Teenage newcomer Daniel Smith takes top livesaving honours at championships

After 12 months in his chosen sport, Daniel Smith has triumphed, becoming Male Livesaver of the Year at the weekend.

Daniel Smith

DANIEL Smith, 16, started competing in surf lifesaving last year.

Last Sunday he was named Male Lifesaver of the Year at the Australian Pool Life Saving Championships held at Knox Grammar School Aquatic Centre.

Daniel, from The Entrance North and a Year 11 student at Central Coast Grammar School, competed with the NSW team up against 160 of Australia's top lifesavers.

"I only started last year," he said. "I just really like it, it's good sport and fun exercise that I like. It's good making the teams and meeting friends and making friends you have for life."

Daniel joined Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club after a stint at The Entrance North Surf Life Saving Club.

His favourite events are swim and iron man.

Royal Life Saving hosts the Australian Pool Life Saving Championships annually to highlight the critical role played by lifesavers.

Royal Life Saving Society - Australia national sports adviser Gray Parkes said statistics revealed there were 284 drownings last year.

"While pool lifesaving is dynamic and a visually exciting sport, it is important to keep in mind that each event is based on a potential real life rescue scenario," Mr Parkes said.