Winners Booklet - 2023 Canterbury Awards of Excellence

Lifeguard
of the Year
Riley Stewart from Spencer Park Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) took
home the esteemed Lifeguard of the Year Award.
Stewart, who is a Patrol Captain, Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB)
Driver and co-ordinator for the Search and Rescue Squad at
Spencer Park SLSC, has exhibited exemplary dedication and
expertise. His commitment to personal growth was evident
through the completion of numerous awards during the 2022/23
season. His mentorship at the Canterbury Intermediate Lifeguard
School was also invaluable to aspiring Surf Lifeguards.
Linda Poulsen, Lifeguard Manager at Spencer Park SLSC, said, “If
only we could clone a few more Riley’s into our teams, then we
could all take a back seat. He is definitely a very valued member
of the whole Spencer Park community, and we hope to keep him
on forever. He has already offered to join the committee, so the
future is bright for our club with guys like Riley.”
Stewart also played a pivotal role in a challenging rescue, which
resulted in one fatality. The leadership and care Stewart showed
during this ordeal was exemplary.