Torquay sets a Nippers record

AS THE Torquay Surf Life Saving Club begins celebrations for its 50th year of Nippers, its Piping Hot Summer Holiday Program, for children aged 5 to 13, has a record number of participants this year.

Torquay SLSC junior development director Scott McCardel said there were 330 Nippers registered this season and more than 220 participated across the eight-day summer program, with a great mix of local and visiting families.

The program is structured to introduce children to basic beach and water safety, lifesaving skills and overall awareness around an aquatic environment.

While Nippers doesn’t replace swimming lessons – all participants (from age 8 upwards) must complete a swimming competency in order to be involved – it is a great way to build on existing water skills and to start the journey towards becoming active patrolling lifesavers.

“The common misconception many parents have is that because their children are confident in the pool, this automatically transfers to open water environments,” Mr McCardel said.

“The Summer Holiday Program helps with that transition, teaching kids about rips, basic lifesaving signals, identifying dangerous situations, along with swimming techniques, board skills, wading and beach activities.”

Many Nippers will continue to train on Wednesdays and Sundays, competing in carnivals through to the state championships in March.

Mr McCardel said he encouraged all existing Nippers to keep participating in training and coming carnivals, and that it was never too late for new Nippers to join.

Phone Mr McCardel on 0439 305 688 or email [email protected].