Yamba Surf Club’s Director of Lifesaving, James Ryan (pictured), was recently honoured with the prestigious ‘Lifesaver of the Year’ award at the Far North Coast Branch ‘Awards of Excellence’ night held in Ballina. The winners of various categories were selected from members of surf clubs from Fingal in the north to Yamba in the south. James’ extraordinary contribution to the core function of lifesaving within Yamba Surf Club saw him complete in excess of 200 volunteer patrol hours throughout the past season. In addition he was responsible for organising all the rosters, patrol equipment, uniforms and qualified personnel. This meant that James was on hand every Saturday and Sunday ensuring that Yamba Surf Club was able to fulfil its patrol obligations to Surf Lifesaving New South Wales. This is the second time James has received this award – the previous one being five years ago. It is this ongoing commitment to the club and to its members that makes James such a valuable member of Yamba Surf Club. James is now in contention for the state award which will be announced at the NSW Awards of Excellence to be held in Sydney in August. In other club news – the Yamba Nippers AGM will be held this Sunday, July 9 at 10am at the clubhouse. Nipper parents are encouraged to attend or to let JAC co-ordinator, Danielle Connolly know if interested in taking on a position. Cathy Dougherty