Congratulations to Geoff Ryder who was made Life Member of Helensburgh-Stanwell Park SLSC on Sunday, 23 July 2017.

Geoff became associated with the Club when his eldest two children Michelle and Chris joined in 1992-93 as nipper members. Two seasons later, he decided to gain his Bronze Medallion and over the next 19 years supported and encouraged his three children as they progressed from nippers to become Cadets and later patrolling life savers.

Geoff has completed 22 years of membership and in his 23rd year continues to be actively involved as a highly qualified and competent trainer and assessor. His service to the Club includes patrol service and training nipper and other youth members to gain awards to become future lifesavers.

Geoff has been an integral part of the Club's Education Team since he gained the then Instructors Certificate in the 1998/99 season. As shown in his history attached, Geoff has given distinguished and sustained service to the Club over 19 years training fellow members to gain their SLSA awards, and training and encouraging other members to become accredited trainers.

This member has also been a committed and reliable patrol member, serving 15 years with 100% attendance for patrols. For three years, Geoff served as a Patrol Vice Captain, and then gave six years of distinguished service as Patrol Captain. On two of these six occasions, Geoff led his patrol to win the Club's annual patrol competition, and was Vice Patrol Captain when this patrol also won this award.

Whilst Geoff may not have been an 'elected office bearer' we believe his service as a member of the Education Team over 19 years would be equal to the service of a person who has served on a "Club sub-committee over a period of 15 years” as referred to in the Club By-Laws.

Summarised -

• Leader of the winning patrol, and Vice Patrol Captain, Club Patrol Competition three years
• Awarded 100% patrol attendance for 15 consecutive years 1995/96 to 2010/11
• Awarded SLSA 15 Years National Patrol Service Award 2011.
• Member of the Club Education Team which won Illawarra Team of the Year 2013/14
• Nominated for Illawarra Training Officer of the Year 2002/03, and again 2004/05.
• Assisted the Club by undertaking work at no cost to improve security of the Club building.

Nominated by: Bobo White

Seconded by: Dave O’Grady

Geoff Ryder and his family