Webb, 13, was announced the winner of the title at the Hunter branch championships held in Fingal Bay.

Selected from 13 clubs stretching from Tea Gardens Hawks Nest to Catherine Hill Bay, Webb was nominated by her club.

TGHNSLSC president Stephen Howell said the award is based on the nominee’s overall contribution to surf lifesaving, including patrols, peer support, inspiring others and fundraising.

“Tea Gardens Hawks Nest SLSC continues its tradition of producing quality lifesavers after last year’s nominee Emily Ross was awarded a high commendation in the final,” Howell said.

Webb was interviewed by a panel from Hunter Surf Lifesaving.

“I was pretty nervous, but it was fun,” she said.

“They asked me how surf lifesaving could be improved and I suggested promoting it more in schools, I don’t think everyone realises that our club is open to everyone, not just people living in Tea Gardens Hawks Nest,” Webb said.

“We have members that travel from Dungog and Maitland. It’s a fun community organisation to be a part of.”

Webb has been involved in surf lifesaving since she was old enough and said she often goes on patrol with her father and club captain Graeme Webb.

Webb said she hopes to set an example for younger members at the club.

“Even though we are a small club, that doesn’t stop us,” she said.

The Hunter Valley Grammar school student is now a finalist for the NSW Female Junior Lifesaver of the Year and will participate in a development camp this week in Somersby, where she will be interviewed by a judging panel of experienced lifesavers.

“I’m pretty excited, I have been preparing for the interview,” Webb said.

The award will be announced at the State Age Championships this weekend, at Swansea Belmont, where Webb will compete against the state’s finest young lifesavers.

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