Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club and South West TAFE's Nipper Program kicks off

Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club media and communications officer James Kol said over 300 kids were part of the program.

"We're really excited to launch the South West TAFE Nipper Program for season 2021-22," he said.

"We've got just over 300 nippers involved and it's a great surf education program the life saving club offers that goes over the summer.

"The nippers come down every Sunday morning and get in the water to learn vital surf education skills and we can see their transition to become the future lifesavers of the club which is a great community asset.

"The kids move through the ranks and go through competition. It's growing and getting stronger each year. The Nipper program is a bit of an Australian icon, especially since we're surrounded by water so it's an important skill that the kids learn."

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Mr Kol said water skills were as important as ever as residents come out of COVID lockdowns.

"We saw a rise in drownings last summer," he said.

"There were a lot of reasons as to why, but I guess a lot of people coming out of lockdown were heading to the beach so we probably saw a rise in inexperienced swimmers taking to the water and unfortunately they were getting caught in the wrong spots in the wrong times.

"So we like to think programs like these give kids the basic knowledge and even a bit more so they can get in the water and the ocean safely."

The first competition will be held on December 4 and the program will continue to run throughout summer.

South West TAFE brand and marketing manager Narelle Allen said the university was proud to be a sponsor of the program.

"From our perspective, it's about connecting with another part of the community," she said.

"Especially with kids when they're younger to understand the offerings at TAFE and we just want to support healthy activities and family groups."

South West TAFE chief executive officer Mark Fidge said there was a "nice synergy" between the two education providers.

"I think there's a nice alignment with what this program does and educating young people in safety and what we do with education," he said.

"So I think there's a nice synergy between SWT and the WSLSC. It's exciting and a great opportunity."

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