THE Beachport Life Saving Club will purchase new boards for their youth and nippers program after receiving a $5000 active club program grant.
The club has received an Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing grant and the board purchase will enhance their level of training.
Secretary Sue Varcoe said the benefits of the life saving club were demonstrated through the organisation’s growth.
“A vision initiated from the club’s president Peter Phillips and supported by community members has seen the club grow and become a vital addition to the community’s rescue services,” she said.
“The resources of the club have grown from being able to have fabulous boards and resources for the nippers program, to the inflatable rescue boat and patrol resources and a growing number of qualified members able to provide rescue operations.
“The club now has shipping containers stored at the surf beach for the storage of equipment and a designated area at the Beachport Lions shed for the inflatable rescue boat.”
Ms Varcoe said the club continues to grow since its establishment three years ago, with around 60 youth flocking to the surf beach and the foreshore to participate.
As part of the program, age managers join members of the nippers in activitiecs run in and out of the surf.
“The activities in the nippers program have learning outcomes of surf awareness specifically planned for each session,” Ms Varcoe said.
“The program provides the nippers with knowledge and skills, while developing their confidence in a safe beach environment, having fun and meeting new people.
“As the nippers progress, there are opportunities to gain surf rescue and bronze medallion certificates, as well as compete in surf life saving competitions.
“This is a great opportunity for them to gain qualifications and in turn give back to the community as young adults teaching the new younger nippers.”
The Beachport Surf Life Saving Club’s lifesavers lead beach patrols in January, as well as in the ocean on surf rescue boards.
The service is enhanced by the club’s rescue boat and tower to observe the safety of beach goers.
Member for MacKillop Nick McBride presented Ms Varcoe with a certificate commemorating the grant.
The Millicent Gymnastics Club and Millicent Baseball Club were also awarded grants.
