“Learning to save lives as a Nipper @ Bilgola Beach”

I have been a Nipper or Junior Surf Life Saver now for five years at Bilgola Beach. It is a really interesting, challenging and rewarding way to learn to help our community. Surf Club members train us and as we learn more we do more. Besides teaching me rescue and first aid skills it’s a fun and healthy lifestyle. I do this every Sunday morning and have been taught how to run quickly on the sand, all about rips in the ocean, how to duck dive through waves, swimming in the ocean, and using boards to catch waves. We also do lots of competition.

Surf Life Saving is a real community activity and there are many families involved in our club, mums, dads and the kids. We are all volunteers. My dad has been my Age Manager for five years and mum comes along for support.This season my team mates have started being taught how to use rescue boards to help people in trouble in the water and also all about D.R.S.A.B.C.D. This stands for Danger, Response, Send for help, Airways, Breathing, Cardio and Defibrillator. We use this when we need to treat an unconscious person. The boys that joined when I did are now my friends and we are a good team. We also like it when new guys join us and it makes me feel good when they improve.

I am very lucky to be learning these important skills because I can use them anywhere in the world and not just at the beach. It makes me feel good that I can help people and also think that everyone should learn these skills because you can save someone’s life. My dad inspired and encouraged me to join because he has been a Surf Life Saver for many years. I know that in a few years I will join his patrol when I start doing my Surf Rescue Certificate (Cadet).

If anyone is wondering how you can make a valuable difference in your community while having some healthy fun, then joining Nippers at your nearest club is the best way to do it. If you have free time this Easter Sunday morning come down to Bilgola Beach because dad’s running his patrol and mum and I will be in the surf. See you on the beach!

Ethan Hardwick – Year 5B