BUSY OFF-SEASON SEES AYR SLS SCOOP STATE AWARDS

Cole Pontifex, Warne McShane, and Zachary Dale with coach Leigh Ryan. Photo supplied.

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The flags may have been packed away for the season, but Ayr Surf Lifesavers Club members have continued to make their presence felt across North Queensland and beyond.

Young athletes Zachary Dale, Warne McShane and Cole Pontifex proudly represented the club as part of the first-ever North Barrier Branch State Team at the Queensland State Pool Rescue Championships, delivering impressive results against some of the state’s best competitors.

Meanwhile, Ayr members travelled to Mackay for a weekend celebrating the achievements, development and dedication of surf lifesaving volunteers across the region, with several club members recognised among the branch’s top performers.

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AYR’S SURF STARS MAKE THEIR MARK

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Over the past few weeks, despite the official season being finished, the Ayr Surf Club has continued to have members representing the club across a variety of areas.

For the first time ever, the North Barrier Branch (consisting of seven clubs from Forrest Beach to Sarina) submitted a NBB State Team to compete at the Queensland State Pool Rescue Championships, which were held in Bundaberg on July 11^th and 12^th.

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The Ayr Surf Club had three youth members—Zachary Dale, Warne McShane and Cole Pontifex—selected to take part in this inaugural team. All three boys represented themselves and the club to the highest standard, gaining top 10 finishes in all events against some incredibly tough competition from across the state, and all bringing home some bling to hang on the mantle.

The club congratulated Cole Pontifex & Warne McShane on a 2nd-place finish in the U14 Male Line Throw, with Zachary Dale & Warne McShane taking gold in the U15 Male Line Throw.

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Warne McShane also brought home individual medals in the U14 Male 200m Obstacle Race (1st), 50m Manikin Carry (2nd), and the 100m Manikin Tow with Fins (2nd).

Eight club members also travelled to Mackay over the weekend to attend the North Barrier Branch Membership Development Program and 90th Annual Awards Presentation Night.

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The weekend consisted of the Branch AGM, a Youth Collective Forum, Age Managers Workshops, updates on carnivals, lifesaving and education, coaching, officials, membership wellbeing, youth development and AI.

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The North Barrier Branch also held its 90th Annual Awards Ceremony to culminate the 2025-26 season and recognise members from across the branch for achievements in surf sports, teams, trainers, officials, coaches, volunteers and Lifesaver of the Year.

This season, Ayr had seven members nominated for a variety of awards, including Team of the Year, Official of the Year, U14, Youth and Lifesaver of the Year, as well as Youth and Volunteer of the Year.

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The club congratulated Emilee Wassmuth, Charlotte Lawry, Glenn Wassmuth, Briella Wassmuth, Kristy Wassmuth, Bella Lawry and Kellie Lawry on their nominations.

Charlotte Lawry ultimately took home U14 Junior Lifesaver of the Year, with Bella Lawry winning Youth Volunteer of the Year and the NBB 26 Scholarship, and Kellie Lawry scooping Volunteer of the Year honours.

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The 2026-27 season has now kicked off, with the Ayr Surf Club also hosting a sign-on day at the club on July 12^th.

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New families are still welcome and encouraged to join. Please reach out to the Ayr Surf Club at ayrslsc@gmail.com or Kellie Lawry for more information.

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Pool proficiencies have commenced, and the first beach session will be held on Sunday, July 26^th at 10am.

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Supplied by Kellie Lawry

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