Lifeguards from around Bay of Plenty and Coromandel have been recognised for their accomplishments in the annual Awards of Excellence.

Held at the Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club on July 20, the awards acknowledged the incredible skills, commitment, and effort by surf lifeguards, as well as those who educated others, managed administration, and participated in lifesaving sport throughout the 2023/2024 season.

"Surf lifesaving is a team effort and every year we rely on hundreds of people giving up their precious time to protect beachgoers and keep them safe," says SLSNZ Eastern Regional Manager Avan Polo.

"Because of this, the Awards of Excellence is such an important date on our calendar and this year was no different!  It was a fantastic night of celebration and reflection.

"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who was involved and send a big congratulations to all the winners.”

Donna Pfefferle from Waihi Beach Lifeguard Services won Coromandel NZ Lottery Grants Board Volunteer of the Year.

"Donna’s commitment to the club’s success and leadership development is unwavering.  She’s spearheaded a number of strategic projects, including the Climate Adaptation Plan, which showcases her dedication to future-proofing the club and community," says Waihi Beach Lifeguard Services lifeguarding director Lucy Scown.

"Furthermore, her leadership secured council and community approval for the Bowentown Hub building. 

"Through Donna’s strategic leadership, she’s ensuring the club’s resilience and nurturing a strong sense of community both locally and regionally. 

"Her contributions extend beyond the club’s borders, making a meaningful impact on the broader surf lifesaving community at regional and national levels."

Sam Cox from Pauanui SLSC won Coromandel DHL Surf Lifeguard of the Year.  During the 2023/2024 session, he held a number of roles at the club including Co Club Captain, Regional Head Surf Lifeguard, and Peer Supporter.

Pauanui SLSC co-club captain Stella Reid says Sam is always willing to lend a hand to help make all aspects of the club run smoother.

"He is constantly helping upskill junior surf lifeguards and keep volunteer patrols running during the weekend while always keeping a priority on the safety of beachgoers and the safety of the surf lifeguards and club members around him.

"Amazingly, Sam does all of this with a positive attitude and is always willing to have a conversation – whether that’s building someone up or figuring out a way that the process can be done better or more efficiently."

Andrew McDowell from Pukehina Surf Rescue won Bay of Plenty NZ Lottery Grants Board Volunteer of Year.  During the 2023/2024 season, he carried out a number of roles including surf lifeguard Patrol Captain, Club and Building Chair, and Search and Rescue Coordinator.

Pukehina Surf Rescue sport coordinator Boyd Harris says Andrew gave his heart and soul to the club, region, and Surf Life Saving movement over the 2023/2024 season, along with an insane amount of time to ensure all the mahi required to run a club, mentor people, and ensure the new clubroom facilities are completed on time and to budget. 

"Pukehina has built a reputation for punching above its size and weight and with the leadership and mentorship Andrew provides for our people we will navigate our way into managing the new direction of club operations and servicing our local communities on a far greater scale than the last 26 years of existence."

Liam Shanahan from Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service won Bay of Plenty DHL Surf Lifeguard of the Year and Bay of Plenty DHL U19 Surf Lifeguard of the Year.  During the 2023/2024 season he clocked up nearly 600 hours across paid and volunteer surf lifeguard operations.

Image: Cody Keepa.

"It was a massive year of growth and development for Liam as it was his first year as Head Paid Lifeguard," says Grant Davis-Calvert, Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service.

"He was one of the youngest Head Paid Lifeguards we’ve seen in a while at Mount Maunganui Lifeguard service, but this responsibility allowed him to use his natural leadership skills. 

"For a young man, Liam shows a great sense of maturity and an ability to make sure all aspects of his surf lifeguard tasks are carried out in a manner that ensures safety for all."

The Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Awards of Excellence brought together Surf Life Saving clubs including Hot Water Beach, Tairua, Pauanui, Onemana, Whangamatā, Whiritoa, Waihi Beach, Mount Maunganui, Omanu, Papamoa, Maketu, Pukehina, Whakatāne, and Ōpōtiki.

Full list of winners: