The Ocean Beach club member accepted the award at the 2017 NSW Surf Life Saving Awards of Excellence held in Sydney last Saturday evening.
The teenager’s journey in Surf Life Saving started as a Nipper back in 2008, and it was clear from the start that his was a passion of movement and all the opportunities that it would subsequently bring him.
What makes his sustained level of contribution even more impressive is when you factor in the travel time from his Western Suburbs home to the Central Coast each week.
Last season Ryan logged more than 239 hours on patrol with 200 of them alone spent at Ocean Beach. Additionally he was able to devote time patrolling in 2 other Branches to help out when they were short of numbers.
Mature beyond his years, Ryan was involved in a number of rescues this season and his desire to broaden his own skills and knowledge saw him join the club’s call out team, become a trainee crew member with the Offshore Rescue Boat, and become a member of the newly formed Ocean Beach IRB team.
Ryan is an excellent mentor to the younger kids in his club through the “Rookie Buddy” program and his contributions off the beach see him on the Ocean Beach Board as Communications Officer, assisting with Branch youth development programs and assisting with training programs as a qualified Training Officer.
In an effort to broaden his own skills and experiences, Ryan also participated in this year’s SLSNSW Lifesaving Exchange Program.
“It’s been a great season and topping it off with this award is fantastic.
“I’ve really enjoyed helping out the club wherever I can and it was a lot of fun to be there for the start of the IRB racing and to assist with radio communications,” said Ryan Chiswell.
“Next season I hope to be able to help out with the juniors as we get more lifesavers coming through and do whatever is needed to assist them,” he said.
Wednesday 9 August 2017