Lifesaver Katie is Australia's best
Ocean Beach Surf Life Saver Katie Dixon was recognised as the Australian Surf Life Saver of the Year at the Surf Life Saving National Awards as part of the National Life Saving Conference 2011 held in Darling Harbour on Saturday, October 8.
Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club education and training director Mr Richard Grimmond said: "As the Central Coast Branch, State and now the National Lifesaver of the Year, Katie Dixon demonstrates everything that is good about this iconic organisation."
"With her commitment to patrol duties, education, communication, competition and promotion of surf life saving, Katie stands high on the top step of the podium as the nation's finest lifesaver this year.
"Katie's contribution to surf lifesaving is outstanding and in 2010-2011 her accomplishments were a stand out even at the national level for the award," said Mr Grimmond.
Katie has actively patrolled the beach for 15 years and often conducts informal beach safety education sessions on the beach to the general public.
She holds a number of key positions at all levels of the organisation including manager of rescue services at Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Surfcom for Central Coast Branch and was the SLSNSW Sir Adrian Curlewis Scholar for 2010-11.
Ocean Beach's David Unger was also recognised as Surf Sports Official of the Year at the ceremony.
David has officiated at branch, state and national events in various roles including sectional referee and deputy referee.
He has facilitated level one coaching courses and was selected to participate in the SLSA Development Program.
David is also the surf sports director of Surf Life Saving Central Coast.
Email, 7 Nov 2011
Richard Grimmond, Ocean Beach SLSC
Website, 8 Nov 2011
Surf Life Saving