Mount lifeguard wins top award

TOP LIFEGUARD: Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club's Thomas Yule says he is honoured to have been named Lifeguard of the Year at this year's regional awards.PHOTO/GEORGE NOVAK

A Mount Maunganui man training his pet to become the Bay's first water rescue dog has been named Bay of Plenty lifeguard of the year.

Thomas Yule was awarded the title in this year's Surf Life Saving New Zealand Awards of Excellence held at Trinity Wharf on Saturday night.

Mr Yule featured in the Bay of Plenty Times earlier this year for his work training his newfoundland puppy Ted in the NZ K9 Surf Rescue Dogs Project.

But judges also referred to his outstanding leadership, mentoring and efforts in search and rescue. Mr Yule was heavily involved in the search operation for Jack Dixon, the 5-year-old boy swept out to sea in October in a freak accident.

Mr Yule said he was humbled and honoured. "It certainly reassures me that I'm actually positively helping people do what they want to do. That's what does it for me," he said.

"I'm going to the beach and saving lives in the water, but also saving lives on the beach, setting lives up with where people want to go and be what they want to be."

Mr Yule said he found helping steer people on to the right career path was rewarding.

"People say it's easy to sit back and do minimum effort or not do it all, but it's actually really hard. I just can't sit around and do nothing. I like to be involved in helping out in our club," he said.

Sarah Leppard, regional club and membership development manager, said the lifeguard of the year award recognised a member who had made an outstanding contribution toward the delivery and development of drowning prevention services.

Ms Leppard said Mr Yule showed great leadership and support to both younger and older members of his patrol team.

"Thomas has stepped up as an IRB instructor this season, acted as an event lifeguard and mentored a number of other members within the club. He has also undertaken a number of personal development opportunities, including leading the surf rescue dog trial," she said.

Naomi Davoren from Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club was named Bay of Plenty volunteer of the year and top rookie Leon Castle was awarded the Harrison Mundy Memorial Scholarship.

Rescue of the year was awarded to Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service for their part in the search for Jack Dixon.

"Last season, Naomi volunteered 35 hours on patrol as well as coaching Junior Surf every Sunday," Ms Leppard said.

"Leon is a deserving and committed rookie, and it is fabulous to be able to reward and recognise our upcoming lifeguards."

Overall club of the year was awarded to Omanu Beach.