Surf life-saving members from Otago have been named finalists in national awards recognising dedication to saving lives and preventing drowning on New Zealand's beaches.
The annual Surf Life Saving New Zealand awards of excellence will be announced in Auckland on September 23.
The nine finalists for the lifeguard of the year award include Chris Haig, of St Clair Surf Life Saving Club.
Mr Haig is also among the eight finalists for the coach of the year award.
Other southern finalists are: volunteer of the year, James Coombes (St Clair Surf Life Saving Club);
instructor of the year: Peter Gibbons (St Kilda Surf Life Saving Club);
surf official of the year: Michael Andrews (St Clair Surf Life Saving Club).