Torquay SLSC to celebrate 50 years of Nippers

THE Torquay Surf Life Saving Club will recognise half a century of fostering junior talent with a function next month.

The club will hold its “50 Years of Nippers” celebration at the clubhouse on February 3.

Guests will enjoy a drink on arrival, cocktail food, supper and live music, with refreshments at bar prices.

Torquay SLSC junior development director Scott McCardel said the Nippers program at Torquay was Victoria’s first and oldest, and the club was very proud of what it was able to achieve over the past 50 years.

He said there were a record 330 Nippers registered this season and more than 220 participating across the club’s eight-day summer program.

Torquay SLSC’s Nippers program is structured to introduce children to basic beach and water safety, lifesaving skills and overall awareness around an aquatic environment.

Open to children aged 5 to 14, participants run, swim, learn to read surf conditions and learn to ride waves on Nipper boards.

As well as the summer program, training for Torquay SLSC Nippers begins in October and runs until the state championships, held over the Labour Day long weekend in March.

For more information, phone Mr McCardel on 0439 305 688.