16 competitors selected for 2024 Sharkskin IRB SA State Team

Surf Life Saving SA is thrilled to congratulate the 16 competitors selected for the 2024 IRB SA State Team, proudly sponsored by Sharkskin.

The four crews will head to Queensland in July to face the best IRB racers in the country at the Interstate Championships which coincide Aussies.

STATE TEAM

Male Team

Dannion Hards (Christies Beach SLSC)

Lachlan Rothwell (Christies Beach SLSC)

Jack Millsteed (Somerton SLSC)

Daniel Birch-Smith (Christies Beach SLSC)

Male Team

Paul Perry (Port Noarlunga SLSC)

Trent Stone (Port Noarlunga SLSC)

Jamie Rose (Port Noarlunga SLSC)

David Lowrey (Port Noarlunga SLSC)

Female Team

Kristi Bedford (Aldinga Bay SLSC)

Talia Vivar (Aldinga Bay SLSC)

Amy Neville (Aldinga Bay SLSC)

Rachelle Rothwell (Aldinga Bay SLSC)

Female Team

Michelle Rose (Port Noarlunga SLSC)

Jacqui Corbett (Port Noarlunga SLSC)

Hayley Hosking (Seacliff SLSC)

Georgia Warriner (Seacliff SLSC)

The squad was presented with their official state gear at the 2024 Sharkskin SA IRB State Championships

Four members awarded SLSSA Life Membership

Surf Life Saving SA was proud to award Life Membership to Chris Parsons, Kylie Ellison, Ron Harwood and Raelene Donnell at the 2024 Awards of Excellence.

To find out more about the 2024 Awards of Excellence winners, click here.

To find out more about the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees, click here.

Raelene Donnell - Semaphore SLSC

Raelene a selfless and compassionate surf lifesaver who boasts an incredible 59-year career. First joining Semaphore Surf Life Saving Club in 1965, she’s celebrated key milestones in surf lifesaving history, from the introduction of Nippers in the late 60s to the official recognition of female surf life saver in the 1980s.

She is a fixture at every event on the sporting calendar, not only officiating on the beach but tirelessly working behind-the-scenes at Surf Central each week to prepare for upcoming competitions and ensure smooth operations. Whether it’s sorting medals, organising uniform packs, preparing paperwork or washing officials vests, she does it all without a complaint.

While her contributions extend across various areas of surf lifesaving, her true passion lies in Rescue and Resuscitation. She has dedicated countless hours to coaching, education, and support, not only for Semaphore's youth but also for neighbouring clubs. Her expertise has led her to officiate at club, state, and national levels, earning recognition such as the prestigious Bob Woodger Trophy for Aussies R&R Official of the Year in 2011.

Finally, proving that it’s never too late to don the red and yellow, she also completed her first patrol at 72 years old in 2022.

Raelene has found every opportunity to grow our movement and pave the way for women and future generations of surf life savers. She is a role model, she is the first female president at Semaphore, she is a surf lifesaving superwoman.

Chris Parsons - Brighton SLSC

Chris is a highly dedicated, accomplished and long-service member of Brighton Surf Life Saving Club and the State Emergency Operations Group.

The red and yellow runs thick in his veins, having obtained a wealth of qualifications since joining the movement 33 years ago as a nipper.

While currently most renowned for his role as Crew Chief with the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter service, Chris have also played a key role in the Jet Rescue Boat, Jet Ski and Inflatable Rescue Boat service. First obtaining his bronze medallion in 1995, Chris has since accumulated over 4000 patrol hours and 900 flying hours.

Chris has held many positions at Brighton SLSC, including President, Vice President, Patrol Captain, Security manager, IT Manager, Bar Manager amongst many others.

He has received various accolades, including the 2015 South Australian Emergency Service Medal, 2016 National Medal, and 2022 SLSA Meritorious Award. In addition, he has obtained his Gold Medallion – the highest award in Surf Life Saving.

His impact is felt strongly across the broader South Australian community, having served on the Lifesaving Advisory Committee for seven years while being involved in community outreach, school landings, fundraisers, shows, and the iconic Brighton Jetty Classic.

Kylie Ellison - Semaphore SLSC, Brighton SLSC

Kylie has been a respected and highly dependable member at Semaphore Surf Life Saving Club since 1997 and Brighton Surf Life Saving Club since 2014. Her dedication is exemplified by over 4000 patrol hours.

For nearly a quarter-century, she has been an integral part of the State Emergency Operations Group, making significant contributions to the Jet Rescue Boat service and serving as a Duty Officer. She’s also excelled as a trainer and assessor in various areas such as Bronze and ARTC, while facilitating SMAR courses and aiding in Jet Boat training.

Her involvement extends to surf sports at state and national levels, having previously served as a carnival safety officer, Powercraft Coordinator at the Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships, and an official at the Australian IRB Championships. Notably, she even held the role of medical Coordinator at the 2018 World Lifesaving Championships.

But of course, Kylie doesn’t like missing a second of the action, and also spent many years competing with the Brighton IRB racing crew.

Her unwavering passion, enthusiasm and versatility in service duties are the hallmarks of a remarkable surf lifesaver, which is why it’s no surprise she is a three-time SLSSA Awards of Excellence winner, previously being named Assessor of the Year in 2006, Surf Life Saver of the Year in 2013, and Volunteer of the Year in 2019. Her contributions have also received national recognition with awards like the National Service Medal in 2015, 20-Year National Patrol Service award in 2018, and South Australian Emergency Services Medal in 2020.

