Lifesaving Future in Good Hands with 2025 Junior Lifesavers of the Year
Max McDermott of Warriewood SLSC and Mia Jamal of Avoca Beach SLSC were named the 2025 NSW Junior Lifesavers of the Year on Thursday April 17 after three days of team building and leadership development on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Max McDermott of Warriewood SLSC and Mia Jamal of Avoca Beach SLSC. Photo: SLSNSW
Formally recognised during a presentation ceremony, Mia and Max were two in a group of 22 eager teenagers who came from each of the 11 branches across NSW, having been acknowledged themselves as Junior Lifesavers of the Year for their region.
The pair represented the Central Coast and Sydney Northern Beaches Branches of Surf Life Saving NSW with distinction, while commendations for all participants proved once again that NSW is blessed with talented young lifesavers along the entire coastline.
Knowing well that they were privileged to be among a very worthy group, all of whom could have been named as winners, the pair were thrilled.
“There’s a lot of thought going through my head, mainly excitement and pride,” Mia said.
“I think I was even a little stressed beforehand but just super happy to be in this position.”
“I’m a bit shocked actually, it’s fun to win obviously, but it’s fun to just be here and have the experience of the camp,” Max added.
A reserved but clearly passionate and personable lifesaver, Mia impressed the panel of judges with her vision for more resources to support all abilities in engaging with Surf Life Saving.
“I was really happy to get such great feedback, I just think it’s so important to build up the platform for people with disabilities and grow their confidence around the water,” she said.
“I’ve had friends, buddies in school who love the water and Surf Life Saving and I just want to help them and everyone who might not be able to get everything they need.”
Max, meanwhile, has community in his heart and a passion for what so many people enjoy about Surf Life Saving, the camaraderie.
“I’ve been really lucky at Warriewood, ever since I was five in the white caps, everyone comes together – the patrols, water safety, everybody. It’s one of the best communities I’ve ever seen,” he said.
“I want to grow that, and I’m also lucky that this camp has shown me there are so many different ways to do things and so many perspectives which has helped me.”
Junior lifesaver finalists engaged in a three-day team building and leadership development program at Collaroy, which culminated in Mia and Max being selected as the NSW Junior Lifesavers of the Year.
“Obviously at the start there’s a little bit of nerves, maybe some awkwardness, but that passed so quickly, and we all had so much fun,” Mia said.
“It’s been a blast, so many fun activities, got to know the instructors really well, and so good to get to know everyone here and create friendships,” Max added.
2025 NSW Junior Lifesaver of the Year Participants
- Thomas Pockley – Far North Coast
- Stella Byrne – Far North Coast
- Kai Vigors – North Coast
- Poppy Barclay – North Coast
- Max Pengelly – Mid North Coast
- Zada Robinson – Mid North Coast
- Alfie Marshall – Lower North Coast
- Sasha Belic – Lower North Coast
- Ryan Boustead – Hunter
- Grace Van Esveld – Hunter
- Hamish Lawer – Central Coast
- Mia Jamal – Central Coast
- Max McDermott – Sydney Northern Beaches
- Pearl Brown – Sydney Northern Beaches
- Henri Delesclefs – Sydney
- Emerson Su Shen Lee – Sydney
- Nate Heffernan – Illawarra
- Sienna Guisti – Illawarra
- Lennox Harvey – South Coast
- Polly Gazzard – South Coast
- Archie Rosenbaum – Far South Coast
- Ruby Bindon – Far South Coast
Photo: SLSNSW