MEMBERSHIP is growing at Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
The influx was brought on by the new members who completed the Bronze and Surf Rescue courses this year.
Fifty-three participants finished the Bronze Medallion course in 2023 – a record on 2022’s 49.
There was also an influx from the club’s Bronze camp partnership with Frank Dando Sports Academy and Upwey High School.
Close to 400 Nippers participated in the seven day Nippers program across both Cleeland Bight and Smith’s Beach.
An increase from the previous season at just over 300 participants.
Nippers is about children participating in safe, fun and organised activities in a beach environment, whilst developing lifesaving skills for the future.
Activities are designed to progressively develop the essential skills of Nippers and lifesaving as they move through each age group.
This year also saw the reintroduction of the U6 age group.
Many budding lifesavers were able to enjoy the experience for the first time.
Participants in the U6 and U11 age group developed skills in board, wading, beach swimming, sand running, flags, rescues, relays, beach education and the surf events of Aquacam and Iron.
They also had beach incursions, including Matt from Marine Litter Project, Ranger Graeme and the club’s own jetski and IRB team display.
The last day was a ‘have a go’ day, and the Nippers were encouraged to show off their new skills.
The 2024/25 program will start on December 29.
Interested participants can stay tuned via the website and social media.
Beach conditions have been favourable this season, with a nice large sandbank out the front of the club, which lifesavers have set up the flags on.
There has also been a noticeable influx of beachgoers during the holiday period.
Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club has some exciting events to look forward to.
These include the Cape Paterson Aquathon on January 21, the San Remo Channel Challenge on February 10, and the Cowes Classic and Little Penguin Dash on March 2.
A few of the club’s emerging leaders will also take part in the Bass Coast Development Camp later in January.
This is a weeklong camp held at the Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club, where candidates are able to get qualifications in Advanced Resuscitation Techniques, First Aid, and Inflatable Rescue Boat Crew and Driver.
The club has been working hard behind the scenes to upgrade the facilities.
Works have been completed to stabilise the sand dunes with the club’s Environment Management Plan.
At the end of July, works began on the removal of sand and stabilisation of dune surrounding the clubhouse.
Sand will be relocated to repair dune blow outs.
These works were made possible by the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, club funding and significant contributions from Phillip Island Nature Parks.
The concrete pathway was constructed thanks to a grant from the San Remo Bendigo Community Bank and Coastcare.
The Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club want everyone to enjoy a fun and safe summer.
To achieve this, it is recommended that beachgoers swim at patrolled beach between the flags, never swim alone, and swim within their limitations.
Beachgoers are also encouraged to familiarise themselves with dangers and hazards before entering the water.