MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Mossel Bay Nipper Club has grown from 15 members in 2016 to a whopping 50 members this year.
Nipper officer Wade Shaw says: "I am amazed at how interest in the sport has increased. This is thanks to the support and effort of parents and local business sponsorships."
The Mossel Bay Surf Lifesaving Club's main aim for the Nippers is to teach them respect for the water and give them confidence.
Nipper members are boys and girls between the ages of 8 to 14 years, belonging to a surf or still water lifesaving club.
Each age group annually completes either Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3.
Before attempting these the Nipper does an entrance test at a local lifesaving club registered with Lifesaving SA.
After passing this test the Nipper is eligible to do the Nipper Awards (Level 1, 2 or 3) and participate in other Nipper activities and national competitions.
"We also cater for five to seven year olds with our Micro Nipper club who complete some of the activities," Shaw says.
The Nippers receive hands-on instruction from qualified lifeguards.
The children have tremendous fun. Their fitness levels improve, their hand-eye co-ordination improves, their swimming times become quicker and they learn to handle a craft in the waves.
The important prerequisite to remember is the club does not undertake to teach Nippers basic swimming, Shaw says.
On joining they are tested on their swimming ability and then encouraged to join swimming clubs to improve.
"Because the Nippers have grown so much, we are short of equipment such as boogie boards and our development / competition programme will need funding.
The Nippers receive hands-on instruction from qualified lifeguards.
"Anyone who wishes to support the Nippers through sponsorship would be welcomed gladly.
"There will be opportunities to market your business on our facebook page, which now boasts more than 500 followers," Shaw said.
"It cannot be emphasised enough that the Nipper movement is completely voluntary and relies on contributors to cover expenses."
This weekend the Nippers are having a Boerie and Cooldrink fundraising drive at Dias Beach on Sunday at 12:00, which is when the Nippers' practice takes place each week.
Come, enjoy these refreshments and see what Nippers is all about.
For information, contact Shaw (083 456 4622) via WhatsApp.
ARTICLE & PHOTOS: TERSIA MARAIS, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER CORRESPONDENT
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