A skill that is both fun and often lifesaving is ready to be shared with the community once again with the Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club sign on days for nippers and volunteer life savers.
Club president Jason Pascoe said the nipper program was designed for kids to have fun, learn new skills and build confidence in the surf.
Many of our nippers go on to patrol on our beaches with other family members and their friends, while our volunteer lifesavers can complete a range of awards to equip them for patrolling,” he said.
“Some courses like first aid, advanced resuscitation, radio communications and the observers course, don’t even require you to get in the water.
“We are always looking for new volunteers to help on patrols and invite people to join the club and find their place in their local surf lifesaving community.
“Providing a safe place between the red and yellow flags on our beaches for locals and visitors alike, is incredibly important to our Australian way of life and to our tourism sector. “Last season, our club alone carried out four rescues which saved four lives.“
The joy of being a lifesaver continues to be shared by many members of the Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club.
Club captain Chris Steffan said it was great to be part of a surf club because you know you are making a difference to your community, by keeping people safe at the beach.
“Being able to go to the beach and know you are safe swimming between the red and yellow flags is such an important part of our Australian way of life – really it is hard to think of life without it.
“Being part of a surf club is a great way to meet new people, while learning new skills and taking on new challenges.“
This enthusiasm and commitment is shared by fellow member Ben Taylor who proudly recently completed his bronze medallion and IRB Crew Awards.
Ben said joining a surf club provided so many opportunities to learn new skills and take on new challenges.
“Last year, two of my surf clubs mates and I were called on to rescue three young boys on Australia Day who were being swept out to sea by a deadly rip,” he said.
“Using our surf lifesaving skills, we were able to bring all three kids back to the beach safely. “Surf Lifesaving has taught me life skills which I will take well beyond the beach.“
For those who are wanting to join nippers or as a volunteer surf lifesaver, Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club chief training officer David Lester said the club had just put out its training calendar for the up-coming season and there were awards to suit all ages and abilities.
“We have three excellent trainers who aim to make learning fun and practical,” he said.
“We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and welcoming club that encourages members to get involved, while our facilities and equipment are top-rate too.“
As the junior activities coordinator, Janine Lester can not wait to welcome a new group of nippers.
“I love seeing all the smiling faces on a Sunday morning with kids learning new skills like how to bodysurf or catch a wave on a board,” she said.
“As surf conditions are always changing, the kids get to test themselves in different conditions and learn resilience in a safe and supportive environment.“
On Sunday 8 September from 10am until 1pm, Surf Life Saving Clubs across the region will host the inaugural Wide Bay Capricorn Surf Life Saving open day on their respective beaches.
This event will showcase the incredible opportunities available at our local surf lifesaving clubs for potential patrolling members and interested local residents.
At the Bundaberg Surf Lifesaving Club at Nielson Park Beach, the club’s Australian U17 silver medal Patrol Competition team will be showcasing their skills by responding to a range of patrol scenarios involving rescues, first aid and emergency response communications.
These will be conducted at 10.30am and noon and everyone is encouraged to attend.
The sign on day will be held on 1 and 8 September at 25 Fitzgerald Street Bundaberg from 9-11am – visit the website bundabergslsc.com.au for more details.
