More than 70 young members were honoured for their contribution to surf lifesaving at Surf Life Saving WA‘s annual Nipper and Youth Awards.

David Sommers, the sport and development manager at Surf Life Saving WA, said these awards are vital for the future.

He explained that members under the age of 18 make up more than 40 per cent of the total membership in Western Australia.

“We think recognising them is important. Hopefully, they will stay in the movement and become on-beach lifesavers,” Mr Sommers said.

He added that choosing winners is a major challenge because all of them are “worthy recipients” who give significant time to their clubs.

Around 280 guests gathered to celebrate the service these young heroes provide to their local beaches.

One of the top heroes recognised was Iona Alsop from Secret Harbour SLSC, who was named Youth Member of the Year.

Iona was acknowledged for her incredible dedication, having completed more than 90 patrol hours this season.

Her commitment was shown through her roles as junior club captain and chair of the youth development committee.

Iona also spent a lot of time helping the youngest children, called Nippers, while teaching them how to stay safe while swimming in the ocean.

To make sure she is always ready to help in an emergency, she earned her Bronze Medallion and First Aid certificate this season.

Her leadership and passion for lifesaving have made her a true role model for the local community.

Mr Sommers noted that even if these young volunteers do not stay in surf lifesaving forever, they learn valuable skills like first aid.

These skills allow them to help people in trouble anywhere in the community, not just at the beach.

The ceremony, supported by the Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation of WA, celebrated 31 clubs from across the state.