Ronald Harwood - Christies Beach SLSC, Somerton SLSC

Ron joined the movement in 1967 and today celebrates a 56-year membership spanning across Semaphore, South Port, North Haven, Henley, Somerton, and most notably, Christies Beach.

In Surf Sports he has excelled as a Surf Boat Sweep, nurturing talent and guiding multiple clubs to success through coaching and sweep development. He’s represented South Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia on numerous occasions, most notably winning Gold in the 2017 Reserve Women’s ASRL and 120yrs Open Women’s races. He’s also claimed over 20 SA State Championship medals as the sweep of several Junior, Open and Masters male and female crews between 1970 and 2023.

In addition to his many surf sport accolades, Ron holds 38 awards, including a 15 Year Patrol Service Award and a 25 Year Long Service Award. At state level he’s held several important administrative positions, including state council, board member, chairperson and club president. He was also instrumental in the rebuild of Christies Beach Surf Life Saving Club, working tirelessly to create the foundations of the Mid Coast Surf Life Saving Clubs Group for the development, stability and financial benefit of the five surf clubs within the City of Onkaparinga.

Three members inducted into SLSSA Hall of Fame

Surf Life Saving SA was proud to induct Robert Thompson, Andrew Lanyon and John Charles into the SLSSA Hall of Fame at the 2024 Awards of Excellence.

To find out more about the 2024 Awards of Excellence winners, click here.

To find out more about the 2024 Life Membership recipients, click here.

Robert Thompson - Grange SLSC

Hall of Fame - Sport

Robert has been a beloved athlete and official in surf lifesaving since first joining Grange Surf Life Saving Club in 1968.

As an athlete, Robert was a fierce all-round competitor who showcased exceptional talent in board riding, board and ski, before moving into surf boats. He’s proudly represented South Australia on many occasions, and competed well into his 50s.

Outside the competition, his involvement has been equally remarkable. There aren’t many roles Robert hasn’t done, whether it’s coach, team manager, official, area referee, announcer, or committee member across junior, senior and masters events. Their commitment to developing youth athletes is especially highlighted through their previous roles as State Junior Development Squad Manager, Junior Team State Selector and Junior State Team Coach.

On a national and global scale his presence is well-known, having officiated at the Australian Championships for the past 17 years and served as a starter at Open, Masters, and International Championships in Adelaide, France, and the Netherlands from 2012 to 2018.

Robert has also made waves outside the sporting world, having achieved their 30-year national patrol award and also serving 12 years as Club President, during which time he played a pivotal role in the redevelopment of the Grange clubrooms.

In 2012 he was honoured with Life Membership of SLSSA, and in 2018 he was inducted into the Surf Sports Hall of Fame along with other members of his Grange Boat Crew. Now in 2024, Surf Life Saving SA is thrilled to induct Robert into the Surf Life Saving SA Hall of Fame.

Andrew Lanyon - Henley SLSC

Hall of Fame - Sport

Andrew has been a prominent figure at Henley Surf Life Saving Club since gaining his Bronze as a 16-year-old in 1973.

Entering the surf lifesaving world with a competitive swimming background, he quickly established themselves as a standout athlete. Alongside fellow members Rob and Peter Mackay, Tony Snell and Neville Fielder, he propelled Henley into prominence in swimming, R&R and later Ironman events.

Determined to expand his surf skills, he concentrated on learning and refining his craft in skis and boards, eventually being appointed Board and Ski Captain in 1977. Over a decade of coaching, his innovative training methods and dedication significantly bolstered Henley’s standing in this area, leading to over 25 years of service at Board Captain.

His illustrious career is adorned with countless individual and team victories across state, national and international competitions, from gold medals at State Titles in the early 1980s to multiple golds in team events at the 2016, 2018, and 2022 World Championships.

In a true testament to his enduring excellence, he also won the Club Championship ten times in a 14-year span between 1977 and 1991.

Equally committed to his lifesaving responsibilities, Andrew obtained his Instructor's Certificate in 1984 and was honoured with a 20-Year National Patrol Service Award in 2001. He was a patrol captain for more than 10 years and took part in several recues, including incidences off duty outside of Henley Beach.

John Charles - South Port SLSC

Hall of Fame - Lifesaving

John is an outstanding lifesaver with a distinguished career spanning nearly five decades since joining the movement as a seven-year-old in 1975.

John has impressively logged over 1100 volunteer patrol hours across Port Noarlunga, South Port, Moana and the State Emergency Operations group, which he has been a diligent member of for 37 years. Beginning as a trainee crew member in the Jest Rescue Boat service in 1987, he progressed through the ranks to become an instructor, assessor, state officer and core member in the 24-hour call team. 

As the longest-serving Powercraft Officer, John has left a lasting legacy across lifesaving operations and surf sports.

His leadership abilities were quickly recognized when he was elected as the State IRB Officer from 1991-1993, taking on the massive responsibility of setting up all senior and junior carnivals. To date, he has has set up the cans at countless summer carnivals and around 30 State Championships.

Furthermore, his dedication to IRB racing has been marked not just by numerous victories, but by his knowledge and advice which helped shape, innovate and develop the sport during its infancy.

John’s impact is felt nationally, having been instrumental in the development and review of various National Power Craft training manuals and programs which have been utilized by both Queensland and New South Wales Jet Boat Rescue Operations. He also collaborated on the design of SA’s current Jet Rescue Boats, and have trained and assessed over 10 JRB drivers and 30 crew members.