Surf Life Saving SA was proud to induct Robert Thompson, Andrew Lanyon and John Charles into the SLSSA Hall of Fame at the 2024 Awards of Excellence.
To find out more about the 2024 Awards of Excellence winners, click here.
To find out more about the 2024 Life Membership recipients, click here.
Robert Thompson - Grange SLSC
Hall of Fame - Sport
Robert has been a beloved athlete and official in surf lifesaving since first joining Grange Surf Life Saving Club in 1968.
As an athlete, Robert was a fierce all-round competitor who showcased exceptional talent in board riding, board and ski, before moving into surf boats. He’s proudly represented South Australia on many occasions, and competed well into his 50s.
Outside the competition, his involvement has been equally remarkable. There aren’t many roles Robert hasn’t done, whether it’s coach, team manager, official, area referee, announcer, or committee member across junior, senior and masters events. Their commitment to developing youth athletes is especially highlighted through their previous roles as State Junior Development Squad Manager, Junior Team State Selector and Junior State Team Coach.
On a national and global scale his presence is well-known, having officiated at the Australian Championships for the past 17 years and served as a starter at Open, Masters, and International Championships in Adelaide, France, and the Netherlands from 2012 to 2018.
Robert has also made waves outside the sporting world, having achieved their 30-year national patrol award and also serving 12 years as Club President, during which time he played a pivotal role in the redevelopment of the Grange clubrooms.
In 2012 he was honoured with Life Membership of SLSSA, and in 2018 he was inducted into the Surf Sports Hall of Fame along with other members of his Grange Boat Crew. Now in 2024, Surf Life Saving SA is thrilled to induct Robert into the Surf Life Saving SA Hall of Fame.
Andrew Lanyon - Henley SLSC
Hall of Fame - Sport
Andrew has been a prominent figure at Henley Surf Life Saving Club since gaining his Bronze as a 16-year-old in 1973.
Entering the surf lifesaving world with a competitive swimming background, he quickly established themselves as a standout athlete. Alongside fellow members Rob and Peter Mackay, Tony Snell and Neville Fielder, he propelled Henley into prominence in swimming, R&R and later Ironman events.
Determined to expand his surf skills, he concentrated on learning and refining his craft in skis and boards, eventually being appointed Board and Ski Captain in 1977. Over a decade of coaching, his innovative training methods and dedication significantly bolstered Henley’s standing in this area, leading to over 25 years of service at Board Captain.
His illustrious career is adorned with countless individual and team victories across state, national and international competitions, from gold medals at State Titles in the early 1980s to multiple golds in team events at the 2016, 2018, and 2022 World Championships.
In a true testament to his enduring excellence, he also won the Club Championship ten times in a 14-year span between 1977 and 1991.
Equally committed to his lifesaving responsibilities, Andrew obtained his Instructor's Certificate in 1984 and was honoured with a 20-Year National Patrol Service Award in 2001. He was a patrol captain for more than 10 years and took part in several recues, including incidences off duty outside of Henley Beach.
John Charles - South Port SLSC
Hall of Fame - Lifesaving
John is an outstanding lifesaver with a distinguished career spanning nearly five decades since joining the movement as a seven-year-old in 1975.
John has impressively logged over 1100 volunteer patrol hours across Port Noarlunga, South Port, Moana and the State Emergency Operations group, which he has been a diligent member of for 37 years. Beginning as a trainee crew member in the Jest Rescue Boat service in 1987, he progressed through the ranks to become an instructor, assessor, state officer and core member in the 24-hour call team.
As the longest-serving Powercraft Officer, John has left a lasting legacy across lifesaving operations and surf sports.
His leadership abilities were quickly recognized when he was elected as the State IRB Officer from 1991-1993, taking on the massive responsibility of setting up all senior and junior carnivals. To date, he has has set up the cans at countless summer carnivals and around 30 State Championships.
Furthermore, his dedication to IRB racing has been marked not just by numerous victories, but by his knowledge and advice which helped shape, innovate and develop the sport during its infancy.
John’s impact is felt nationally, having been instrumental in the development and review of various National Power Craft training manuals and programs which have been utilized by both Queensland and New South Wales Jet Boat Rescue Operations. He also collaborated on the design of SA’s current Jet Rescue Boats, and have trained and assessed over 10 JRB drivers and 30 crew members.
