Broulee Nippers Carnival: Teaching kids how to handle Australian beaches
Perfect conditions held up throughout the duration of this season’s second Regional Nippers Carnival at Broulee Beach on the 22 of March 2015. There was an excellent turnout from families who travel as far South as Pambula through to as far North as Mollymook.
Lifeguards patrol the North end of the beach whilst the Carnival is split up into multiple sections at the southern end. The water events are scheduled first; the board race, board rescue, swim, swim teams and iron person. The beach events include sprints, flags and relays. Each event has several age groups, ranging from under-8s through to under-14s.
Little legs kick back and forth for momentum and rhythm on thick, hard fiberglass boards. The little under-9 nippers charge straight out to sea, they turn at the second buoy can and quickly make their way back in. Some powerful paddlers take the lead, plunging themselves onto the runners – which are unbroken waves entering into the break zone. The waves are small today, although look deceivingly large when small children are sized up against them. Boards shoot onto waves, allowing the competitors to catch their breath during the ride back to shore. A standing crowd cheers them on to the finish line.
It is a different skill to be able to swim fast in the ocean. Rips, currents, wind, waves and sandbanks are only some of the elements that are challenging. The under-10 girls make their dash off of the start line. Little bodies soon turn into specks as they swim around the buoy cans past the breakers. A loud shoreline of friends and families welcome back the first competitors, a sprint to the finish line always adds excitement. The girls gather around to receive their place from the Marshalling referee. But the race is not over,
“Go Chloe!” “Good Work Chloe!” young girls on the sideline cheer.
Chloe had trouble getting out through the waves, she was in a clear last place but decided to continue on and finish the race. The encouragement she was receiving from the shoreline was incredible. When she ran out of the water up to the finish line, everyone gave her a round of applause.
“I am not the best swimmer, but I didn’t want to give up” Chloe said.
The sprints and sprint relays gather everyone on the beach to conclude the events of the day.
“It is definitely worth the drive, plus we have a holiday house here so that makes things easier. I really want my kids to understand water safety so when they are older and come to the coast by themselves I feel comfortable knowing they have the right skills to get themselves out of trouble or to even save others.” Canberra resident Helen said.
Nippers programs have been a part of Surf lifesaving clubs since the 1960s. As an Under-9s Age Manager, Simone volunteers time every weekend to teach kids surf awareness and skills necessary to enjoy and stay safe at the beach.
“My own children compete and take part in the Nippers program, watching them gain confidence and a sense of achievement is just so satisfying as a parent and coach.” Simone said.
Broulee is a popular coastal destination for tourists. Patrol Captain, Gabby Smith stresses the fact that many visitors need to be more surf aware.
“I love to help the community by educating visitors who come down to the beach with little or no surf awareness. The majority of the rescues we do over summer involve people who live in-land, in places such as Canberra. It would be great if there were more surf safety programs available for adults as well. It’s lucky that lifeguards are here, we are always happy to answer any questions.”
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