The local surf lifesaving community is in celebration mode after Nobbys SLSC’s Kaylah Broadhead was named NSW Junior Lifesaver of the Year.
The youngster, who had earlier claimed the Hunter crown alongside Redhead SLSC’s Gabe Widseth, snared the state title after three days of team building and leadership development on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
She shared the NSW plaudits with Coogee SLSC’s Calum Reiter.
The pair was formally recognised during a presentation ceremony on Thursday 13 April.
Broadhead and Reiter were two, in a group of 22 eager 14-year-olds, who came from each of the 11 branches across the state.
“It was very nerve-racking, but it was also chill, everyone here deserved it so much, but it was really nice to win,” she admitted.
“There were lots of good activities, however I really enjoyed the ice bath.
“It’s such a unique experience and it really brought us all together.”
A reserved but abundantly personable patrolling member from the Hunter, Broadhead has been involved in the movement for the past five years.
She cites her desire to inspire the younger generation in the surf lifesaving community as a factor in building her character and confidence.
Judges also noted she places a strong value on education, seeing knowledge and understanding of lifesaving activities within the active patrolling member base and the public en masse as crucial to getting the movement’s core beliefs across.
“I want to work to create as much awareness as possible of the beach and particularly rips,” Broadhead said.
“So many people drown in rips and it’s really needless.
“I hope to be able to see how we can help to build awareness around that issue.
“It’s been such a fun few days and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again in the future.”
General manager of tourism for Ingenia Holiday Parks Matt Young said being involved in an initiative now in its 33rd year gave them great pride.
“We operate holiday parks across the Eastern coast and it’s so important that we respect and value our guests,” he explained.
“Working with Surf Life Saving NSW facilitates this.”
Ingenia Holiday Parks Junior Lifesaver of the Year participants:
Zoe Hope – Far North Coast
Lachlan Thomas – Far North Coast
Ned O’Donnell – North Coast
Lillian Lougher – North Coast
Gabby Turner – Mid North Coast
Jack McGrath – Mid North Coast
Jack Drury – Lower North Coast
Lucy Miller – Lower North Coast
Kaylah Broadhead – Hunter
Gabe Widseth – Hunter
Rebecca Lawer – Central Coast
Samuel Terry – Central Coast
Chanelle Humel – Sydney Northern Beaches
Ewan Humphreys – Sydney Northern Beaches
Sophia Garvin – Sydney
Calum Reiter – Sydney
Darcy Weber – Illawarra
Nate Jennett – Illawarra
Isabelle Hourigan – South Coast
Cameron Campbell – South Coast
Luke Drewsen – Far South Coast
Rosie McPartland – Far South Coast
For more sports stories:
- Newcastle steeling itself for SailFest TP52 showdown
- Newcastle Northstars begin 2023 ice hockey campaign
- REAL NRL: Lions ready to roar again, says Hamilton
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
