Five days later, he, Clodagh and newborn Indy-Rose were back on the beach patrolling on Christmas Day.

Indy-Rose must be the youngest patrol member.

She has pretty much been raised on the beach and enjoyed her first swim at five days old.

What a trooper!

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Nippers coordinator Grant Fleming stresses how important it is for children in this area to acquire life-long surf awareness and water safety skills, which kids in the nippers program learn along the way.

The lessons are tailored to each of the nipper age groups, ensuring the content is relevant, in line with the most up to date lifesaving and surf sports training standards, and most of all, exciting.

The program is based on participatory evaluation and not assessed on competence; this means children must only be actively involved in each of the lessons to be eligible for the award.

The best way to introduce juniors to surf life saving is to prioritise fun over being 'tested'.

With this in mind, it is hoped that all kids aged five to 13 will come along this Sunday, September 20 to a Nippers Fun Day at Forster Main Beach.

All that is required is your swimmers.

The beach and water activities will run from 10-11:30am.

You can register online or on the day.

Primary schools in the feeder area for Forster Main Beach have been contacted to promote the Nippers Fun Day this weekend.

Local high schools are also encouraged to send their students along to help the younger ones.

As their career advisors might explain, this community involvement could help them gain points for early entry into university or a school recommendation for their career path.

Older students who wish to help should meet at Forster Main Beach at 9:30am to receive instructions on what is required.

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