Noosa veteran named lifeguard of the year for Sunshine Coast region

A veteran Noosa lifeguard of almost two decades that “everybody looks up to” has been praised for his unwavering efforts on Coast beaches after receiving a special award.

Veteran Noosa lifeguard Isaac Smith has been named among the state’s best after earning the Regional Lifeguard of the Year honour for the Sunshine Coast region.

Surf Life Saving Queensland announced the regional winners on Thursday, with Mr Smith among five lifeguards across the state to be recognised for their dedication and valued contribution to beach safety.

Mr Smith, who has been a lifesaver at Noosa for almost 20 years, will now go on to represent the region at the SLSQ Awards of Excellence in September.

SLSQ Sunshine Coast regional operations manager Aaron Purchase said it was a great reward and well deserved.

Isaac Smith has been a lifesaver at Noosa for almost 20 years. He was named regional lifeguard of the year for the Sunshine Coast region.

“He’s been a mainstay on Noosa beach for a very long time and most of the locals up there know him,” Mr Purchase said.

“He’s a really engaging guy and does a fantastic job looking after the people that visit any of the beaches that he’s working at.

“He’s also been a great staff member in helping to develop some of our younger guys that come through and making sure that they are really learning the ropes and becoming the best lifeguards that they can be.”

SLSQ’s regional lifeguard awards announcement revealed Mr Smith had been in countless major incidents over his 20-year career as a lifeguard, with many, mainly due to his intervention, having been positive outcomes.

He also implemented the interservice Noosa National Park induction.

The induction has seen countless lifeguards and lifesavers become familiar with the dangerous Noosa National Park Area that is the subject of numerous calls for assistance every year.

The induction has been rolled out to all emergency services including QAS, QPS and QLD Fire and Rescue.

In recent years Mr Smith has even expanded his skill set to become a crewman in the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service.

“He’s one of our senior guys that's really experienced and everybody looks up to,” Mr Purchase said.

“It’s (regional lifeguard award) a great recognition that is well deserved by Isaac.

“He’s a well loved member of the team and we couldn't be prouder of him.”

His recognition comes after Surf Life Saving Sunshine Coast branch held their annual awards earlier this month.

Eliza Dreves from Metropolitan Caloundra SLSC was named Volunteer of the Year at the Sunshine Coast Branch Awards

The 2020/2021 Sunshine Coast Branch Award winners were:

-Andy Frizzell OAM, OBE Award – Shaun Baker, Noosa Heads SLSC

-U14 Junior Surf Lifesaver of the Year – Tas Chamberlain, Dicky Beach SLSC

-Under 18 Junior Surf Lifesaver of the Year – Isabella Powell, Alexandra Headland SLSC

-Volunteer of the Year – Eliza Dreves, Metropolitan Caloundra SLSC

-Club of the Year – Marcoola SLSC

-Innovation Award – PULSE Advanced Lifesaving Program

-Assessor of the Year – Robyn Jenkinson, Noosa Heads SLSC

-Surf Lifesaver of the Year – Michael Sell, Coolum Beach SLSC

-Trainer of the Year – Paul Jenkins, Noosa Heads SLSC

-Athlete of the Year – Hayden Cotter, Maroochydore SLSC

-Junior Athlete of the Year – Jed Rowlands, Sunshine Beach SLSC

-Masters Athlete of the Year – Rodney Taylor, Mooloolaba SLSC

-Professional Coach of the Year – Nathan Greig, Maroochydore SLSC

-Sports Team Manager of the Year – Adrian Rowleson, Dicky Beach SLSC

-Sports Team of the Year – U19 Male Boat Crew (Maroochydore Force), Maroochydore SLSC

-Volunteer Coach of the Year – Lenore Grice, Noosa Heads SLSC

-Youth Athlete of the Year – Emma Woods, Alexandra Headland SLSC

-Official of the Year – Karen Scotney, Alexandra Headland SLSC

-Junior and Youth Development Club of the Year – Redcliffe SLSC

Originally published as Noosa veteran named lifeguard of the year for Sunshine Coast region