Brighton Life Saving Club member, Danielle Smith was recently honoured for excellence in leadership when she received the 2008 Sir Adrian Curlewis Scholarship on Saturday night at the 2008 Life Saving Victoria Awards of Excellence.

Danielle, who said that she was "very excited" to be honoured, was recognised for her efforts in patrolling, training and assessment at both club and state level.

"What I love about patrolling is that it is all about being on the beach and looking after my local community." said Danielle.

"Being involved in Training and Assessment at a state level means I get to meet lifesavers from other clubs and experience working in different beach environments" she said.

The aim of the Sir Adrian Curlewis Scholarship is to provide a national program designed to build leadership skills, knowledge, and highlight the potential in young Australians who choose to pursue leadership roles in lifesaving clubs.

The scholarship gives successful applicants leadership training with the aim of having them retain the skills learnt within the lifesaving system.

Danielle who has always loved the beach, became involved in lifesaving when she decided she wanted to get her bronze medallion and knocked on the door of her local life saving club. She has been a passionate member ever since.

She hopes to use the scholarship to further lifesaving development in the Bayside District especially amongst 16 -17 year olds by showing them the benefits of the social side of lifesaving as well as continuing to train and nurture them as the future leaders of lifesaving in Victoria.

If you know a llifesaver who deserves to be honoured please click here