Lake Macquarie youngster Briella Gyler-Dial is the toast of her local organisation after being named the Ingenia Holiday Parks NSW Junior Lifesaver of the Year.
The Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club member, along with Lennox Head Alstonville SLSC’s Jayden Matthews, received the honour after three days of team building and leadership development on Sydney’s Northern beaches.
The duo was among a group of 22 eager youths, who attended from each of the 11 branches across NSW, having previously been acknowledged themselves as Junior Lifesavers of the Year for their region.
“It’s nice to be recognised,” Gyler-Dial said.
“Everyone here should be acknowledged.
“But, the fact that out of everyone I was chosen is amazing.”
Gyler-Dial boasts nearly a decade of club know-how, having been involved in the Hunter Branch from a young age.
She understands the value of passing down experience to the next generation – and loved seeing older nippers lend a hand with her age group in her early years.
The panel also noticed her actions spoke the loudest.
Gyler-Dial has assisted two age managers over three years in delivering the nipper program, guiding them as they learn about beach safety and building their confidence in the ocean.
“In my eyes, it’s really important to inspire the next generation, to show them that you can remain involved at your surf club as you get older,” she said.
“I like helping them to become more confident in their abilities.”
Gyler-Dial praised the three-day camp, too.
“I really enjoyed some of the pathways sessions,” she said.
“I’ll return to my club with such good experiences.
“Great team building skills and all the friendships I’ve made; I’ll definitely take back with me.”
Ingenia Holiday Parks general manager of tourism Matt Young said being involved in an initiative, now in its 32nd year, gave them much pride.
“For us being partnered with Surf Life Saving NSW and the Junior Lifesaver of the Year program, it’s really important as most of our parks are along the coastline and we want to keep our guests and our team safe,” he explained.
“They are the next generation of everyday heroes.”
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