Local Terry is best of the best
Local Terry is best of the best
May 15, 2008
Section: News
Terry Hagan nearly needed rescuing himself when he was announced as the Australian Professional Lifeguard of the Year earlier this month.
The Sandon Point lifeguard said he nearly choked with surprise at the awards dinner when his achievement was announced.
“When they called my name out I nearly swallowed my fork so I was lucky I had lifeguards next to me,” he said.
“Although I think I would rather have choked on the fork than have those guys give me mouth to mouth.”
Mr Hagan has been a lifeguard in the Illawarra for 30 years, the last 17 of which have been at Sandon Point, Bulli.
He said his love for the job hasn’t waned in three decades.
“I get to meet a lot of people, I get to enjoy the surroundings of the beach and people start to know you, to trust you, you become a part of the furniture,” Mr Hagan said.
The title of Australian Professional Lifeguard of the Year is awarded by the Australian Professional Lifeguard Association.