Craig Shelton, Gold Coast lifesavers dies aged 59 after long, brave battle with leukaemia

One of Queensland’s most famous lifesavers has died at the aged of 59 after a long and brave battle with leukaemia.

Former Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard of the Year Craig Shelton died on Thursday, aged 59. Picture: Tim Marsden

Tributes are flowing for one of Australia’s top lifesavers, Craig Shelton, who passed away on the Gold Coast after a long and brave battle with leukaemia.

Mr Shelton, a star former ironman and Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard of the Year, died on Thursday aged 59.

He had served as a Gold Coast lifeguard for almost three decades, performing hundreds of rescues, and competed in the gruelling Coolangatta Gold. He had also survived two heart attacks.

Friend and former Miami High schoolmate Duncan McKenna was among many paying emotional social media tribute to the legendary lifesaver.

“I will never forget waiting for Craig to come over North Burleigh Hill onto Miami beach to start the final run leg to Surfers while he was competing in the Coolangatta Gold,” Mr McKenna wrote on Facebook.

Gold Coast lifesaver Craig Shelton has lost his battle with leukaemia. Picture: Tim Marsden

“I wasn’t going anywhere until I saw him, and I can still remember the immense pride I felt when I explained to the friend I was with that he was “My Friend” as he passed.

“I have always admired you mate. Incredible sportsman but even better fella. Time to rest now.”

Tony Prostamo wrote: Saddened to hear the loss of a great human in Craig Shelton. You played hard, competed hard and loved hard. RIP brother.”

Mr Shelton was named Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard of the Year in 2015 after being nominated by then-Gold Coast chief lifeguard Warren Young.

He beat the famous Bondi Lifeguards to take out the award.

“The Bondi lifeguards missed out on a Logie as well as Lifeguard of the Year … but they said my acceptance speech sounded like I had won an Academy Award,” Mr Shelton joked at the time.

“I guess that’s how much the award means to me.”

He also spoke at the time of how hectic his job could be on the Gold Coast.

“Up at The Spit it can get really busy — we can have over 50 people between the flags and spear fishers in trouble at the sand pumping jetty and guys coming off jetskis,” he said.

“Not to mention learn to surf classes getting stuck in rips.”

Originally published as Craig Shelton, Gold Coast lifesavers dies aged 59 after long, brave battle with leukaemia