Recognition for Surf Life Saving Club team

Albany Surf Life Saving Club's Wesfarmers Emergency Response Team has been recognised for going above and beyond the call of duty with a Surf Life Saving Australia meritorious award.

Team duty officer Pat McSweeney, Gavin Shepherd, Byron Bird and Rob Mason were awarded with a meritorious award at the bronze level for consistently putting their lives at risk in trying coastal conditions.

Earlier this year the team was involved in four rescue and recovery efforts in a six-week period.

Surf Life Saving WA lifesaving and training general manager Chris Peck said the team had demonstrated a good application of skill in difficult and dangerous conditions.

"In this particular case, in a six-week period they responded to four call-outs to emergencies and in three occasions they weren't successful, but they continue to go out there and respond to the call for help despite the high risk," he said.

"We are extremely proud of our members, it's a close knit community in Albany and we continue to be amazed at how our members commit to (responding to emergencies)."

Mr McSweeney said the team, who work in close collaboration with Albany Sea Rescue Squad and Water Police, were a dedicated group.

"They are a fantastic bunch of guys, they are very reliable and they turn up no matter what the conditions," he said.

"It's a community thing, we don't do the job expecting rewards, we do the job to provide a service."

The Albany Surf Life Saving Club was named the WA Surf Life Saving Club of the Year in May and is in the running for the title of Australian Surf Life Saving Club of the Year in October.