Jan has been in the club for 25 years.

"I joined because I wanted to be a part of it all and they were letting women become lifesavers" Jan said.

Over her 25 years as a member Jan has worked tirelessly as part of the club, patrolling the beaches, educating new members and competing for the club, state, country and surf lifesaving movement.

Jan has also promoted surf lifesaving to the local and wider community.

"The lifesaver is such an icon.

"It is really good to belong to something where there is such a tradition, it's a real buzz," Jan said.

Jan has been heavily involved in all aspects of the local club and Hunter Branch lifesaving movement including being a member of numerous committee positions and fundraising.

Jan was an instrumental member in the fundraising and labouring to build the current club house at Hawks Nest, which was completed in 1992. In 1993 Jan was nominated for life membership of the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Club.

She was the zone manager in the Hunter lifesaving branch and won the Hunter branch lifesaver of the year in 1990.

Jan has taken particular interest in nurturing young lifesavers within the local club, particular the female members, who look upon Jan as a friend, mentor and exceptional role model.

"I would encourage others to join.

"It is a good lifestyle and keeps you fit and healthy and involved in the community, it's an outdoor way of life."

Jan has enjoyed representing the club in lifesaving competitions, which hone the skills required for patrols.

Jan was a member of the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest club team that won the prestigious state patrol competition in 1990.

She also competed in and won the International Masters Beach Flags and Beach Sprint Championships in New Zealand and America.

"There were very few women when I started and in this club there has always been a lot of support."