Thousands of children and their parents are returning to local beaches across the Clarence Valley as Nippers resumes for the 2022/23 season.
The iconic beach education program which runs most Sundays between October and February, teaches youngsters aged between five and 14 water safety techniques which will equip them with valuable lifesaving skills.
Newcastle Permanent Grafton Branch Manager Joshua Freeman said Nippers is a vital community program that offers personal development skills for young people and gives kids skills to keep themselves and others safe when at the beach, such as being able to identify rips and rescuing someone in trouble.
“Nippers is also the recruitment and training ground for our future surf lifesavers who patrol our beaches to keep us safe every weekend,” he said.
“At Newcastle Permanent we’re here for the community and Nippers benefits everyone in the community.
“The young people I meet from Nippers are impressive and confident because it gives them teamwork and leadership skills.”
North Coast Surf Life Saving (SLS) President Les Pepper said it takes funding and resources to provide surf life-saving services and programs such as Nippers.
Mr Pepper said the North Coast and Far North Coast SLS branches have had partnerships with Newcastle Permanent for more than 15 years which is vital to its programs such as Nippers.
“As well as program funding support, Newcastle Permanent supplies surf life-saving clubs with mandatory hot pink Nippers rashies to make the program more affordable for families,” he said.
“Nippers learn lifesaving and CPR, as well as surf safety, awareness, and rescue skills while completing fun surf sport activities such as catching waves, board paddling, beach sprints and flags.
“It is a fun and healthy activity for parents and kids to do together, and a great way to make new friends.”
Nippers runs at North Coast and Far North Coast SLS Clubs from Nambucca Heads to Minnie Water-Wooli, and Yamba.
To find your nearest Nippers program visit www.slsfnc.com.au www.slsnorthcoast.com.au.