DHL Surf Lifesaver of the Year 

In this edition of Keeper' s Voice, we are pleased to feature DHL Surf Lifesaver of the Year, Derek Bowden, a member of Seacliff SLSC. Derek was recognised with this prestigious honour at SLSA’s 2025 Awards of Excellence. The award recognises and rewards active members who have made an outstanding contribution to the delivery and development of surf lifesaving frontline services. Finalists for this award are nominated after being named their State’s Surf Lifesaver of the Year. 

Calm, capable, and committed, Derek Bawden is a respected figure at Seacliff SLSC, valued for his meticulous planning, hands-on knowledge, and dedication to keeping others safe.  

As a dedicated patrol member, Trainer, and key figure in event water safety, Derek’s impact extends across the beach, the clubhouse, and the wider South Australian lifesaving community. He plays a key role in equipment readiness, always volunteering with maintenance, refuelling and logistics to ensure that the club is always operational. 

In the 2024/25 season, Derek combined operational skill with thoughtful leadership: mentoring new members, supporting multi-club activities, and sharing his experience across patrols and training. His service history includes stepping up during challenging coastal and flood conditions and contributing to State initiatives that improve preparedness and resilience. 

Trusted, humble and always prepared, Derek is the teammate everyone wants. His quiet excellence and leadership skills have had an everlasting effect on his Club and the broader Surf Life Saving community. 

To read more about SLSA’s Awards of Excellence and those volunteer surf lifesavers who were nominated for this award, please visit Lifesaving and DHL Awards - Surf Life Saving