Angus Higgins (Seacliff SLSC) to head to Japan for Surf Lifesaving Exchange Program

By Surf Life Saving Australia

After a three-year break, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) is excited to be sending six surf lifesavers to Japan for a Lifesaver Exchange Program in partnership with the Japan Lifesaving Association (JLA). This includes Angus Higgins from Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club in South Australia.

The partnership between JLA and SLSA was established in 2007 and has seen many successful exchanges, with participants broadening their scope of lifesaving beyond Australian beaches and helping to enhance local safety management and prevent drowning on Japanese beaches.

Past Japan Lifesaving Exchange Program participant Tyla Cousins (Goolwa SLSC) found the program to be incredibly rewarding and enjoyable.

“The Japan Lifesaving Exchange was an amazing experience where we had the opportunity to share knowledge and skills with patrolling groups and help run the children’s water safety program,” she said.

“It was an exciting and intense four weeks where we got to learn about the similarities and differences in how we try to meet the same mission of zero preventable drownings.

“I left feeling inspired to continue the work and development at my club, and it really cemented my passion within the movement.”

There are two programs on offer this year that will see surf lifesavers assist with educating Japanese junior high school students with basic skills for water safety and survival or to join patrol activities at local surf lifesaving clubs in the Izu Peninsula.

Ms Cousins currently resides in Japan and is excited for the 2024 Program participants and their upcoming experiences.

“Having the chance to be absorbed in lifesaving and the sharing and learning that comes with connecting through it with another country is amazing,” she said.

“Be ready for some things to be different and have a go at learning some key phrases as they appreciate the effort. But we all figured it out in the end.

“It’ll be hot and humid, but it’s a great time with lots of great people.”

Surf Life Saving Australia had an overwhelming response to the program with 66 worthy candidates putting their names forward.

Congratulations to all the participants selected to head to Japan this year.

2024 Japan Exchange Program Participants

Program 1: Iwai Seaside Camps (25 days): 20 July – 13 August 2024

Amity Clark - VIC, Waratah Beach SLSC

Angus Higgins - SA, Seacliff SLSC

Tom Barrett - QLD, Maroochydore SLSC

Robert Matthews - VIC, Port Campbell SLSC

Program 2: Beach Patrol – Izu Peninsula (5 days): between 7 – 11 August 2024

Calden Lyons - VIC, Apollo Bay SLSC

Elise Stallard - WA, Coogee Beach SLSC

16 competitors selected for 2024 Sharkskin IRB SA State Team

Surf Life Saving SA is thrilled to congratulate the 16 competitors selected for the 2024 IRB SA State Team, proudly sponsored by Sharkskin.

The four crews will head to Queensland in July to face the best IRB racers in the country at the Interstate Championships which coincide Aussies.

STATE TEAM

Male Team

Dannion Hards (Christies Beach SLSC)

Lachlan Rothwell (Christies Beach SLSC)

Jack Millsteed (Somerton SLSC)

Daniel Birch-Smith (Christies Beach SLSC)

Male Team

Paul Perry (Port Noarlunga SLSC)

Trent Stone (Port Noarlunga SLSC)

Jamie Rose (Port Noarlunga SLSC)

David Lowrey (Port Noarlunga SLSC)

Female Team

Kristi Bedford (Aldinga Bay SLSC)

Talia Vivar (Aldinga Bay SLSC)

Amy Neville (Aldinga Bay SLSC)

Rachelle Rothwell (Aldinga Bay SLSC)

Female Team

Michelle Rose (Port Noarlunga SLSC)

Jacqui Corbett (Port Noarlunga SLSC)

Hayley Hosking (Seacliff SLSC)

Georgia Warriner (Seacliff SLSC)

The squad was presented with their official state gear at the 2024 Sharkskin SA IRB State Championships

Four members awarded SLSSA Life Membership

Surf Life Saving SA was proud to award Life Membership to Chris Parsons, Kylie Ellison, Ron Harwood and Raelene Donnell 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 Hall of Fame inductees, click here.

Raelene Donnell - Semaphore SLSC

Raelene a selfless and compassionate surf lifesaver who boasts an incredible 59-year career. First joining Semaphore Surf Life Saving Club in 1965, she’s celebrated key milestones in surf lifesaving history, from the introduction of Nippers in the late 60s to the official recognition of female surf life saver in the 1980s.

