A taste of prestige at the Porsche Centre Brighton Shop

‘We were wondering whether we’d sustain the numbers post-Covid, but this surge of interest makes us extremely confident. ‘When we reopened registration for this year’s Nippers, it sold out within a week,’ he continues. ‘This shows us how happy our members are with the program, along with the community’s genuine interest in learning about practical lifesaving skills. The program’s really grown over the last 5–10 years – we began with 75 kids a decade ago, and could fill even more places in the program if we could meet demand. ‘As well as parents volunteering and involved in the program’s delivery, we have COVID-safe officers and a selection of young lifesavers on board. As a lifesaving club, one of our key focuses is developing young people’s characters by giving them opportunities away from school to develop new skills, including those of educators, leaders, and lifesavers.’ The program’s impact endures. ‘Many of the kids start with Nippers when they’re young and keep coming back each year,’ Matthew says. ‘We’re seeing many kids starting their lifesaving journey at age 7–8, then getting their Bronze Medallion when they turn 15,’ he says. ‘I can even remember attending a Nippers session myself when I was 10!’ With the club’s major events viewable on the website, Matthew draws attention to two important ones. ‘The Portsea Swim Classic is the first event we were able to get a COVIDsafe plan approved for,’ he says. ‘Held on Saturday 15 January, this day features four events – the Junior Swim Classic, the Tribe Women’s 500m team event, the 1.5km Open Classic, and the 2.5km Gold Swim – each finishing at Point Nepean National Park.’

The second event is the Pier to Pérignon, starting in 1989 when the two humble founders swam from Sorrento to Portsea, with the wager being a bottle of Dom Pérignon. ‘It’s still running today, with the 34th event being held on Sunday 13 February,’ Matthew notes. ‘Bookings are essential for each event, so head to the PSLC website to register.’ Given the impact of Covid on skill levels, Matthew has an urgent message. ‘I’d like to remind everyone to play it safe by the water, especially when they’re getting back in after a long break,’ he says. ‘This is particularly heightened with Covid, as many people’s fitness and skill levels have dropped off.

‘This issue encompasses all ages, from kids missing swimming lessons to grandparents not getting to the pool,’ he continues. ‘Covid has also made people more likely to seek seclusion by visiting remote waterways. Tragically, these factors have combined to result in record drownings in Victoria this year, a situation we’re urgently trying to avoid repeating.’ With so much going on at Portsea Surf Lifesaving Club, it’s the perfect time to get back in the water – while taking care to stay safe. Head to the Portsea Surf Lifesaving Club website to find out more. •

Call in or shop online at the Porsche Centre Brighton Shop for a wealth of gift ideas, from personal accessories to clothing, toys to vehicle accessories. It’s stocked with great Christmas or birthday offerings, perfect for that Porsche lover in your life – or as a treat for yourself!

Be it a T-shirt, a model car, a car care kit, luggage, or sunglasses, all items are high-quality Porsche-branded products to suit every occasion. Sporty, elegant and minimalist, the Porsche Driver’s Selection of clothing and accessories range is characterised by style. To find out more about this exclusive range of ultra-desirable accessories, simply visit the Porsche Centre Brighton Shop – either in person or online. •

Visit www.shop.porschebrighton.com.au to delve into the full range.

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