Community accolade for young surf life saver

Meet Leo Oliver, the City of Onkaparinga’s Young Citizen of the Year.

South Port Surf Life Saving Club member Leo Oliver, 15, says being recognised as the Young Citizen of the Year in the 2022 City of Onkaparinga Australia Day Awards is endorsement for his passion for helping his community.

“Being named Young Citizen of the Year confirms for me that I’m doing the right thing in my community,” Leo says.

“I love the South Port club and the community there. The club only runs because of help from volunteers. It’s a fun place to be. I love competing, being with friends—enjoying each other’s company and looking after the beach—and doing good deeds to support other people. It’s the best.”

President of the South Port Surf Life Saving Club, Richard (Dick) Olesinski nominated Leo for the award, acknowledging his level of maturity and responsibility that far outweighs his years.

Leo joined South Port Surf Life Saving Club in 2014, progressing through the Nippers ranks to become Junior Club Captain in the 2019-20 season.

“Leo’s an all-round good citizen,” Dick says. “He has a kind and thoughtful nature and is respectful to everyone around him. We call Leo FCC at the club—Future Club Captain—because we see his leadership potential and we want to nurture that,” Dick says.

Since finishing Nippers, Leo has continued to provide mentorship and support to the club’s junior members. He completed more than 51 volunteer hours in 2020-21, including water safety cover for Nippers on most Saturdays and at junior carnivals.

“Leo is always the first to put his hand up for anything at the club that needs volunteers, and often not for jobs that are glamourous or give the most accolades. That doesn’t bother Leo. He helps carry equipment on and off the beach whenever required and he is a regular helper in the canteen and kitchen, where he serves meals at the club's monthly Sunday Sessions and other events.

“In terms of his competition on the beach and in the water, he’s multitalented, and has already been successful in senior board races and as part of the March Past team,” Dick says.

In December 2020, Leo’s years of dedicated training helped him and two other Under 15 South Port members save the life of a snorkeller who was in distress 300 metres offshore in windy conditions.

“When my friends and I noticed the snorkeller was in danger, we clicked into rescue mode. Our training means it becomes second nature to act when we see someone in trouble,” Leo says.

Leo was awarded the prestigious statewide Surf Life Saving SA Youth Member of the Year Award for 2020-21 in honour of his calm and confident rescue of the snorkeller and his many other contributions to surf life saving.

Leo encourages others to consider taking up surf life saving and joining the South Port club.

“The club is here to support whatever people want to gain from surf life saving.

“If you want to compete at national level, the club will help you achieve it. Or, if you just want to learn about being safe in the water and enjoy yourself on weekends, it’s great for that too. There’s opportunity to be a social member of the club and make new friends. Everyone’s welcome. I’ve learnt so much from my South Port family,” Leo says.

Other winners in the City of Onkaparinga Australia Day Awards include Dr Mark Potter, Citizen of the Year, and the Fleurieu Folk Day, Community Event of the Year.