THEY might only be children but Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club nippers have proven they have what it takes to help distressed swimmers.
Their skills at carrying heavy loads while swimming, diving under obstacles and throwing ropes to retrieve those stranded were put to the test at the state and national pool rescue championships held this and last month.
Team manager Sharon Brennen said the club’s young competitors had trained hard to improve their strength in the water for the events, warning other clubs to watch out for the talent under development.
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“We’ve got so many younger kids that are keen to do these events,” she said.
Ms Brennan said 22 nippers were sent to the state championships at the Gold Coast in July.
Four nippers – Riley Brennan, Bailey Somerville, Lincoln Somerville and Jayden Robinson – were selected for the Australian Pool Rescue Championships in Adelaide, which was held between August 3 and 5.
Nipper Riley Brennan won silver in the under 12 brick carry swim before helping the club to win bronze in the under 13 line throw with teammate Bailey Somerville.
Ms Brennan, who competed in the masters division, also won bronze in the 40 to 44 years manikin tow with fins event.
“Pool rescue competition consists of a suite of events which are based on international life saving federation standards conducted at world lifesaving events,” she said.
“Pool rescue provides a further avenue, outside of the ocean environment, for our members to develop their technical and organisational lifesaving skills.”
Ms Brennan said more nippers, coached by John Brennan, would be entered into next year’s national championships, to be held at the Gold Coast.
She said the club was recently named as the south coast branch junior activities club of the year.
