Wollongong City Council Senior Lifeguard John Boyle has been recognised by the NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation for his efforts during the 21 January Stanwell Park incident which saw 25 swimmers swept into rips.

John Boyle was nominated for an award at the 2011 NSW Water Safety Awards which were announced in Sydney yesterday by the NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation Mr Graham Annesley. The awards were held in conjunction with the NSW AUSTSWIM State Awards of Excellence.

Wollongong City General Manager David Farmer said the nomination is high recognition for the efforts on John and his fellow lifeguards, Chanan Clark and Connor Cleary, who worked tirelessly on the day to rescue more than 25 swimmers who had gotten into difficulty while in the surf.

“John and the team’s efforts were recognised by the Minister on the night,” Mr Farmer said. “Although John Boyle was honoured in being nominated, this was a team effort and all Council is proud that we have lifeguards of such integrity and skill on our beaches during these busy summer months.”

John Boyle has been nominated in the category of Most Significant Contribution to Water Safety by an individual for the 2011 NSW Water Safety Awards which were held in conjunction with the NSW AUSTSWIM State Awards of Excellence.

John's nomination was for the outstanding efforts in responding to the mass rescue event that occurred at Stanwell Park Beach on 21 January 2011. John together with fellow lifeguards on duty Chanan and Connor responded to the situation using available rescue equipment to return more than 25 swimmers from rip currents to the safety of the beach.

The efforts of the Council Lifeguards and support from local off duty volunteer lifesavers has been highly commended by Surf Life Saving Illawarra and the Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguards Association.