HISTORY OF NIPPERS
Prior to 1902 it was illegal to swim in the surf in daylight hours! When the laws were eventually changed there was a significant increase in the number of drownings and attempted rescues. To allow for the increase in popularity of surf-swimming Australia’s first volunteer Surf Life Saving clubs emerged in 1907 on Sydney’s ocean beaches. Manly Life Saving Club hosted the first Carnival in 1912 which attracted 20,000 people. The Club has produced many outstanding sportsmen including Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton, 5 members of the 2012 Olympic Team and many other current top competitors. A number of these athletes are recognised on plaques that can be found outside the changing rooms of the club house. Manly Junior Life Saving Club started in 1965 and currently has over 700 Junior Life Savers, or Nippers. The Nippers Program is an integral part of Manly Life Saving and provides a significant number of patrolling members thanks to the strong youth development programs on offer. Your Nipper may enjoy reading Black Sunday by Evan McHugh, which tells the true story of a Nipper who saved people’s lives during Australia’s biggest surf lifesaving rescue which took place on Bondi beach in 1938.
- National – Surf Life Saving Australia
- State – Surf Life Saving NSW
- Branch – Sydney Northern Beaches Branch Surf Life Saving
- Club – Manly Life Saving Club
COMMITTEE
Manly Nippers is run entirely by volunteers. Please find below our committee for the 24/25 season.
Nippers Chairman: Matt Westcar
Secretary: Amy Jackson
Treasurer: Jenni Jordan
Superintendent: Kris Brock
Education Officer: Kirsty Hawkins
Age Manager Mentor: Ben Chalmers
Communications: Kat Whitehead
Competition Manager: Katie Chalmers
Gear Steward: Vacant
Officials/Club Champs: Vacant
Registrar: Katie Helmuth
Social Coordinator: Bridgette Banks
Training: Amy Woolston
COACHES
Head Water Coach: Rachel Kember
Head Beach Coach: Michael Kember
MANLY LSC CHILD PROTECTION OFFICER: Phillipa Cave
For nipper enquiries please email: Nippers@Manlylsc.com
