The contributions of four lifesavers from the Far North Coast were recognised at Surf Life Saving NSW’s Awards for Excellence in Sydney in late August.
Ben Dickens from Ballina Shire won the Lifeguard of the Year Award for going above and beyond the call of duty as a professional Lifeguard for the Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS) last season.
Ben has been involved in school surf-safety programs and has been a trainer and mentor to the younger lifeguards.
Mikala Campbell from the Ballina Lighthouse and Lismore SLSC was named Junior Lifesaver of the Year.
Mikala has been involved in Surf Life Saving since she joined the U/7s. She received her Surf Rescue Certificate earlier this year and loves competing in team events – particularly at the Country Championships.
Aidan Yourell is the Evans Head Casino Surf Life Saving Club vice-captain and patrol vice-captain, and was the winner of the Youth Volunteer of the Year Award.
Aidan completed an extraordinary 200 volunteer patrol hours last season, and actively gives his time to fundraising for the club, and even lends a hand with club maintenance.