Bridport Surf Life Saving Club’s Anita Howard was awarded Coach of the Year at the 2026 Surf Life Saving Tasmania Awards of Excellence, in recognition of her contribution to both the Bridport SLSC community and the sport across the state.

Howard didn’t grow up in Surf Life Saving. She came to the sport ten years ago, when her daughter joined at age seven, and has spent the past five of those years coaching. It is something she said has been a privilege to be a part of.

“It’s a privilege to play some role in the development of your athletes, and I'm lucky to do just that,” Howard said.

“I didn't grow up in the sport, so at times I feel like a bit of an imposter, but I love the sport. I am really passionate about it. It’s been a lovely journey.”

For Howard, it’s the small wins that mean the most. Moments that span everything from grassroots beginners to athletes competing on the national stage.

“It’s everything from the small through to the big results It’s the athlete that's scared to go out in the waves or it's the athlete that didn’t think they could do a certain event and then does that event. So I really love that,” she said.

“We had some amazing results as well. Annie, one of our athletes, won a national ski race, so that was really exciting.”

The state award has also earned Howard a nomination for Coach of the Year at the 2026 Surf Life Saving Australia Awards of Excellence. It is a recognition she is thrilled to receive at both the state and national level.

We wish Anita the best of luck in the category. The awards winners will be announced on Saturday 7 November 2026.