An Australian mum and long-serving member of a Sydney surf life saving club has been remembered after she died suddenly while holidaying overseas.
Louise Santos, 54, died on Monday in France while on a trip with her husband Stuart and son Josh.
She had celebrated her birthday just 10 days earlier.
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Santos had been an active member of Bondi Surf Club, both as a competitor and committee volunteer, for more than two decades.
President Brent Jackson said the club was devastated by the news.
“The entire club stands in profound shock, grappling with the void left by Louise’s passing,” he said.
“She recently became our newest life member.”
Jackson said Santos had played a pivotal role within the club including planning the upcoming season for the club’s surf sports team.
“Her commitment knew no bounds, and she continued to champion our cause diligently,” he said.
“Personally, I will deeply miss Louise’s straightforward, pragmatic approach, and her resolute can-do attitude that inspired us all.
“Her influence reverberated through countless aspects of our club, and her absence will be profoundly felt by each and every one of us.
“Louise’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication, and the profound impact she had on our club’s journey.”
Almost 200 people paid tribute to Santos via social media, with one person describing her as a “humble, enthusiastic, cheerful” person.
“Her welcoming smile was warm and genuine. She was everything you could want as a lifesaver and a Bondi member,” they wrote.
Santos was Bondi’s first female individual Australian gold medalist in the 2005 Ironwoman 35-39 years age bracket.
She also earned medals in more than 40 Australian Masters and World Masters Surf Life Saving events, and competed in the Coolangatta Gold Long Course endurance event multiple times — placing second in 2018 in her age group.
A minute silence was held on Wednesday morning for Santos, as club members took to the water in commemoration, while a candlelight memorial will be held at 6pm on Wednesday at the club.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been contacted for comment.
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