Zara Hall of Moruya SLSC and Archie Weir of Kiama Downs SLSC have been named the Ingenia Holiday Parks Junior Lifesavers of the Year.

“I did not expect to win and I was so surprised when I got it,” Hall said. “I went through all the emotions, I was nervous, I was excited, but it means so much to me to represent the Far South Coast and my club, Moruya here.”

Weir added, “I’m ecstatic, it’s been a bit of a dream of mine for a while. I’ve been in lifesaving since I was a little Nipper and it means so much to come here to this camp and be with likeminded people, it’s really expanding my horizons.” 

Formally recognised on Friday, 26 April, after a three-day team building and leadership development program on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the pair represented the South Coast and Far South Coast with distinction, proving that NSW is blessed with talented young lifesavers along the entire coastline.

An enthusiastic and motivated lifesaver with a bubbling personality, Zara is passionate and gives so much to her club, Moruya SLSC. There she actively supports the “Same Wave” program for all-inclusive lifesaving and passes on her knowledge to younger members.

Zara Hall with her mum Fiona. Photo credit: Surf Life Saving New South Wales.

Judges noted she places a strong value on education, hoping to establish a program at her club that raises awareness of the beach to those visiting from inland.

“It makes me so happy to represent Moruya when I think about the things the club is a part of, like the ‘Same Wave’ program,” Hall said.

“I love just being at the ocean, around the club, I love competing, I love patrolling, I love everything about Surf Life Saving.”

Kiama Downs SLSC's Weir, meanwhile, has several years of club experience. The panel noticed his desire to constantly improve his skills and his understanding of the important role lifesavers play on our coastline.

“It was important to me that I showed that I have leadership qualities and the different ways that we can show compassion to the community through lifesaving,” he says.

“Lifesavers are that sense of safety for the community and by being a lifesaver, I also get a really strong sense of belonging.”

Archie Weir with his family (from left to right): sister Darcy, mum Skye and dad Adam. Photo credit: Surf Life Saving New South Wales.

Junior lifesaver finalists engaged in a three-day team building and leadership development program at Collaroy, which culminated in Hall and Weir being selected as the NSW Junior Lifesavers of the Year.

“I enjoyed learning about who we were and what we want to be as lifesavers, what our future is. We had some talks on that,” Hall says.

“It’s been amazing, and I want to thank all the facilitators who made it possible.”

About what was the highlight of the three-day program, Weir replies:

“A very tough question. One of my highlights was definitely being able to meet new people, and make new friends with others also interested in surf lifesaving."

Executive General Manager of Tourism for Ingenia Holiday Parks, Matt Young, says that being involved in a program now in its 34th year has given them great pride.

“We have a responsibility to ensure the guests who come and stay with us go home happy and having had a safe trip, and part of that is working with Surf Life Saving NSW and helping to grow the new generation of lifesavers,” he says.

“I come here at the end of the event really excited to speak to everyone who has participated. They’re all enthusiastic, and it’s great to see this generation coming through so focused on giving back to the community.”