Following the success of last year’s event, Port Fairy Surf Lifesaving Club nippers coordinator and event organiser Nicole Dwyer said the carnival would be back bigger and better on Saturday. 

The carnival will see about 600 kids from Port Campbell, Portland, Warrnambool and Mildura join locals at East Beach.

Events include an ocean swim, beach sprints, flags, a board race, a relay, iron, and a noodle race for the under six and under seven age divisions.

But Mrs Dwyer stressed there will be no ribbons or medals up for grabs. 

“Whenever you mention a carnival, people focus on the competition side of things,” she said.  

“And I'm quite a competitive person, but when it comes to nippers being involved in the water, this is right down the list of my priorities with safety up the top.

“We try to make it a more inclusive, fun and non-competitive event, because a lot of these kids won’t get the chance, or don’t have the confidence, to go to another lifesaving carnival elsewhere.”

Mrs Dwyer said the club had again opted for a $10 armband on entry, which would provide kids with food and entertainment for the whole day. 

The event will have a “carnival feel” to it, she said, with armbands giving access to a jumping castle, popcorn, fruit, slushies and sausage sizzle. 

“The scheduling is down-pat so that every group will get their turn at lifesaving and the other fun activities,” she said. 

“And I hope lots of family members come along...because there’s a great viewing area and it’s a good chance to come and watch our future lifesavers in action.”

Mrs Dwyer said she was grateful to the more than 120 volunteers who make the event possible. 

She also thanked the Moyne Shire for an events grant. 

Registrations open at 9am on Saturday with events from 10am to 3pm.