The plucky 13-year-old was one of 22 junior club members chosen from branches around NSW who took part in a leadership skills development camp at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation Centre in Narrabeen last week.

The focus of the four-day camp was to expose the juniors (male and female) to different styles of leadership and future opportunities within the surf lifesaving movement.

There was also the chance to be crowned Junior Lifesaver of the Year.

Although Patrick missed out on this honour, he said just getting chosen as a finalist was a really good feeling and the camp had been a great experience.

“I’ve been learning heaps of new skills at the camp, especially public speaking” Patrick told the Courier.

“I really enjoy being part of the club because it’s a great way to be with friends and have fun as well as giving you goals.”

Following the camp he and fellow North Coast branch finalist, Kiahni Huthnance from Woolgoolga SLSC, will be presenting their chosen project to the branch and “convincing them of its merit”.

“Our plan is that different patrols should exchange numbers and do patrols on other beaches outside their own area.

“It would be a good way to bring the clubs closer together as well as give lifesavers more experiences.”

He said he and Kiahni had put a lot of thought into the project and were hopeful of a positive response.

Patrick first joined the Bellinger Valley North Beach club as a seven-year-old and when it comes to competition, the rescue board is his favourite event.

And hot off the press: winners of this year’s Junior Lifesaver of the Year award are Brianna Clarkson (Brunswisk Heads SLSC) and Reed van Huisstede (Cooks Hill SLSC).