By Ron Lane
There is definitely no doubt. The Noosa Seahorse Nippers, a branch of the Nipper movement of the Surf Life Saving Association of Australia, formed for the specific purpose of help and bringing joy to children in need, is now one of the most respected branches in the Australian lifesaving movement.
On Saturday August 31 , another season of the Noosa Seahorse Nippers will get under way at Noosas Main Beach. Already members of the volunteer work force are preparing for the weeks ahead. Under the supervision of Steve and Nichole Mawby (two of the founding members) plus their ever-present support team of volunteer lifesavers another successful season is assured.
One of the major factors of the on-going success has been the support of the Noosa Shire Council in providing parking facilities at both Lions Park and the area adjacent to the Noosa Surf Club. With a bus being available (both before and after) to safely transport the nipper families from the Lions Park to Main Beach, it makes access to the beach so much easier. Over the years the team of Ken Edwards (bus driver), parking attendants Big Peter Williams, Greg O’Keefe, Rod Cook and Little Pete McDonald have made a contribution that is greatly appreciated by the families.
This season will mark seven years since the Seahorse Nipper were formed and in that time other clubs along the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and South Barrier Region have also been established. ‘’Amongst the many attributes of these clubs is the ability of its members to take part in basic water sports in a totally safe environment,’’ said Steve Mawby.
Their four week season will start with a 7 30. am sign on and briefing, followed by an 8am till 9am session of beach events and water games. ‘’For all activities every member will be fully supervised and accompanied by qualified lifesavers. I would like to thank all the young lifesavers who volunteer to work as helpers and also the parents for taking part,” said Mawby.
On Saturday night at the Queensland Surf Life Saving Awards of Excellence Gala Ball for 2018/19 season, Lily Tindall of the Noosa Club was named the U/18 Life Saver of the Year and Rowan Simpson also a product of the Noosa Club, was named Lifeguard of the Year. To cap it off for the Noosa Community Craig Law of Sunshine Beach Surf Club was named Volunteer of the Year; three major awards to our local clubs. Congratulations to both clubs.
Last weekend will be one that will certainly go down in Noosa Surf club history. It was at this time that National Hall of Fame and Noosa Life Member Lenore Grice, was informed that she has been made a Life Member of the Surf Life Saving Association of Australia. Down through the years this lady has made outstanding contributions to the association. But above all it is her success as a first aid coach ( in all levels of competition )that has at last bought long overdue recognition to the role of our first aid teams in both competition and most important our Core Business: Beach Safety. Well done and many thanks; Lenore Grice, Life Member Surf Life Saving Association of Australia.
