60,027 young Australians learnt essential water safety skills through Surf Life Saving’s Nippers program last year, according to 2010-11 membership figures released by Surf Life Saving Australia today.

It is the first time in Surf Life Saving’s 104-year history that Nipper member numbers have exceeded 60 000, representing a 63% increase over the last ten years.

The Nippers program, for children aged five to thirteen, promotes water safety skills and confidence in a safe beach environment. Nippers participate in fun and interactive activities covering surf safety, first aid, sun safety, communication and physical skills including surf swimming, board paddling, beach sprinting providing pathways for participation in both lifesaving and surf sports.

Minister for Sport Mark Arbib believes Nippers is a great way to introduce children to surf education and sport.

“Nippers promotes an active and healthy lifestyle,” he said. “We need to ensure our children exercise regularly and Nippers does this in a fun and social way. It also teaches children necessary surf skills and how to stay safe in the water.”

Surf Life Saving Australia’s Development Manager, Vanessa Brown, agrees. “Nippers provides valuable life skills and knowledge for use on and off the beach whilst making friends and having fun.”

“It is not unusual to hear of stories where a Nipper has saved a life in a rescue situation or in the delivery of first aid. With over 60,000 young people learning these essential skills, we are looking at the next generation of surf lifesavers, athletes and great Australians.

“There are many opportunities for everyone to get involved in our Nipper program as an age manager, coach, official or by providing water safety. It is a great way for whole family to spend time together at the beach.”

Champion Ironman Shannon Eckstein started out as a Nipper at Surfers Paradise SLSC and continues to support the program throughout Australia.

“Nippers provided a great introduction to the ocean and to surf sports,” said Eckstein. “I started Nippers at Surfers Paradise and was hooked immediately – it definitely helped me on my pathway to elite surf lifesaving competition.

“Running and participating in Nipper clinics is something I try to do as much as possible - it’s always motivating to see kids enjoying the beach, learning water safety skills and staying fit,” said the current Australian and World Ironman Champion.

With beach season fast approaching, registrations for the 2011-12 summer have been taking place around the country and initial feedback from clubs point to a new record this year as well.

SLSA’s total membership figure for 2010-11 was 158,806, representing a 3.4% rise from the 2009-2010 total of 153,626. Nippers represent nearly 40% of the surf lifesaving membership.

For more information on the Nippers program, visit www.sls.com.au/nippers