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Over the weekend, the 2026 Australian Youth Surf Life Saving Championships kicked off on the Gold Coast at North Kirra SLSC. The Aussies is an annual event where members from Australia’s 316 surf clubs come together to compete in more than 550 beach and ocean events, and extends through the week with Masters and Open events. It is the largest event of its kind, comparable to the likes of the Commonwealth Games.
Two Ayr Surf Life Saving members—Charlotte Lawry and Emilee Wassmuth—attended the Championships to take part in the R&R (Rescue and Resuscitation) competition. The girls competed in the U13/14 2 Person R&R category against strong competition from across Australia. They progressed through two rounds, posting solid scores, before being named among the final six teams vying for medals and the title of Australian champions.
Emilee and Charlotte had a fantastic run in the final against teams from Coogee, Redcliffe, North Cronulla and two teams from Wanda SLSC. The girls scored a 3 and were thrilled to be announced as bronze medallists, becoming the first Ayr R&R competitors to medal at the Aussies in several decades. First place went to Redcliffe with a score of 1, while Coogee took second with a 2, making it an extremely tight final.
While at the Championships, Kristy Wassmuth also competed in the 2km Aussies Ocean Swim on Sunday morning, placing eighth in her age group.
The Ayr Surf Club is continuing patrols at Alva until the May Day weekend, with Senior Club Championships to be held on ANZAC Day and Club Presentations on Saturday, 9 May. The club is also celebrating its 100th year over the weekend of 29–31 May with a meet and greet, gala dinner and community day. For more information, visit the Ayr Surf Club’s Facebook page or contact the administrator at ayrslsc@gmail.com.
Contributed with thanks to Kellie Lawry of Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club
1—Charlotte Lawry & Emilee Wassmuth with coach George Clarke
2— Emilee and Charlotte had a fantastic run in the final against teams from Coogee, Redcliffe, North Cronulla and two teams from Wanda SLSC.
3— The girls scored a 3 and were thrilled to be announced as bronze medallists, becoming the first Ayr R&R competitors to medal at the Aussies in several decades.
4—Emilee Wassmuth & Charlotte Lawry - Australian Champion Bronze Medallists
5—Charlotte performing resuscitation on Emilee
Photos supplied.
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