Recognition Celebrating Excellence Tim Wilson DHL Lifeguard of the Year
Celebrating Excellence DHL Lifeguard of the Year, Tim Wilson, receives his award.
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t the 2014 SLSA Awards of Excellence evening, lifeguards swap their wetsuits for formal suits and the country’s top lifeguard is crowned. This year’s event was held in October at The Westin Sydney, where over a dozen of Surf Life Saving’s highest national awards were handed out for lifesaving, volunteering and sports achievements. Tim Wilson from Queensland’s Australian Lifeguard Service was awarded the DHL Lifeguard of the Year for his commitment and dedication to developing the services on North Stradbroke Island and the Gold Coast, along with his key role in mentoring new lifeguards. On the volunteer side of the evening it was a big night for the Secret Harbour Surf Life Saving Club.
For Tim, the recognition is nice, but it’s the little things in his everyday job he enjoys the most The West Australian club took out three of the major awards on offer, including the prestigious DHL Club of the Year award and DHL Lifesaver of the Year award, which was won by Robert Bates. The judging panel applauded the work and service of Bates, who has been instrumental in the expansion of the club’s patrol services and in delivering public education programs to increase safety. Surf Life Saving Australia President Graham Ford congratulated all award winners and nominees and paid tribute to the thousands across Australia who dedicate their time, effort and expertise to keeping the beaches safe. ‘We are so fortunate as an organisation to be built upon the incredibly selfless work and effort of our employees and volunteers all around the country,’ Mr Ford said. Editor's note: APOLA were unable to be reached to supply their awards of excellence results.
DHL Lifeguard of the Year Runners-up Steve Mills Australian Lifeguard Service, NSW Steve has been a dedicated lifeguard for more than 20 years, and has mentored and supervised many others throughout his career. Steve took part in two successful CPR resuscitations this season and has been involved in many incidents tending to patients who have sustained seizures, major wounds or bone dislocations, as well as undertaking missing children and adult searches. Steve always exhibits a high level of professionalism and knowledge in all aspects of his role.
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Trevor Radburn Australian Lifeguard Service, NT Trevor is the State Lifeguard Manager for SLSNT and oversees the Darwin Waterfront Lifeguard Service, where he is responsible for the aquatic safety of the hugely popular 27-ha Darwin Wave and Recreational Lagoons. Trevor facilitates many training sessions and proficiency checks throughout the year to ensure all his staff are fully equipped to perform their roles. Trevor is also a member of the SLSNT Search and Rescue Team.
Shani Copley Australian Lifeguard Service, SA Shani is a Senior Lifeguard for SLSSA, a position to which she was recently promoted in recognition of her dedication and strong work ethic throughout her years with SLS. This season, Shani assisted with the set-up of a new lifeguard trial program service at Henley SLSC. As a Senior Lifeguard, Shani assists with the training and mentoring of many of the new lifeguards.
DHL Lifeguard of the Year Tim Wilson
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ueensland’s Tim Wilson personifies the professional lifeguard—he’s dedicated, he’s fit and he really loves his job. A lifeguard for eight years, Tim Wilson is a long-time member of the Broadbeach Surf Life Saving Club on the Gold Coast. He has also spent time working in the United Kingdom for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). The judging panel were glowing in their review of Tim’s commitment and dedication to the service. In particular, they were impressed with the way in which he has developed relationships with the community and emergency services on Stradbroke Island. Tim was also singled out for his role in mentoring and acting as a role model to the younger lifeguards, both in his area of active duty and in the establishment of the three new services on the Gold Coast. For Tim, the recognition is nice, but it’s the little things in his everyday job he enjoys the most, being at the beach every day, keeping fit and making other people happy. ‘I’m at the beach every single day. How’s that for a life? When people are having a shower, putting on their slacks and button-up shirt to go to the office for the day, I’m drying my hair after a swim, putting on shorts and a singlet and getting ready for a hard day on the beach.
Top 10
‘My job revolves around fitness. I need to be physically fit and strong to be a capable lifeguard and this has some adverse effects in making me feel amazing! My life on patrol involves me talking to people on their holidays at the beach. Do you know how people feel when they are on holidays? They are happy and they are excited. I get to talk to happy people every day. That makes me feel happy. That makes my day happy. That makes my job happy. Some could say I have the perfect job.’
Mattias Baenziger Australian Lifeguard Service, Vic Mattias is a Senior Lifeguard with the Victorian ALS. He has been exemplary in his service to LSV, and is regarded as a mentor and advisor within the Bellarine region. Mattias demonstrated true professionalism and flexibility while managing a particularly difficult rescue this season where the patient suffered from a personality disorder. Both the patient and carer were returned to shore safe and well. Mattias continues to be an active leader in his club and state.
SLSA LIFEGUARDS OF THE YEAR
Daniel Andrew Australian Lifeguard Service, WA A lifeguard for Secret Harbour SLSC, Daniel has established himself as a highly reliable and professional team member. He managed a rescue involving a patient who had suffered a spinal injury. Due to Daniel’s quick and methodical thinking, the person left the beach safely and made a full recovery. This season, Daniel achieved his RWC Award, augmenting his existing qualifications.
• 2014—Timothy Wilson, Australian Lifeguard Service, QLD • 2013—Tim Daymond, Australian Lifeguard Service, NSW • 2012—Daniel Sullivan, Australian Lifeguard Service, VIC • 2011—Scott McCartney, Australian Lifeguard Service, NSW • 2010—Lleam Rees, Australian Lifeguard Service, QLD • 2009—Lachlan HolberyMorgan, Australian Lifeguard Service, VIC • 2008—Mark Young Australian Lifeguard Service, NSW • 2007—Paul Barker, QLD • 2006—Peter Baird, NSW • 2005—Grant Small, North QLD Lifeguards
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