The Surf Life Saving Great Britain (SLSGB) community came together in a night of celebration and recognition at the annual Heroes of the Surf Awards, marking 70 years of lifesaving excellence. A huge congratulations to all the winners and heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended, especially our esteemed life members who had the honour of presenting the awards. Their dedication and support continue to inspire the next generation of lifesavers.
One of the most remarkable stories of the night was that of Esme Deacon, who was awarded Hero of the Surf for her fearless actions last summer. While enjoying a day at Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, the 17-year-old lifeguard sprang into action when she saw two individuals in distress. With lifeguards off duty, Esme grabbed a tourist’s bodyboard and paddled out to rescue them, staying with them until emergency services arrived. Her quick thinking and courage undoubtedly saved their lives. Esme, a long-time member of Hayle Surf Lifesaving Club, has since passed her RNLI assessment and now works as a professional lifeguard.
Another incredible feat of bravery was recognised with the Lifesaver of the Year award, which was given to Nick Brown, also from Hayle Surf Lifesaving Club. Nick saved the life of a young boy caught in a rip current near Chapel Rock, Perranporth. Battling rough conditions, Nick paddled out to the struggling child, who was disappearing beneath the waves. His calmness and expertise ensured the boy’s safe return to shore, demonstrating the lifesaving skills that lie at the heart of SLSGB’s mission.
The awards also celebrated the achievements of surf lifesaving athletes, who play a crucial role in promoting water safety. The prestigious Sportsperson of the Year award was given to Evie Wong from Rhoose Lifeguards, Wales, in recognition of her outstanding dedication and achievements. In 2024, Evie excelled on both national and international stages, securing top placements at the World Life-Saving Championships in Australia and the Youth World Championships in Italy. Domestically, she dominated at the GB Open National Championships and OceanPerf UK Challenge.
The awards ceremony, sponsored by Motorway, was part of a larger weekend event that brought together over 200 members for the annual summit at the Riviera Centre in Torquay. Alongside the awards, members participated in workshops, networking sessions, and the charity’s AGM. The event featured an inspiring keynote speech from Jon White, a former Royal Marines Officer turned para-athlete, who shared his incredible journey of resilience after sustaining life-changing injuries in Afghanistan.
The Heroes of the Surf Awards are more than just a celebration; they are a testament to the dedication, bravery, and skill of volunteer lifesavers across the UK. Their stories remind us of the vital role they play in protecting beachgoers and shaping a safer future for our coastal communities.
A huge congratulations to all the winners and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who makes the lifesaving community what it is today. Here’s to another 70 years of saving lives, inspiring others, and keeping our beaches safe!
Hero of the Surf: Esme Deacon, Hayle SLSC
Lifesaver of the Year: Nicholas Brown, Hayle SLSC
Club of the Year: Bude Surf Lifesaving Club SLSC
Life Member Award: Don Duffield, Woolacombe SLSC Lindsey Anderson, Polzeath SLSC Denise Vickery, Bude SLSC Geoff Goodier David Samuel, Brighton SLSC
25 Years Long Service Award: Leigh Anderson Sheard, Polzeath SLSC Keith Gammon, Woolacombe SLSC
Services to Lifesaving: Chris Leach, Aberdeen SLSC Keith Hoppins, Exmouth SLSC
Services to Lifesaving – Sport: Mark Dixon, Branksome Chine SLSC
Services to Region: Mark Dixon, Branksome Chine SLSC Nigel Bowden, Perranporth SLSC
Services to Lifesaving Community: Ben Rook, Saunton Sands SLSC Julie Coleman, Mundesley SLSC Oliver Frere-Smith, North Norfolk SLSC Samantha Pratt, Brighton SLSC Ian Bennett, Croyde SLSC Mel Bardsley, Bude SLSC Helen Squires, Polzeath SLSC
Team of the Year – Lifesaving: Cornwall Flood Rescue
Sports Person of the Year: Evie Wong, Roose Lifeguards
Volunteer of the Year: Summer Gatrell, Bude SLSC
Official of the Year: Sarah Durrant, Saunton Sands SLSC
John Martin Memorial Award: Sandy Brown
Commendations – Spirit of Lifesaving Jonathan Kane, Branksome Chine SLSC Ben Pounds, Saunton Sands SLSC Mark Ansell, Brighton SLSC Emily Kent, Brighton SLSC Dan Baker, North Sea Volunteer Lifeguards Stuart Pitches, Saunton Sands SLSC Paul Berryman, Polzeath SLSC
