RACV resort is on board with Torquay Nippers

THE Torquay Surf Life Saving Club has received a timely helping hand from RACV Torquay Resort to help the club meet record growth in its Nippers program this summer.

While growth in the 2018/19 season was expected, the more than 50 per cent jump to almost 500 Nippers meant Torquay SLSC was short of equipment and supplies to effectively run the program.

“Fundamentally, our program is focused on enhancing the aquatic and beach skills of our young members, with a genuine pathway to developing future lifesavers,” Torquay SLSC director of junior development Scott McCardel said.

Having the right equipment and lots of it is just so important – we don’t want any Nipper to miss out.”

RACV Torquay Resort stepped in with a donation of Nipper boards made by local supplier 4D Surfboards.

With $5,000 worth of new boards arriving in time for the busy summer Holiday Program, the Nippers team has developed important paddling and board rescue skills with direct links to becoming future patrolling members.

“We’re delighted to be able to support the local and visiting Surf Coast kids out in the water, learning ocean skills and having fun with their friends in a safe environment,” RACV Torqauy Resort manager Bowen Kress said.

The Torquay SLSC has a rich history in the Torquay community over the past 74 years and is 100 per cent operated via fundraising, donations and sponsorship as a not-for-profit, volunteer run organisation.

In the 2017/18 season, club volunteers participated in 4,700 patrol hours, were involved in 13 aquatic rescues, and instigated more than 900 preventative actions.