Torquay claims home break win at Cosy Corner carnival

More than 850 Nippers attended last week's statewide Nippers carnival at Cosy Corner last Friday. Photos: PETER MARSHALL

MORE than 850 Nippers converged at Torquay’s Cosy Corner on Friday last week for the first junior lifesaving carnival of 2023, starting another exciting year of lifesaving at the junior level.

The Cosy Corner carnival, has historically been one of the most anticipated sporting events on Life Saving Victoria’s (LSV’s) calendar, attracting lifesavers aged seven to 12 from across the state.

Ocean Grove SLSC’s Maddie Hutchins, Torquay SLSC’s Matilda Carmichael and Ocean Grove SLSC’s Lilia Spolding preparing to compete in Torquay on Friday.

On home sand, Torquay Surf Life Saving Club was victorious with 245 points, ahead of Anglesea in second place with 134 points and Lorne in third with 125 points.

Sammy Weigard and Jackson Middenway of Fairhaven SLSC.

Notable performances included Summer Morgan of Anglesea SLSC winning the under 13 girls’ ironperson event, while on the sand, Ocean Grove SLSC’s Ryan Tolley was crowned the under 13 beach run champion, and Lorne SLSC’s Billy Read won the under 13 board race.

Levi Ritchie, Vincent Seraiocco, Oliver Wheelahan and Miles Scott from Jan Juc SLSC.

LSV senior manager aquatic sport Chris Schleusener said the carnival provided the perfect setting for junior athletes to refine and test their skills as the season ramps up.

“The annual Cosy Corner carnival has become our biggest junior event on the sporting calendar outside of state championships and attracted competitors from 20 clubs across the state in 2023,” Schleusener said.

“Our juniors tested themselves in slightly choppy conditions, which is great practice at skills such as surf swimming, board paddling and wading, which will come in handy when they become patrolling lifesavers someday.

Tully Gordon and Braxton Smith of Torquay SLSC.

“We look forward to returning to the Surf Coast on January 15, when we host the second senior carnival for the season at Anglesea SLSC, which will showcase water, beach and rescue and resuscitation events, and a Victorian Surf Rowers League at nearby Fairhaven SLSC on the same day.”

The Victorian Junior Lifesaving Championships will arrive at Warrnambool SLSC in March.