Nippers - Heather Ridley
The 2024–2025 Nippers program ran from Saturday 28 December 2023 to Saturday 4 January 2024
This report highlights the key achievements, activities, and community impact of the program, reflecting our Club’s commitment to surf education, youth development, and coastal safety.
Program and Participant Overview
The 2024–2025 Nippers program welcomed over 400 young members for a week of fun, learning, and personal growth on the beach and in the surf. With a strong focus on surf awareness and lifesaving skills, the program continues to foster a love of the ocean while equipping participants with the confidence, knowledge, and practical ability to enjoy coastal environments safely. As in recent years, several age groups reached full capacity, underscoring the increasing demand for surf life saving programs among local families and the broader community.
Program Highlights
Throughout the week, Nippers engaged in a dynamic mix of activities designed to build teamwork, resilience, and surf safety awareness. Key highlights included:
Educational Incursions: Participants had the opportunity to learn from local experts, including Ranger Graeme and representatives from Phillip Island Nature Parks. These sessions offered valuable insights into marine ecosystems, environmental stewardship, and local wildlife.
Have a Go Day: The week concluded with our signature Have a Go Day—an uplifting event where Nippers demonstrated their skills and participated in friendly competitions. The day showcased the progress and enthusiasm of all participants and provided a memorable end to the program.
Finishing each day with a sausage was also a highlight, for parents and kids alike.
Volunteer Appreciation
The success of the Nippers program is only possible through the tireless efforts of our volunteers. We acknowledge and thank our Water Safety personnel, Junior Age Managers (JAMs), Age Managers and assistants, the Nippers Committee, parents, and community members for their dedication and support. Notably, JAMs have taken on increasing leadership responsibilities within age groups—an encouraging sign of future leaders emerging from within our own ranks.
A huge thank you goes to all involved in planning, coordinating, and delivering the program. We also extend our sincere gratitude to Jules Hay, outgoing Nippers Director, for her outstanding leadership and commitment over recent years.
Community Impact
With over 400 participants in this year’s program, the Club continues to build strong community ties while promoting beach safety and active lifestyles. The Nippers program not only helps young people develop lifelong friendships and surf skills, but also connects them to a tradition of service and leadership that defines Surf Life Saving in Australia. Many of our current JAMs and Water Safety volunteers are former Nippers themselves—a testament to the lasting impact of this program and the strength of the Club’s community spirit.
Conclusion
The 2024-2025 Nippers program at Woolamai Beach Surf Club exemplifies our ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of lifesavers through fun, education, and community engagement. This season was another remarkable year in our Club’s proud history. We look forward to building on this success in the years ahead, continuing to inspire confidence, leadership, and a love of the ocean in our youth.
Heather Ridley - Director Nippers
