LIFE Saving Victoria’s junior competition season will go ahead this summer but in a minimised format.<\/p>\n
The carnival will see under-13 and under-12 divisions compete, however younger ages, beginning at under-7, will not. The decision was made to ensure the carnival can be held in accordance with the 1000-person outdoor events COVID-19 restrictions cap.<\/p>\n
Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club youth development director Sam Hume said the minimised format aimed to maintain older junior age groups’ participation, who would then transition to a 14-17 year old youth program.<\/p>\n
“It will support those older age groups and get them across to the youth program … the younger age groups have a bit more time to make up for any lost time,” Mr Hume said. “It (1000 people) sounds like a lot, but you would exceed that pretty easy at a normal surf carnival.”<\/p>\n
Torquay Surf Life Saving Club director Matt Henderson echoed the thoughts of Hume, highlighting the importance of not losing touch with competitors as they enter 14-17 years, a high drop-out zone.<\/p>\n
“That’s just a reflection of how important it is to keep those age groups engaged and keep them progressing through to the SRC (Surf Rescue Certificate) and becoming life savers,” Mr Henderson said.<\/p>\n
While the state-level carnival will be reduced too, Life Saving Victoria is encouraging local clubs to combine to host their own carnivals to give younger age-groups the opportunity to compete.<\/p>\n
Torquay, Ocean Grove, Jan Juc and Lorne surf life saving clubs hosted competitions throughout December with the possibility for more.<\/p>\n
“From the younger kids’ perspective, there will be some that are disappointed, but I think on the whole it’s not a bad thing necessarily,” Mr Henderson said.<\/p>\n
“It gives them the opportunity to have a relaxed season, develop their skills and have fun.<\/p>\n
“We’re all happy that we do have some LSV carnivals to look forward to \u2026 but it’s also great to offer the less formal carnivals for our younger kids – it gives us a good opportunity to keep those kids engaged in the sport.”<\/p>\n
Mordialloc LSC will host its carnival on January 31 while Ocean Grove holds its carnival on February 20 ahead of the state carnival on March 6 and 7 in Warrnambool.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LIFE Saving Victoria’s junior competition season will go ahead this summer but in a minimised format. The carnival will see under-13 and under-12 divisions compete, however younger ages, beginning at under-7, will not. The decision was made to ensure the carnival can be held in accordance with the 1000-person outdoor events COVID-19 restrictions cap. Anglesea […]<\/p>\n