NIPPERS at Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club (TGHN SLSC) celebrated their annual presentation day on Sunday, 1 March.
Due to the overwhelming interest from parents, grandparents and carers, a venue change was required from the SLSC Clubhouse to the Hawks Nest Golf Club.
The 2025-26 season saw a record 147 Nippers registered, from Under-6s to Under-13s.
Brydie Hicks from the Under-13s age group won the Chris Richards Encouragement Award, named after a local Nippers member who, despite being legally blind from an early age, still always got involved and gave his best.
Evelyn Taylor (Under-12s) took out the Vince McLean Award, donated by Vince’s family for an up-and-comer who always keeps on trying.
The Rex Sargeant Award, for a junior who goes above and beyond normal Nippers expectations, was awarded to Lacey Preston (Under-13s).
The Dr Everett Award, for the winner of the highest overall points throughout the season, went to Anneke Whitburn (Under-12s).
Organisers said they couldn’t be prouder of the efforts put in by the Nippers over the season, and of the improvements made in and out of the water.
Club registrar Kerrie Moore said the club adjusted its offering this year to give the Nippers a more rounded experience.
“As always Nippers on a Sunday morning can be successful according to the weather and the conditions at Bennetts Beach, so one of the aims this season was to have a number of mornings at Jimmys Beach to give the children the opportunity to experience calmer waters and develop stronger swimming and board skills,” Kerrie said.
“However, this was not always possible because of mother nature’s changeable attitude, but our Nippers and Age Managers made the best of it.”
Kerrie thanked everyone who supported the program for their assistance through the season, including those who assisted with sign-in and catering.
“Nippers can’t happen without parents/carers/grandparents bringing the children along each Sunday, and we also ask parents to help out with activities, so a big thank you to you all,” she said.
“Other members of the team are the water safety team – out in the water, guiding and watching the swimmers or board riders, encouraging and supporting each Nipper – and the Age Managers who support and guide the children in the activities.”
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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