Welcome to the Mordialloc Life Saving Club. We pride our program to be an all-inclusive environment, packed with fun and excitement, while developing the skills and confidence of all our Nippers, both on the beach and more importantly in the water.
Our family friendly and supportive atmosphere offers a range of activities across all the age groups. We start with U6 Nippers through to the U13 age group. Activities will vary depending on the age of the Nipper, however it is encouraged to challenge the kids and develop resilience and skills to build confidence. Our program is not a learn to ‘swim program’. We strongly believe that that all Nippers should be part of some type of swimming program outside the Nipper group. We teach the skills of Surf Education, surf play and deliver confidence building activities in the open water, in a fun and safe environment.
Our younger age groups in the U6/7’s are part of a group called the “Sharks”. These Nippers develop surf play skills that allow them to have lots of fun in the water and on the sand. We encourage parents to join in, get splashed and share the excitement with their children. There is also two local carnivals through SEBA – South Eastern Beaches Association available for the Sharks, which is a great starting point for this group of Nippers. The carnivals give Nippers a taste of competition in a fun and friendly way and are well supported by the Mordialloc group.
Our U8 – U13 Nippers are encouraged to be involved in the LSV State Competition carnivals which showcase the skills that we develop in our program against all other Victorian Lifesaving clubs across the Bay and Surf Coast. These carnivals offer both team and individual events in the open water and on the sand. Events include Wade, Board, Swim, Irons, Run, Flags, Sprints and Relays (refer to events tab for descriptions) These carnivals are well supported by all the Nipper communities around Victorian beaches.
LSV carnivals lead into the Victorian State Championships, which is the final carnival for the season.
Competition is not for everyone and if that’s the case for your child, we still run the normal Nipper program each week for all members who are able to attend. Some Nippers like to wean into the carnival activities, while others wait till they are a bit older and have more confidence to give it a go. Some kids just like coming along each week to Mordialloc as a non-competing Nipper, while still completing their Surf ed and Surf Play awards.
Any non-competing Nipper is always welcome to join in the extra training sessions available for competition and is a valued member of our team and there’s also the opportunity to access camps and leadership programs with other members of various clubs through the LSV Youth programs.
We need to ensure all parents get involved. This could be helping on the BBQ, assisting on the beach and also gaining your official qualifications. LSV have set strict guides as to the number of officials we need to provide at our club each week and also at carnivals, so we need all parents to step up. There are opportunities to become qualified and obtain your Bronze Medallion, patrol the beach and be a valued community Lifesaver.
If you have any questions, please send me an email nippers@mlsc.com.au .
We welcome all new families to come on down and become a member of the wonderful program we can offer to your future Lifesaver.
Kindest Regards
Gary Squires
Director of Youth Development MLSC