Future lifesavers descend on Bay for competition

NELSON Mandel Bay is in for fun in the sun with the Kings Beach National Nippers Championships bringing to the city between 600 and 800 young lifesaving hopefuls from across South Africa who will compete for titles in lifesaving events.

“We are thrilled that the city gets to host such a prestigious event. Not only is it great for tourism and sea-safety awareness, but it gives children something positive and fun to get involved in,” said Titus Chuene, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) marketing manager.

Nippers from clubs stretching all the way from Kwazulu-Natal to the Western Cape will be traveling to Nelson Mandela Bay for this remarkable event, characterized by sporting zeal. The National Nippers Championship is awarded to the city three years of a five-year cycle making it the prime host of the event. 

The three-day competition kicks off on March 30th to fit perfectly with the school holidays, and families and trainers from across the South African coastline come to support their nipper contenders and enjoy a holiday in the Friendly City – adding a tourism booster for the April season.

“The Kings Beach National Nippers Championship is held at national level allowing the kids to compete for medals and the status of being national champion, which is held in high esteem among fellow club members and the greater nipper community,” said Justin Potgieter, convener of the hosting committee.

Nipper competitors are boys and girls between the ages of eight and 14 years who participate in various beach and sea activities in a “home away from home environment”.

“Being a nipper teaches kids various life skills like how to respect the ocean and how to handle themselves in the sea. This prepares them for future duties as young lifeguards.

“We support youngsters from all backgrounds to become nippers, because it is a great way to build character – and, of course, loads of fun too,” said Potgieter.

Activities range from surf safety, surfing, body board paddling, kneeboard, paddling and beach activities. Nippers are also trained in life skills, first aid, communication, water safety and airway resuscitation with cardiac massage.

Ultimately these exercises are a “boot camp” for future lifeguards, preparing them to move up to the junior level, which begins at the age of 14 years. Junior lifeguards must perform at a higher level and are tasked with certain beach duties, which give them the responsibility of possibly saving lives.

“Being a part of a lifesaving club is an experience for the whole family, it’s not only the kids that get a lot out of it. The nippers championship is one of the biggest events for these age groups; one they really look forward to. They’re not only competing in a big event, but get to meet nippers from all over,” Potgieter added.

Inter-provincial and national titles for under ten, 12 and 14 are up for grabs in the respectable categories. Events start at 8am and carry on throughout the day until 5pm.

“Known for our lovely beaches and unique natural coastline, the city has shown a lot of growth in water sports over the years. The Kings Beach National Nippers Championship definitely contributes largely to this, keeping the younger generation aware of how blessed they are to compete in such a beautiful city,” added Chuene.