From young guns making their way through nippers to veterans passing knowledge on to the next generation, these are Gold Coast’s most dedicated volunteer surf lifesavers.

With the help of Surf Life Saving Queensland, the Bulletin has compiled a list of 50 of the unsung heroes.

While lifesavers undertake a wide range of activities, from water safety at nippers to operations support, this list has been solely selected based on volunteer hours completed on a beach patrol.

Gold Coast lifesaving services supervisor Nathan Fife hailed the contributions.

“These members are our most dedicated lifesavers who conduct beach patrols, watching over those swimming between the red and yellow flags,” he said.

“Many of them not only attend their rostered beach patrol but also go above and beyond covering for other patrols that may be short on numbers.

“It is great to see so many young members included the list, some who give up their time weekly to keep our community safe.

“We thank all our volunteers for their efforts safeguarding Gold Coast beaches.”

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The eldest is 84-year-old Peter Anderson, while young guns Malia McMahon, 13, and Robbie Warwick, 13, both feature.

To illustrate the value of these lifesavers, clubs right across the Coast feature.

Beau Bailey, 24, participated in nippers before going on through the ranks to complete his Bronze Medallion in 2011. He earned top spot with 186 total beach patrol hours.

Peter Flannery, 75, was awarded a 20-year National Patrol Service Award in 2020 and comes in second.

Malia McMahon participated in nippers and completed her Surf Rescue Certificate in July 2020. This is her first season patrolling but manages third.

Not only does she attend her rostered patrols but she also can be found on patrol most weekends helping out.

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