Garry Williams takes out Trainer of the Year at the Surf Life Saving Australia National Awards of Excellence

A local surf life-saving mentor has won the Trainer of the Year award at the Surf Life Saving Australia National Awards of Excellence.

Secret Harbour Surf Life Saving Club lead trainer, power craft awards co-ordinator and cadet (Crusader) co-ordinator Garry Williams took out the award for the first time on November 6.

“I’m absolutely honoured,” Mr Williams said.

“It’s been and continues to be a real team effort, with our training being supported by not only our trainers and mentors from Secret Harbour SLSC but also from the other clubs in the Peel region of Port Bouvard and Mandurah. We have some absolutely inspirational mentors amongst us.”

The Trainer of the Year award recognises and rewards trainers who have made a significant contribution towards the area of education and awards.

Mr Williams has been a part of the surf life-saving training world for about 20 years and said he still loved all parts of the job.

“The thrill of getting the Nippers around the cans for the first time ... watching people achieve their goals and then advancing themselves along the surf lifesaving pathways. It’s also all about the comradeship that is developed between trainers, coaches and mentors that is very special, not only within your own club but from far and wide,” he said.

“Besides, you get to do some really neat stuff, especially when training and facilitating some of the more advanced awards in Inflatable rescue craft or jetskis and working with other agencies such as water police or marine rescue.”

Mr Williams said he was committed to the development of advanced lifesaving skills and youth development in Secret Harbour and the Peel region and wants to ensure club members can become highly trained lifesavers with specialist skills.