The Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club celebrated the 2015/16 season at its new club room.
Daniel Binotto was awarded the Barrie Smith Life Saver of the Year award for his outstanding contribution to the club in many facets; as a patrol captain, IRB driver, assisting with nipper program’s water safety at Sunday sessions and carnivals, assisting at club functions and assisting with getting the new club house ready by spending hours painting.
His patrol also took out patrol of the year, a stellar year for Binotto.
Nipper of the Year was awarded as a dual award to under 14 nippers Jessica Jackson and Thomas Fleming for their contribution to the club since starting as under seven nippers, which included attendance at nippers, carnivals and competition at a local, state and national level, achievements, leadership camps attended, assisting at club events and future aspirations relating to surf lifesaving.
Most reliable patrol person was awarded to Beau Wisley for his dedication to patrolling the beach, spending many hours assisting his patrol and other patrols.
Club person of the year Glen Boulton and Gippstar volunteer of the year Stevie Madeley were awarded for outstanding contributions to the club.
State championships medallists were also recognised.
This included the under 23 senior boat crew of Stuart Mawley, Nic Dippolito, Simon Jackson, Tom Warry, Harry Sloan, surf skiers Angus Mason for the under 19s and Josh Jones for the under 17s, and Jessica Jackson for the under 14 and 15 beach flags.
Masters Neil Lazzaro, Carl Turner, Rod Centra, Ernie Ronchi, Mat Fleming, Stuart Mawley, James Brown,Billy Noble, Michael Kent and Bruce Johnston, were recognised, as well as youth members who competed strongly at the Australian titles Angus Mason, Josh Jones, Ari Fleming and Jessica Jackson.
Club Champion of Champions were Josh Jones and Amy Fleming in the open category, Josh Jones and Samantha Binotto in the under 17s, and Ella Ronchi and Ari Fleming in the under 15s.
Iron person champions were (open) Josh Jones, (under 17) Sam Binotto and Josh Jones, and (under 15) Ella Ronchi and Ari Fleming.
Open event winners were Alyssa Currie and Ari Fleming in the beach sprint, Jessica Jackson and Zac Elliman in the beach flags, Josh Jones and Grace Ronchi for the board, Anita Wright and Graeme Duffell for the swim, Ernie Ronchi and Amy Fleming for the ski.
Awards were also presented to members who completed their Silver medallions, Training Officer Certificates, IRB drivers and crew awards, Bronze medallions and Surf Rescue Certificates and were thanked for their contributions to patrols throughout the 2015/16 season.
