Alexandrina Council’s 2024 Young Citizen of the Year (for Goolwa and surrounds) is encouraging community members to consider taking up Surf Life Saving.
William Piper-Bamber has been awarded for his unwavering commitment to surf lifesaving and the Chiton Rocks Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) as surf life saver, Captain, training officer and member of the Board of Management.
The Chiton local became a member of the club in 2017 and has dedicated almost every weekend to the beach since then, accumulating 1,500 patrol hours, and taking part in more than 22 incidents and rescues.
The 22-year-old told ARN’s Adam Connelly and Jennie Lenman that he was surprised to receive the recognition.
“I was a bit shocked when I first got told that some people look up to me, ’cause I’m only 22, but yeah, whatever I can give back to people and help them become the best that they can, I’m happy to be,” he said.
“It’s really become a passion of mine, helping out the community, saving lives on the beach and changing lives.”
He encourages anyone to join up if they want to be a stronger part of a coastal community, not just strong swimmers.
“There’s pathways for people who don’t even want to get wet. We’ve got Awards you can do on the beach to save lives, you can help out in the club, you can do fundraising, there’s so many different pathways,” he said.
Hear more from William Piper-Bamber speaking with ARN’s Adam Connelly and Jennie Lenman via the audio play window below:
