Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club has won the prestigious club of the year at the branch awards.
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The presentation was made at the awards night on Saturday.
The top award follows a successful club presentation night held in May.
Club president Michelle Garvan said the branch award was not expected.
“We have done a pretty good job this year, being acknowledged for the April rescue of the month, and hosting our own very successful club presentation,” she said.
"But we didn’t expect this award. Not at all.
“As a small club – we have about 30 patrolling members – we rely on our neighbouring clubs for assistance during the season. Their support helps us out enormously.
“Our club members, though, deserve praise for their outstanding efforts throughout the season.”
Garvan said there were many examples of the strong club spirit including where five members completed their bronze medallion and the following weekend turned up at an IRB course.
“For a small club, we had really good response from members to upgrade their qualifications,” she added.
Garvan said the club worked on being proactive on the beach at each patrol in order to not let a situation ‘get out of hand’.
Along with the club of the year award, club member Susie Bell was named administrator of the year, Garven was named assessor of the year while the club’s rescue effort will be put forward for a national award.
At the club awards, Jenny Cooper was named senior club person while Jacob Worton was named junior club person.
Senior patrol person was Adam Toogood with Noah Hallett picking up the junior award. The rookie of the year was Hona Gilbert.
Garven said Gilbert was keen to get involved with the club and had achieved his bronze medallion before turning up the following week for the IRB course.
“Even days when he is not on patrol, he still turns up and assists in any way he can,” she said.
“Noah was another strong performer for the club throughout the year and his award is a really good representation of his season.
“Adam Toogood has been a member for a few years and is a really good community-minded club member. He has completed his silver medallion beach management course to become a patrol captain.
“Jacob Worton was recently nominated for the junior lifesaver of the year and has a really strong passion for the surf life saving movement.”
Garvan said Jenny Cooper helps out at many levels of club activities and is helping guide the future direction of the club.
Despite the off-season, the club continues to be busy and on Sunday June 25 will do battle with the Laurieton Hotel Fishing Club in the annual battle of the seas on the greens at Club North Haven. The annual bowls fundraising event starts at 11am.
Funds raised go to the surf club and the Laurieton Public School.
Another fundraiser for the surf club is on Thursday June 29 when the Plaza Theatre hosts the screening of Baywatch.
The surf club’s other focus for the off-season is the King of the Mountain in August.