As the season opens, Strand Surf Lifesaving Club has officially started introducing a brand-new group of nippers into its ranks ahead of what is expected to be an eventful summer.
In a statement, the club said it strives to teach children to have a healthy respect for the sea. It further urged parents to send their children to enrol this season.
“Nippers are taught all about rips and currents, treating bluebottle stings and understanding flag signals, the fastest way in and the safest way out, when to swim and when not to,” the statement reads.
“In short, this is an introduction to lifesaving and, most importantly, it’s all about how to look after yourself in the surf. The ultimate goal is for nippers to become lifeguards!”
The club’s first nippers training session took place on Sunday (3 September). Registration is now open, with an open day being planned for Saturday 21 October.
“Nipper parents are required to spend time on the beach,” the club pointed out. “Training is undertaken by parents of nippers and qualified lifeguards. We always train close to the club, in sight of the lifeguards, and do on occasion have lifeguards to help out.”
It clarified “nippers” is also a sport, with various clubs around the country competing against one another. “Children do not have to compete and are welcome to be non-competing nippers until they feel confident enough to compete.”
Nippers compete in four to five competitions per season, which culminates in the national championships.
There are various disciplines available, depending on the age group, ranging from surf swim, body board and knee board to beach long run, taplin (multi-discipline relay) and beach sprints. “Nippers is a life-skill and we work with children in various age groups according to their abilities.”
- For more information, to register or place clothing orders visit www.strandlifesaving.co.za. Alternatively, contact nipper officer Liesl Hoffman on 079 880 1660 or head coach Earle van der Watt on 083 258 1591 or earle@evdw.co.za.
