Nippers from Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club are the new state champions after winning Sunday’s Victorian junior pool lifesaving championships at Greensborough.
Williamstown scored 231.5 points, beating powerhouse club Jan Juc, which finished on 188.5.
“They did exceptionally well – a bit better than they actually expected, to be honest,” Nippers director Craig Logan said. “It was a pretty comprehensive win in the end.”
About 150 athletes from 12 clubs competed for the title, testing their lifesaving skills through 50-metre obstacle races, 10-metre line throws, individual freestyle and breaststroke races, kickboard rescue relays and medley relays.
Mr Logan said Williamstown’s Nippers program was growing in strength.
“Our Nippers start as young as six, the upper age limit is 14,” he said. “At 14 … they do their surf rescue certificate, which is a formal qualification enabling them to actually patrol on our beach.
“Last year, we had close to 300 Nippers turn out every Friday night, so it’s a huge program for our club and for the local community.”
Williamstown Swimming and Life Saving Club will hold an open day on October 5 for anyone wanting to know more about Nippers or the club in general.