She is a fixture at every event on the sporting calendar, not only officiating on the beach but tirelessly working behind-the-scenes at Surf Central each week to prepare for upcoming competitions and ensure smooth operations. Whether it’s sorting medals, organising uniform packs, preparing paperwork or washing officials vests, she does it all without a complaint.

While her contributions extend across various areas of surf lifesaving, her true passion lies in Rescue and Resuscitation. She has dedicated countless hours to coaching, education, and support, not only for Semaphore's youth but also for neighbouring clubs. Her expertise has led her to officiate at club, state, and national levels, earning recognition such as the prestigious Bob Woodger Trophy for Aussies R&R Official of the Year in 2011.

Finally, proving that it’s never too late to don the red and yellow, she also completed her first patrol at 72 years old in 2022.

Raelene has found every opportunity to grow our movement and pave the way for women and future generations of surf life savers. She is a role model, she is the first female president at Semaphore, she is a surf lifesaving superwoman.

Chris Parsons - Brighton SLSC

Chris is a highly dedicated, accomplished and long-service member of Brighton Surf Life Saving Club and the State Emergency Operations Group.

The red and yellow runs thick in his veins, having obtained a wealth of qualifications since joining the movement 33 years ago as a nipper.

While currently most renowned for his role as Crew Chief with the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter service, Chris have also played a key role in the Jet Rescue Boat, Jet Ski and Inflatable Rescue Boat service. First obtaining his bronze medallion in 1995, Chris has since accumulated over 4000 patrol hours and 900 flying hours.

Chris has held many positions at Brighton SLSC, including President, Vice President, Patrol Captain, Security manager, IT Manager, Bar Manager amongst many others.

He has received various accolades, including the 2015 South Australian Emergency Service Medal, 2016 National Medal, and 2022 SLSA Meritorious Award. In addition, he has obtained his Gold Medallion – the highest award in Surf Life Saving.

His impact is felt strongly across the broader South Australian community, having served on the Lifesaving Advisory Committee for seven years while being involved in community outreach, school landings, fundraisers, shows, and the iconic Brighton Jetty Classic.

Kylie Ellison - Semaphore SLSC, Brighton SLSC

Kylie has been a respected and highly dependable member at Semaphore Surf Life Saving Club since 1997 and Brighton Surf Life Saving Club since 2014. Her dedication is exemplified by over 4000 patrol hours.

For nearly a quarter-century, she has been an integral part of the State Emergency Operations Group, making significant contributions to the Jet Rescue Boat service and serving as a Duty Officer. She’s also excelled as a trainer and assessor in various areas such as Bronze and ARTC, while facilitating SMAR courses and aiding in Jet Boat training.

Her involvement extends to surf sports at state and national levels, having previously served as a carnival safety officer, Powercraft Coordinator at the Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships, and an official at the Australian IRB Championships. Notably, she even held the role of medical Coordinator at the 2018 World Lifesaving Championships.

But of course, Kylie doesn’t like missing a second of the action, and also spent many years competing with the Brighton IRB racing crew.

Her unwavering passion, enthusiasm and versatility in service duties are the hallmarks of a remarkable surf lifesaver, which is why it’s no surprise she is a three-time SLSSA Awards of Excellence winner, previously being named Assessor of the Year in 2006, Surf Life Saver of the Year in 2013, and Volunteer of the Year in 2019. Her contributions have also received national recognition with awards like the National Service Medal in 2015, 20-Year National Patrol Service award in 2018, and South Australian Emergency Services Medal in 2020.

Ronald Harwood - Christies Beach SLSC, Somerton SLSC

Ron joined the movement in 1967 and today celebrates a 56-year membership spanning across Semaphore, South Port, North Haven, Henley, Somerton, and most notably, Christies Beach.

In Surf Sports he has excelled as a Surf Boat Sweep, nurturing talent and guiding multiple clubs to success through coaching and sweep development. He’s represented South Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia on numerous occasions, most notably winning Gold in the 2017 Reserve Women’s ASRL and 120yrs Open Women’s races. He’s also claimed over 20 SA State Championship medals as the sweep of several Junior, Open and Masters male and female crews between 1970 and 2023.

In addition to his many surf sport accolades, Ron holds 38 awards, including a 15 Year Patrol Service Award and a 25 Year Long Service Award. At state level he’s held several important administrative positions, including state council, board member, chairperson and club president. He was also instrumental in the rebuild of Christies Beach Surf Life Saving Club, working tirelessly to create the foundations of the Mid Coast Surf Life Saving Clubs Group for the development, stability and financial benefit of the five surf clubs within the City of Onkaparinga.