FINGAL endured a horror summer with two deaths at the popular beach but the brave volunteer lifesavers who patrol its waters have now been recognised among the best in the state.

Fingal Rovers Surf Life Saving Club members who were involved in the rescue of a nine-year-old boy and the woman who died while trying to save him have been nominated for Rescue of the Year as part of the Surf Life Saving NSW 2016 Awards of Excellence.

The death of the young woman in October was followed by another tragedy at the beach in March when a man drowned after going to the aid of a seven-year-old girl who was struggling in the surf.

Fingal Rovers SLSC president Steve Kudzius said the deaths had an enormous impact on the tight-knit club.

“It was a hugely tough season for everyone involved,” he said.

“These people are volunteers and we have a small patrol base so with two fatalities, it’s been very difficult.”

Despite the tragic outcome, the efforts of club members, including club captain Debrah Cheers and Chris Dennis during the October incident were acknowledged when the event was named the national and NSW Rescue of the Month.

It has now been included among the finalists for the SLSNSW annual awards.

“It’s an honour for the club but it’s a very difficult situation,” Mr Kudzius said.

“But this is more about recognition for the bravery and selflessness of all the people involved.

“These people put in a lot of time voluntarily and this is just some recognition for their efforts to protect the public.”

The SLSNSW Awards of Excellence will be announced in Sydney on August 13.

The Fingal club is just one of several Tweed clubs which will be represented on the night.

Salt club member David Rope is among the volunteer of the year finalists, Cudgen Headland’s Scott McCartney has been nominated for surf sports coach of the year and clubmate Nadi Canning is in the running for both athlete of the year and masters athlete of the year.

Cabarita also has multiple finalists with Robert Readman nominated for trainer of the year while Belinda Pye is among the official of the year finalists. The club has also been included among the finalists in the community education program of the year.