Penguin Surf Life Saving Club’s Heidi Kable has been recognised as the Youth Surf Lifesaver of the Year at the 2025 Surf Life Saving Tasmania’s Awards of Excellence, celebrating her dedication, leadership and growing impact within the surf lifesaving community. 

Heidi’s surf lifesaving journey began more than a decade ago when she joined Penguin SLSC as a Nipper in 2014.

“I competed through all of the juniors and loved every minute,” she said. “Inspired by the fun and support I received as a Nipper, I chose to stay involved by gaining my Age Manager’s Award, Coach’s Award, SRC and eventually the Bronze Medallion as soon as I was eligible.”

Since then, Heidi has continued to expand her skills and contribution to the movement - completing her Advanced Resuscitation Techniques Certificate, IRB Crew qualification and taking on leadership roles such as a Patrol Officer for the 2024/25 season. She has also participated in SLST’s Development Camp and Women in Powercraft weekend, attended the State Conference in 2024 and 2025, and recently commenced her IRB Drivers Course.

While no longer a junior, Heidi continues to play a big role in inspiring others both on and off the beach. 

“I tend to be floating around the beach with two little microphones and a camera in hand,” she said. “I believe promotion is a big way of getting more people involved in surf lifesaving. I create short videos for SLST, showcasing the fun and opportunities that come from being on the beach on a Saturday and Sunday, and I hope to draw more volunteers in with these videos.”

For Heidi, receiving the Youth Surf Lifesaver of the Year award is both humbling and motivating. 

“It feels incredibly rewarding and humbling to be recognised. Surf lifesaving has been such a big part of my life and to be acknowledged for something I’m truly passionate about means a lot to me. It motivates me to keep pushing further, take on new challenges and continue making a positive impact.”

One of her highlights from the past season was attending the Development Camp - an experience that reaffirmed her commitment to lifesaving.

“It really confirmed how much I love surf lifesaving and made me realise just how many pathways and opportunities there are within the movement. It showed me that there’s so much more to be involved in beyond just patrols and competition and I’m excited to keep exploring it all,” she said.

Looking ahead, Heidi hopes her journey inspires others to get involved and believe in their potential. 

“I want people to see that no dream or goal is too big when you’re willing to work hard, stay committed and believe in yourself. Whether you’re young, female or from a small club, none of these things should ever hold you back.”

She is now turning her attention to a new project - the creation of a ‘Wellness Carnival’, an initiative focused on promoting the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of lifesavers across all roles.

“Whether you’re an athlete, official or patrolling member, we are all volunteers and we are all lifesavers,” she said. “I believe it’s so important to recognise the demands that come with what we do and to create space for support, education and connection. I hope this event can become something meaningful and lasting in the seasons to come.”

Through her leadership, enthusiasm and passion for helping others grow, Heidi Kable is a shining example of what it means to be a youth surf lifesaver - dedicated, community-minded and always striving to make a difference.