LIFE-SAVING efforts by Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club (TGHNSLSC) members were once again honoured as part of a major awards event held at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney on Saturday 16 August.
The Surf Life Saving NSW Awards of Excellence were held overlooking the bright lights of Darling Harbour, and clubs from across the state were brought together to recognise above-and-beyond actions in the 2024-25 season.
TGHNSLSC members were nominated for the Rescue of the Year award for their efforts back in December 2024, after being recognised at the Hunter Branch level previously.
The official citation recognised Phillip Daniel, Luke Rochester, Max Fortunaso, Jack Alterator, Anna Fortunaso, Gingerlily Shelton and Emily Klocker.
“At around 10.30am on Saturday 21 December, a flash rip at the northern end of the patrolled area of Bennetts Beach in Hawks Nest saw 12 members of the public sucked out to sea, some 75 metres from the shore,” read the Surf Life Saving NSW citation.
“Members of the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest SLSC patrol team at the time jumped into action, with Max Fortunaso and Jack Alterator immediately entering the water with rescue boards and paddling out to a group of 10 swimmers where they reassured them and told them to hold onto the boards.”
Phillip Daniel and Luke Rochester launched the Inflatable Rescue Boat to assist with the mass rescue, and over the course of three trips safely delivered each swimmer back to the beach.
“Meanwhile, SRC members, Anna Fortunaso and Gingerlily Shelton took rescue tubes out to another two members of the public who were struggling to swim back towards the flags. With assistance from fellow patrol member and Gold Medallion holder, Emily Klocker, they safely returned the two swimmers to shore.
“Together, the entire patrolling team provided shore-based triage, first aid, and liaison with family members of the swimmers.”
Dee Why SLSC were the eventual winners of the night’s presentation, their members being recognised for a drowning rescue they managed in January 2025, with Tea Gardens-Hawks Nest members appreciating a deserving effort by the northern beaches club.
“As Club Captain and Patrol Captain on the day, I am extremely proud to have represented our club and the team involved at this prestigious awards event,” Club Captain Wayne Bower said.
“Some members of the immediate response that were unable to attend were Max Fortunaso, Anna Fortunaso, Emily Klocker, Luke Rochester, and Phillip Daniel, but are to be acknowledged as part of the team.
“We extended an invitation to Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib and Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington to visit our club, if time permits, at any stage during the upcoming season.”
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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