Published 3 February 2025
The Awards Ceremony for the Australian Pool Life Saving Championships is always a night to remember. After three days of competition, athletes, coaches, managers, officials and supporters come together to celebrate this year’s winners. The awards spotlight the best athletes in Australian Pool Life Saving and are a recognition of all their hard work.
“It was such an honour. I wasn’t expecting it at all,” said Jemma Holt, winner of the Shayne Baker Trophy – the Women’s Under 19 Australia Cup (U19 Female Superlifesaver). “I was just over the moon when they called my name, and all my teammates were cheering me. It’s funny I never thought I would achieve so much, so it’s just incredible.”
To make the experience even more special, Jemma was presented with the award by Dr Shayne Baker OAM, the award’s eponym himself.
“It’s amazing to have someone like Shayne, who is so immersed in Life Saving Sport and preventing drowning, presenting me the award,” Jemma told us. “It’s that link to the legacy. And he had a chat with me afterwards too, which was just incredible.”
Dr Shayne Baker once again attended the awards ceremony to present the trophy and celebrate the athletes. “I was really pleased to be there on the night to give the award to Jemma. It’s really special,” he told us.
Taking a genuine interest in her growth and development as an athlete, Shayne has also been following Jemma’s career. “Gemma is a wonderful athlete,” he told us. “She had a great experience during the World Championships this year, which was a big step up for her. It seemed to give her a real boost in confidence and self-belief. She’s had a fantastic 12 months, and I think this win is a real reflection of her dedication.”
Shayne is undoubtedly dedicated to Pool Life Saving Sport and encouraging the next generation of athletes. A former Australian Life Saving Championship competitor himself, he knows the importance of these events in shaping young athletes in the sport.
“The under-19 category in particular, it’s crucial,” he said. “There are many athletes who have come through that age group, transitioning into the open category, which leads to a lot of opportunities in the sport.”
Considering how crucial this age group is, Shayne was surprised when a decade ago he realised the Women’s Under 19 Australia Cup didn’t have a sponsor. “I was talking to the previous sport coordinator and they mentioned that this award had no real ownership – no one had claimed responsibility for it. I couldn’t understand how that could be.”
With experience as a competitor, official, and committee member, Shayne was an exceptional choice for the trophy’s namesake. He has played a pivotal role in the growth and evolution of Pool Life Saving, while his research and advocacy in drowning prevention have earned him the honour of Life Membership with Royal Life Saving Australia.
“I was pretty pleased when they decided to name it after me,” he said. “As soon as you have an award with a name behind it, it gives it a bit more meaning, a sense of legacy.”
“We’re seeing an increasing number of people specialising in Pool Life Saving,” Shayne told us. “It has a strong team element: communication, coordination, and working together under pressure. That’s something unique.”
This sense of teamwork and purpose is what makes the sport so special to those involved. Talking to Jemma, a young athlete at the start of a promising Pool Life Saving career, it’s clear that she embodies this same passion and commitment.
“I love the people that you meet in this sport,” she said. “Everyone is so willing to help you. The community is just amazing. And I’m just so incredibly grateful for the opportunity that this sport has given me. To travel the world and compete and meet so many great people.”
Thank you to both Jemma Holt and Dr Shayne Baker OAM for speaking to us. You can find the full results from the 2025 Australian Pool Life Saving Championship on our website: https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/educate-participate/sport/aplsc/Records-and-Results
The Shane Baker Trophy
