Have-a-go days give surf life saving rookies a sample

Months before the start of their 2019 season, nippers with the Port Walcott Surf Life Saving Club are already getting back into the water, with the club holding a series of have-a-go days to give newcomers a preview of the sport and provide skills practice for existing members.

Throughout November, the lifesaving club is running four sessions at Port Walcott and the Karratha Leisureplex pool to give children the chance to try events such as beach sprints, flags, board paddling and swimming before the season begins in Term 1 next year.

Port Walcott SLSC president Ben Unbehaun said the club had introduced the sessions because many younger members were enthusiastic to work on their skills before the next season.

“It’s not usual, but a lot of people just wanted to start up sessions again and get back into it while the weather’s nice,” he said.

“The main season will start in Term 1 next year and go for 10 weeks, and that’s when we’ll have all the members joining up and our proper program will start.

“These are just very relaxed introductory sessions for people to get an idea of the concept.”

Unbehaun said about 45 people had already signed up for the upcoming season, which boded well for numbers next year.

The club’s 2019 season will include the popular Nippers program and bronze and surf certificate courses, and there will also be a focus on entering regional competitions.

An inflatable rescue boat program, for which cadets can be trained as crew members, will also be introduced.

Registration for next season will take place in Term 1 next year.

For more information, go to the Port Walcott Lifesaving Club Facebook page.