Nick Ayers, from Lowestoft, recognised as ‘Hero of the Surf’ at national Surf Life-Saving Club of Great Britain awards ceremony

A Suffolk ‘Hero of the Surf’ has been commended at a national ceremony for his courageous lifesaving.

Nick Ayers, 32, from Lowestoft, received a ‘Services to Lifesaving’ commendation at the Surf Life-Saving Club of Great Britain’s (SLSGB) annual awards ceremony.

A member of its Waveney branch, Nick is a coach at the club.

In 2023, the charity’s members made 87 potentially life-saving interventions nationwide.

A Waveney Surf Life-Saving Club member said: “Nick is always on hand to support all of the children in the club but as coaches go, I am yet to find one in any other sport that my children compete in that even remotely compares to him and that’s why I think he deserves this award.

​“My daughter attends training every week with Nick and he has supported and encouraged her through the sport, giving advice on how to complete certain training and encouraging her when she felt unsure.”

Award winners are nominated by their peers, with the event a chance to recognise the efforts of clubs and members to train, educate and qualify beach lifeguards.

Neighbouring North Norfolk branch was awarded club of the year.

​​​​​​Tim Coventry, Chief Executive of Surf Life-Saving GB, added: “The charity is not just about saving lives; our system of education and activity encourages fitness, wellbeing and team work.

“Our sport and training builds trust, confidence, capability and special water skills. This is why over 50 per cent of our membership are under 18 who all enjoy being on the beach having fun.”

The national awards night has been going for 20 years, however this was the first ceremony since the Covid pandemic.