Local lifeguards recognised with national service awards

Sunshine Coast lifeguards switched their beach gear for more formal attire this week, with standouts from the local contingent recognised this week at Surf Life Saving Queensland’s Awards of Excellence at Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club.

The following Surf Life Saving Queensland lifeguards were recognised for their dedicated service:

20-year service:

• Michael Daly - Gained his Bronze Medallion at Coolum Beach in 1988 and began lifeguarding 12th March 1998. Michael is currently a full-time lifeguard at Coolum Beach. 

15-year service:         

• Anthony King – gained his bronze medallion at Maroochydore in 1989 and began lifeguarding 27th May 2002. Anthony is currently the Chief Lifeguard – Sunshine Coast.
• Dylan Newbiggin – gained his bronze medallion at Metropolitan Caloundra in 2000 and began lifeguarding 16th December 2002. Dylan is currently a full-time lifeguard at Mooloolaba.
• Luke Paterson – gained his bronze medallion at Point Leo in 1991 and began lifeguarding 22nd April 2003. Luke is currently a Part-time Lifeguard at Coolum.
• Corey Jones – gained his bronze medallion at Metropolitan Caloundra in 2001 and began lifeguarding 13th December 2002. Corey is currently a full-time lifeguard at Kings Beach. 
• Jon Wadling – gained his bronze medallion at Sunshine Beach in 1975 and began lifeguarding 10th December 2004. Jon is currently a part-time lifeguard at Peregian.
• Darren Hooper – gained his bronze medallion at Mooloolaba in 1995 and began lifeguarding 7th September 2005. Darren is currently a casual lifeguard for Sunshine Coast South.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson and 2020 Australian Lifeguard of the Year Corey Johns formerly presented Smith his Queensland Lifeguard of the Year recognition, as the Awards of Excellence was held virtually last month.

Surf Life Saving Queensland CEO Dave Whimpey congratulated all lifeguards on their contribution and professional approach to their work at Surf Life Saving Queensland.

“All the lifeguards recognised tonight have saved countless lives and aligned with Surf Life Saving Queensland’s vision of zero preventable deaths in Queensland public waters,” he said.

“Our organisation is thankful for their continued commitment to providing the best service for our beach communities.

“We thank all lifeguards recognised tonight for their leadership and continuous professionalism, congratulations on this achievement.”