The Brighton Surf Life Saving Club patrol captain has just completed his fourth season as a lifeguard and was nominated for the award because of his excellent leadership and outstanding contribution.
Officially, he clocked almost 88 hours patrolling the beaches but did a lot of hours which went unaccounted.
He also contributed to fundraising activities which included washing cars, chopping firewood and selling raffle tickets, and has embraced his role as a mentor at the club.
"I do what I do because I love doing it," Sutherland said.
"You are not really expecting major recognition but it is always good to get some. I'm pretty stoked with it."
Sutherland said he enjoys passing on his skills and knowledge to "the younger ones" and is in life-saving for the long haul.
He was involved in a "few rescues" during the past summer but has not had to give anyone CPR yet.
In other awards, St Clair's Antony Mason was named volunteer of the year. He gave generously of his time as the club chairman and a member of the national sport committee.
The rescue of the year award went to four members of the Brighton call out squad.
The rescue occurred in the afternoon on April 1 at Ocean View Beach. Thanks to the experienced lifeguards and rescue helicopter paramedics, the patient, who was unresponsive when pulled from the water, made a full recovery.
During the past season, Otago lifeguards provided 10,234 hours of patrols, performed 27 rescues, administered first aid 47 times and conducted 18 searches. They also performed 3681 preventive actions involving 5455 people.
Otago surf life-saving
Awards
Lifeguard of the year: Alex Sutherland (Brighton).
Volunteer of the year: Antony Mason (St Clair).
Instructor of the year: Richard Murray (St Clair).
Surf Official of the year: Doug Henderson (Kaka Point).
Coach of the year: James Coombes (St Clair).
Rescue of the year: Otago IRB callout rescue squad.
Sportsperson of the year: Carina Doyle (St Clair).
Team of the year: Stephanie Laughton and Carla Laughton.
Senior sports awards
Under-16 top female: Jessie Schneiders.
Under-16 top male: Jamie Mowat.
Under-19 top female: Carina Doyle and Alicia Porteous.
Under-19 top male: Hamish McCulloch.
Open top female: Monique Francois.
Open top male: Adam Simpson.
IRB Awards Top under-21 crew: Hayden Gold, Matt Kuiti.
Top women's crew: Steph Laughton and Carla Laughton.
Top senior crew: Ben Pickles and Ant Jackson.
Top premier crew: Nicholas Harwood and Justine Reid.
South Island top club: St Kilda.
