what they’ve done is incredible.

“These rookies are just 13 years old, and they’ve put so much work into a program designed to save lives but that’s what surf lifesaving is all about, and it’s amazing to see such young people lead the way with such a brilliant initiative.”

North Entrance SC Junior Activities Chair Kate Broadhurst and Rookie Coordinator Richard Noone initiated the program with the club’s rookies, with hundreds of fridge magnets distributed to local accommodation outlets.

“A lot of the rookies were with us on the day that the boy drowned at The Entrance Channel, and they really moved by this and were keen to improve safety messages in the area,” Noone said.

“We wanted to get the surf safety message out there and have it stick in the minds of tourists and we’re honoured to receive this award recognises the efforts of these rookies.

“Our goal we are working towards is getting these fridge magnets inro every single accommodation provider within a five kilometre radius. “

Both the Masters Athlete of the Year and Community Education Program of the Year winners will now represent the Central Coast and state at the national Awards of Excellence on November 1.

Mr Hyslop said both achievements highlighted the diverse ways local surf lifesavers contribute to community safety.

“From elite athletes inspiring others to pursue excellence, to grassroots programs that protect lives, we’re incredibly proud of our clubs and members for their outstanding contributions,” he said.

“The Sydney ceremony brought together nearly 600 volunteer surf lifesavers and supporters, celebrating the innovation and dedication that make NSW beaches among the safest in the world.”

Skaie Hull