50 Years of Nippers

The Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving Queensland event was held on Monday evening, 17th September 2018, at the Speaker’s Green (Parliamentary Annexe).  The event formed part of SLSQ’s 50 years of nippers celebrations, and included drone demonstrations, nipper BBQ, special tribute poem read by Rupert McCall, interviews with a number of ironman/woman celebrities, and networking with other Clubs, SLSQ representatives and politicians.

Whilst Junior Programs can be seen in the history books from as early as the 1920’s, the Queensland Surf Nipper Association was officially formed 50 years’ ago in 1968. Since then, Nippers has evolved to include components of resuscitation, surf awareness, surf safety, and first aid. Now run in 58 Clubs in Queensland these members now account for more than 30% of the Surf Life Saving Queensland’s total membership. Nippers and their families are a key component to the sustainability of surf clubs within Surf Life Saving, through becoming lifesavers themselves or the involvement of their family members.

Well done to our Nipper Vice-Captains, Maddy Crowe and Lily Taylor, who represented our Club so well at the Parliamentary Friends of SLSQ event. The girls met a number of dignitaries, and chatted with surf stars such as Courtney Hancock, Shannon Eckstein, and Clint Robinson. Well done girls!