Lifesaver riding a wave of community spirit

Surf lifesaver Sam Edwards has been nominated for a Pride of Australia medal for Community Spirit.

IT’S been a fairly rapid ascent to the top for surf lifesaver Sam Edwards.

Although he did nippers as a kid, it wasn’t until 2008 that he became a proper surf lifesaver. Now he is the president of the Mindil Beach Surf Lifesaving club.

“I grew up playing hockey, but since I became a lifesaver, it’s been my life,” he said.

He has now been nominated for a Pride of Australia medal for Community Spirit.

“It’s very humbling, it’s fantastic to be recognised for what you do,” Mr Edwards said.

He said lifesaving in the Territory was a challenge.

“Surf lifesaving is not as big up here as it is down south, but it’s a great organisation with a really good sporting culture.”

PRIDE OF AUSTRALIA NOMINEE HAS ANIMAL INSTINCT

Mr Edwards is travelling to Kingscliff Beach in northern NSW for the Australian IRB – aka the Rubber Ducky – championships later this year.

Look out, a flying surfboard!

When he’s not on the beach, he still plays top-level hockey for East Darwin, and on the odd occasion he gets a weekend off, he likes to go inland – camping usually.

But Mr Edwards said lifesaving was his passion.

“It’s fun to volunteer and give back to the community,” he said. “It’s one of those things, I can get out and enjoy myself, go for a swim, and make sure people are safe. It’s a good feeling.”

In the decade since their inception, the Pride of Australia awards have honoured more than 550 Australians, shared more than 19,000 inspirational stories and unearthed extraordinary feats of courage. For more information, go to ntnews. com.au/prideofaustralia.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A NOMINATION.