Nipper and youth member’s achievements celebrated

More than 100 outstanding young members across WA were recognised for their achievements at Surf Life Saving WA’s (SLSWA) annual Nipper & Youth Awards, presented by the Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation of WA, on Saturday afternoon.

Over 350 guests gathered at this year’s event to recognise and celebrate the achievements across various areas, including lifesaving, surf sports competition and volunteering.

Scarboro Surf Life Saving Club’s Jack Brohman was named U14/U15 Lifesaver of the Year in recognition of his service patrolling local beaches over the season. Having recently completed his Bronze Medallion and Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Crew course and performing regular patrols with multiple teams, Jack also took on extra duties, including roving patrols and IRB operations.

Highly regarded by his Patrol Captains, Jack was recognised as an active and committed club member, displaying a solid dedication to his responsibilities.

Recognised as an exceptional leader who embodies the spirit of lifesaving competition and community engagement, Trigg Island Surf Life Saving Club’s Indiah Reidy was named Youth of the Year.

Holding multiple certifications and awards, including her Surf Rescue Certificate, Indiah is actively involved in club activities, officiates at surf sports carnivals, and this season, achieved her Gold Level in SLSWA’s Youth Leaders Program, having volunteered more than 230 hours during her time as a youth member.

Also hailing from Trigg Island, Trent Yates had an incredible breakout season as a youth athlete, proving he is one to watch in the coming years.

He was awarded the U14/U15 Athlete of the Year following a season that saw him claim gold in the U14 beach flags and beach sprints at the SunSmart WA Surf Life Saving Championships and, for the second year in a row, taking out the beach sprints and beach flags for his age group at the Australian titles last month.

Earlier in the year, Trent was selected for SLSWA’s Youth Pathways state team, where he travelled to Maroubra, NSW, to contest the Interstate Championships, taking gold in the U14 beach flags event.

In an exceptional field of finalists, Mullaloo’s Ethan Rapley took the Official of the Year award. He was commended for his positive and respectful attitude, outstanding communication skills, and growth mindset, which saw him embrace new roles and actively contribute to carnivals and championships.

In the Nipper categories, regional representation was strong, with Albany SLSC’s Mahayla Smithers named Nipper of the Year. A dedicated Nipper with expectational surf awareness, Mahayla was recognised for her active engagement in safety discussions and promotion of SunSmart practices, as well as for being a member of her club’s surf sports team, regularly attending carnivals where she is a great supporter of her fellow competitors, displaying integrity and fantastic sportsmanship.

Nipper Athlete of the Year was awarded to Bunbury member India Murphy following a fantastic season that saw her claim three individual gold in the U13 Ironwoman, Board Race, and Beach Flags, two individual bronze, plus a team gold and two team bronze at the SunSmart WA Surf Life Saving Nipper Championships.

Thirty-two outstanding individuals were also recognised for their attainment of Gold Level in SLSWA’s Youth Leaders Program, which required them to have accumulated more than 230 volunteer hours during their time as a youth member, requiring significant commitment and dedication across multiple seasons.

SLSWA President Heidi Gan OLY said she was incredibly proud of the contributions these young members were making to their club and local communities.

“Surf Life Saving WA’s ethos of saving lives and building great communities starts with these young people as they journey through the Woodside Nippers and youth programs at their local club,” said Ms Gan.

“The calibre of these award recipients was exceptional and demonstrates that the future of Surf Life Saving in WA is bright.”

Check out the full list of winner here.