New Zealand's top Surf Lifeguards honoured at Government House

New Zealand’s most esteemed Surf Lifeguards were honoured at a special awards ceremony held at Government House in Auckland last night.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand was proud to recognise the country’s top three Lifeguards for their brave and heroic actions, saving lives on beaches this past summer, by naming them winners in the highly respected BP Surf Rescue Media Awards.

The Governor-General, The Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, Patron of Surf Life Saving New Zealand, presented the award for BP Surf Rescue of the Year to Worser Bay Surf Life Saving Club Lifeguards Murray Phipps-Black and Brook Rapson. They were recognised for their outstanding efforts in rescuing over 30 passengers in treacherous conditions when the East by West ferry was sinking in Wellington Harbour in March this year. The skills these men displayed while executing the rescue were impeccable.

Allan Mundy from Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club, was awarded the top honour of NZLGB Lifeguard of the Year for his outstanding leadership, skills and commitment to his club and the Surf Life Saving movement. Allan was praised for his work with other emergency services, including NZ Police, Search and Rescue, Ambulance, Coast Guard and Rescue Helicopter, to help save lives this past summer.

Bob Harvey, President of Surf Life Saving New Zealand said: “Every year there are a number of significant rescues that take place on our beaches. When it comes to saving lives, it is very difficult to choose one rescue over another. These awards are extremely prestigious and the winning Lifeguards have been chosen from the best of the best across the country.”