Ryan recognised for his commitment

Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club member Ryan Chiswell has had his outstanding commitment to Surf Life Saving recognised before his peers.

He has been honoured with being named Young Lifesaver of the Year at the 2017 NSW Surf Life Saving Awards of Excellence on Saturday, August 5.

Chiswell's journey in Surf Life Saving started as a Nipper in 2008, and it was clear from the start that he had a passion for the movement and all the opportunities that it would subsequently bring him.

"His sustained level of contribution to the club and to the movement is even more evident when the time he spends travelling from his Western Suburbs home to the Central Coast each week for training," said club publicity officer Ms Donna Wishart.

Last season Chiswell logged more than 239 hours on patrol with 200 of them alone spent at Ocean Beach.

He was able to devote time patrolling in two other branches to help out when they were short of numbers.

"Mature beyond his years, Chiswell was involved in a number of rescues in the 2016-17 season and his desire to broaden his own skills and knowledge saw him join the club's call out team, become a trainee crew member with the offshore rescue boat, and become a member of the newly-formed Ocean Beach inflatable rescue boat team," said Ms Wishart.

"Chiswell is an excellent mentor to the younger kids in his club through the Rookie Buddy program and his contributions off the beach see him on the Ocean Beach board as communications officer, assisting with branch youth development programs and assisting with training programs as a qualified training officer."

In an effort to broaden his own skills and experiences, Chiswell also participated in this year's SLSNSW Lifesaving Exchange Program.

"It's been a great season and topping it off with this award is fantastic," he said.

"I've enjoyed helping out the club wherever I can and it was a lot of fun to be there for the start of the IRB racing and to assist with radio communications.

"Next season I hope to be able to help out with the juniors as we get more lifesavers coming through and do whatever is needed to assist them," he added.

SOURCE:

Media release, 9 Aug 2017

Donna Wishart, Surf Life Saving NSW