Creating stronger swimmers Portsea Surf Lifesaving Club

Creating stronger swimmers

The Portsea Surf Lifesaving Club

For three years, the Portsea Surf Lifesaving Club has enjoyed a productive association with Porsche Centre Brighton. Matthew Mahon, PSLC President, reveals what’s taking place at the club this summer – not least the highly popular and widely acclaimed Nippers program.

‘Our partnership with Porsche Centre Brighton continues to be a genuinely positive one,’ Matthew begins. ‘The dealership initially approached us with an interest in a whole range of activities, with the Portsea Swim Classic being the key one. Since then, they’ve become a major supporter.’ Matthew is justifiably proud of the PSLC’s signature education program, the Nippers. ‘I’ve always appreciated how important educational programs are, especially our Nippers program for ages 7–13,’ Matthew says. ‘This is an over-the-holidays program with over 600 kids enrolled this summer – about the size of a decent primary school. Over the course of several weeks, we try to provide each child with a real mix of surf awareness (including a working knowledge of rips and how to identify them), and a general sense of what to do if they ever get in trouble in the water. ‘This is supplemented with some First Aid theory, including a range of situations where they might need to help administer First Aid or contribute, whether on the beach or in the schoolyard.’ Yet it’s not all about the serious side of staying safe in the surf – there’s plenty of fun to be had at Nippers, too. ‘We definitely make sure the kids are enjoying themselves,’ Matthew confirms.

‘That’s why we introduce them to a bunch of great beach-based games and activities, including board racing and beach flags.'

The club is grappling with the impact of Covid, which has kept many people away from the beach. With the end of lockdowns looming, though, people are itching to return to the water. ‘Last year saw unprecedented demand for Nippers,’ says Matthew.

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