Nippers board member Sarah Moncrieff said the program, which is targeting kids between the ages of 7-13, provided a great way for kids to enjoy themselves and learn at the same time.

“It’s a fantastic introduction for kids to familiarise themselves and gain confidence in the ocean, learn some amazing skills both on the sand and in the water,” she said.

“The kids’ fitness is unbelievable by the end of the season and they make friends and mingling with kids from different schools, which is a fantastic opportunity.

“We are ultimately trying to give them a few basic skills so they can stay with the club through their senior years and become integral parts of our lifesaving community.”

Moncrieff said over 250 children registered for the program last season and that the club was looking to break that mark this summer.

The 10-week program runs from December 2 to February 16 and also offers kids the chance to join the junior competition squad, which currently has 80 members who travel to the various carnivals in Victoria and trains four times a week.

The club encourages interested families to head to the information day at the club on Thursday, November 15 and compulsory evaluation swims this Sunday and on November 18 at Jayson Lamb’s Splash Factory.

“Kids can certainly join later but because it is a 10-week season so if they want to get the most of it the sooner they sign up the better,” Moncrieff said.