They have never met before even though for almost a decade they have been members of their respective Bate Bay surf lifesaving clubs.
The pair have swum, raced and carried out endless surf lifesaving patrols and played their part doing extraordinary service for the community.
Jed Buckley, 13, of Wanda Surf Life Saving Club, where he is the club captain, and Emily Maythers, 13, of North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club, where she is club captain, are now proud recipients of major surf lifesaving awards.
Jed and Emily have been named Sydney Branch Junior Surf Lifesavers of the Year award winners.
‘‘We hadn’t met until we got the awards,’’ Jed said.
The pair received their awards at a ceremony held on Sunday at Maroubra beach.
They will go to a development camp and leadership group program in April at North Narrabeen. State winners will be announced after the camp.
Two other Bate Bay club members Sarah Brown, 14, of Wanda Surf Life Saving Club, and Darby Thompson, 13, of North Cronulla, were nominated for the awards.
‘‘It’s a huge honour,’’ said Jed Buckley, 13, of Gymea Bay.
Emily Maythers, 13, of Bonnet Bay, said she felt privileged and humbled.
‘‘To receive this award is humbling and I can’t thank enough the people at North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club,’’ Emily said.
Each of the clubs nominate candidates they deem suitable for the annual awards.
