Young stars of surf lifesaving take home awards

MEET the future of surf lifesaving on the northern beaches.

MEET the future of surf lifesaving on the northern beaches.

Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club’s Zizo Ayoub and Freshwater SLSC’s Gracie Kiely have been named the peninsula’s top male and ­female junior lifesavers.

The youngsters were awarded the prestigious ­titles, eligible for clubbies under the age of 14, following a workshop and interview – which included 14 other finalists – held at the Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches branch last month.

Gracie Kiely, from Freshwater SLSC and Zizo Ayoub, from Dee Why SLSC at Dee Why.

As part of the interview, 13-year-olds Zizo and Gracie had to detail their involvement in surf lifesaving, why they got into the movement and how they could better contribute to their club.

Zizo, who was born in Jordan, only became a nipper a year ago.

The Frenchs Forest resident said it was an honour to win the award.

“It gives me a real sense of pride and commitment,” he said.

Gracie, of Allambie, said she would treasure the ­responsibility that comes with being an ambassador for junior lifesavers on the northern beaches. “It means so much,” she said.

The pair will represent the northern beaches at the NSW Junior Lifesaver of the Year awards in April.