By RON LANE
THE annual Wall to Wall surf swim for the Noosa Nippers has been held and once again it was a success.
The reason for this swim is two fold; as a confidence builder for the young and to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House. The entrance fee was a gold coin and as a result some $300 was raised. Seventy-one starters entered the water at the West Wall with flat conditions presenting no problem for the contestants.
This season parents were invited to join in and a considerable number accepted the challenge. Also this year flippers were allowed to be used. It was a good indicator as to the popularity of the event when several senior cadets returned from the senior club to swim in the nipper ranks. Definitely a good way to celebrate the swim’s tenth year.
The swim was under strict water safety rules and all swimmers were covered by IRB and safety craft. Some of the senior members who volunteered to take part also wore rescue tubes. With the ever increasing visitations to our beaches it is of the utmost importance that the training and confidence building programs for our future lifesavers be ongoing.
Immediately after the swim Santa arrived via the IRB and was wildly greeted by excited Nippers who enjoyed their special Christmas afternoon.
At present with the school programs and scholarships that are available at both Noosa and Sunshine Beach clubs, the future looks good. The fact that membership in the local clubs is on the increase is indeed encouraging. However clubs must not become complacent and their training teams must be given all possible support.
Thanks go to all the coaches’ age managers, water safety officers, cooks, mums, dads and grand parents who every Sunday can be seen on Noosa beaches doing their job or just giving their support. The future is in their hands.
When we speak of those who contribute their time let us not forget our two female champion Iron Women Jordan Mercer of Noosa and Liz Pluimers of North Burleigh. Both have taken on the position of Patron of the Seahorse Special Nippers in their respective clubs. Despite a heavy training program these ladies can be seen at their beaches encouraging the little people when their programs allow.
Last weekend was rainy and overcast not good for the beach, so all patrol captains at the clubs reported a very quiet weekend.
Hayden Lumsden is only thirteen-years-of-age and he came to Noosa from Peregian club following the amalgamation. Hayden is a fine example of how well the joint venture has worked.
“During the recent Sunshine Coast Youth Challenge Carnival”, said Clint Irwin board coach, “this young man performed very well… it goes to show how well all these Peregian people have settled in.
“In four board events Hayden finished with two medals – gold and a bronze – he is showing lots of promise.”
The club welcomes Hayden and all his little mates and wish them good luck.
On November 26th this year Benny Pike and a group of seven lifesavers from various clubs in Queensland and NSW met at Coolum Beach SLSC. The reason for the meeting which was chaired by Benny, was to discuss the possibility of consolidating a team to help in the ongoing establishment of the lifesaving movement in Vietnam. After a lengthy discussion all agreed with the importance of this project and will meet again in the New Year.
