Orange Beach Surf Rescue has named Sawyer Wilson as its 2025 Lifeguard of the Year. The award recognizes Wilson’s leadership on the beach and his strong record of preventing dangerous situations in the water. Officials say he stands out not only for his skills but also for his character. The honor caps a year of rescues, community recognition, and significant accomplishments for the young guard.

The announcement came with a detailed commendation from Beach Division Chief Brett Lesinger, who described Wilson as a model for others on the team. Lesinger said Wilson shows maturity beyond his years and leads by example on every shift. The award highlights his work throughout 2025, including key incidents and competitions.

In his written statement, Lesinger praised Wilson’s attitude and approach to the job. “Sawyer embodies what it means to be a lifeguard and has all the traits you would want a lifeguard to possess,” he wrote. “His number one trait is his maturity level,” Lesinger added that Wilson does not need a title or special uniform to get others to follow his lead.

Lesinger also emphasized that the primary mission of any lifeguard is prevention. He noted that the best outcome is when an incident does not occur. “The number one mission a Lifeguard can accomplish while on duty is to prevent an incident from ever occurring,” he said. According to the commendation, Wilson is the most proactive lifeguard on the staff and is usually first in the water when a swimmer appears to be in trouble.

Members of the public have also taken notice of his work. Lesinger said that on several occasions this year, beach visitors sent in compliments about Wilson’s performance, sometimes including photos. He explained that these messages only reflect “a small dose of the true impact he is making” because most of Wilson’s efforts occur without cameras or email.

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The division chief also spoke about Wilson’s integrity when no one is watching. “The question always goes ‘Who are you when nobody is looking?’ and that answer is simple for Sawyer, he is an outstanding employee and an even better person,” Lesinger wrote. That reputation, behind the scenes, was a significant factor in selecting him for the award. Supervisors say his off-duty behavior matches the professionalism he shows on the beach.

Wilson’s year also included success in competition. At the Lifeguard Regional Competition in Daytona Beach, he earned several medals in different events. Much of his preparation for those contests took place while he was off duty. The commendation notes that this additional training reflects his dedication to maintaining top physical and technical condition.

One of the most notable incidents happened on May 10, 2025. On that date, Wilson carried out a challenging rescue involving two female swimmers, one of whom was nonverbal. Lesinger said he witnessed the rescue firsthand and described the conditions as difficult. He credited Wilson’s skill level with making “an impact that the family will always be grateful for.”

Beyond rescues and competitions, Wilson has also advanced his professional training. In his third year as a lifeguard, he obtained his Emergency Medical Technician license, Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Certification, and Personal Watercraft Operator Certification. He completed all of this while finishing high school and playing as the starting running back for his football team.

Supervisors say balancing school, sports, and lifeguarding shows Wilson’s work ethic and time management. They point to his ability to juggle these demands as another sign of his maturity. His performance on the football field and in the classroom did not come at the expense of his duties on the beach.

With the new recognition, Wilson now holds a title that city officials call “prestigious.” The commendation notes, “You now carry the prestigious title and honor of ‘Lifeguard of the Year’ for the rest of your career and life.” Leaders at Orange Beach Surf Rescue say they look forward to seeing what he does next in public safety and beyond.

The statement closes with a message of congratulations and encouragement for Wilson’s future. “Congratulations on a job well done, and we look forward to your future success in all avenues of life!” Lesinger wrote. He concluded the commendation with a phrase commonly used in the profession. “AND REMEMBER, LIFEGUARDS FOR LIFE.”