Posted by Franz Huber on Aug 22, 2024
This week's meeting was one of our special events of the year, the presentation of the Lutzy Award. The recipient, selected by the Surfers Paradise Life Saving Club, is not necessarily the top surfer, but is an emerging leader of the Life Saving organisation. According to David Orchard, one of the senior people in the Surfers SLSC, Louis' name came up easily. He is also the youngest ever awardee in the 9 year history of this award, presented in honour of our former member Keith Lutz. 
 
Should you wonder "what defines an emerging leader?", check the list of Louis' record:
  • 2023/2024 Nipper Club Captain
  • 2023/2024 U14 Male Club Champion
  • Obtained his Surf Rescue Certificate in November 2023
  • Completed First Aid Certificate
  • Completed 263.25 patrol hours and 14 water safety hours
  • 2023/2024 Point Danger Branch & South Coast Branch Top Patrol Hours Winner at the Youth Gala Ball
  • 2023/2024 Top Patrol Hours Runner Up
  • 2023/2024 U14 Junior Life Saver of the Year @ Club and Branch Level
So, if ever there was proof that "you've got to be in it to win it", see above. The logical follow-on question then would be "what do you do in your spare time?" Yes, he is also learning to play the violin...
 
Photo, from left: David 'Orchy' Orchard, Jan Lutz, Louis van Drunen, Past President Doug Lipp (on behalf of President Andy), Louis with his mum, Sophie van Drunen. More photos on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/rcsurferssunrise