Surf Life Saving Australia has inducted the Killcare Men’s Beach Relay team and the late Theo Haywood OAM into the SLSA Hall of Fame.

From 2000 – 2006 the Killcare Men’s Beach Relay team won 5 consecutive titles at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, 5 consecutive titles at the NSW Surf Life Saving Championships and 4 consecutive World Titles.

Club Coach, John Bourne, said that the team was thrilled to be recognised by SLSA for their achievements. “Our team was formed in 1999, mainly to boost patrol members for Killcare SLSC. The club only had 20 patrolling members at that stage so the new relay team combined with the local winter swimming clubs added much needed numbers.

“Our first season together, we won the Aussies and World titles which was an amazing feat. Over the years we had a few relay members change due to injury, work commitments and geography but the team spirit and enthusiasm stayed the same.”

SLSA President, Graham Ford, said it was an honour to induct the late Freemantle and Leighton SLSC member, Theo Haywood OAM, and the Killcare Men’s Beach Relay team into the Hall of Fame.

“Mr Haywood was the secretary of the Surf Life Saving WA for almost 40 years, from the 1930’s through to the 1970’s. He worked with 11 State Presidents and the length of his involvement with the organisation is remarkable.

“He was also involved every summer on the beach and was actively involved in the foundation and growth of new clubs. Theo Haywood was awarded Life Membership of SLSWA in 1952 and of SLSA in 1956.”

In recognition of Theo Haywood’s long and outstanding service, soon after his retirement SLSWA introduced the Haywood Shield, which is awarded annually to the most efficient WA club.

Paul Andrew, CEO SLSWA agrees with Mr Williamson’s comments. “Theo Haywood’s 40 years of commitment to the organisation in WA is unparalleled. He made an exceptional contribution to the stability, growth and increasing public status of surf lifesaving in Western Australia.”

The SLSA Hall of Fame was founded in 2002 and recognises members or teams who have provided an outstanding contribution to surf lifesaving.