Nippers make a splash in State awards

Four Secret Harbour Surf Life Saving Club members have been named as finalists in this year’s Surf Life Saving WA Nipper & Youth Awards.

The awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of nipper and youth surf lifesaving members across WA.

Kyra Tierney, 13, has been nominated under the nipper club achiever category for her dedication and exceptional surf awareness.

“Nippers has enabled me to learn about being Sun Smart on the beach, being safe in the water and has given me the opportunity to get into surf sports and compete for Secret Harbour which I absolutely love doing,” Kyra said.

Tayla Jones, 17, was nominated for the youth club achiever award, for contributing to the club as a crusader cadet, youth mentor and trainer.

“My favourite part of doing surf club is all the opportunities I get such as learning to drive the rescue boat and go on crusader camps,” she said.

“I’ve made lots of great lifelong friendships while doing all aspects of surf lifesaving. I really enjoy doing the surf sports competitions, patrols and abalone patrols as I get to learn new skills and have loads of fun while doing it.”

She was also nominated under the youth leaders program gold level category, alongside junior club captain Jasmine Noorman, 17.

To receive the gold award, a minimum of 90 hours experience is required.

“The youth leaders’ program is a great opportunity to get involved in surf lifesaving and see how you can act across all three pillars of surf,” Jasmine said.

Jacob Barker, 14, is a finalist for the under-15 lifesaver of the year award. He was nominated for being highly reliable and keen to upskill.

“The thing I like about surf lifesaving is that the whole community is really supportive including the members you do surf lifesaving activities and training with,” he said.

“If you make a mistake during an activity, they will help you relearn it and improve. Also, as a surf lifesaver you do this role with everyone’s support - it’s not just left to you and the person you have to help or rescue.”

Club president Brendan Privilege said he was incredibly proud and keen to congratulate the four finalists.

“You are all amazing,” he said.

About 100 finalists will be recognised at a ceremony on April 10.