After a successful debut season the Canberra/Broulee Nippers is back for a second.
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Canberra kids aged 7 to 13 are invited to register for the swim and surf program run over summer.
Last year Bethany Williams took the plunge and, with the south coast surf club, started the Canberra/Broulee Nippers, building on her association with the club growing up on the coast.
The Canberra Nippers meant inland kids could participate in the iconic surf lifesaving program without having to travel to the beach every weekend.
More than 80 kids signed up for the first season.
Ms Williams hailed it a success.
"What was something that was just an idea … has now become something that's going to be taken more seriously," the Nippers' manager said.
The club was a finalist in two awards at the annual NSW Surf Life Saving Awards night - initiative of the year and community program of the year.
Ms Williams was on her own last year but said this year people were volunteering in droves and there was now a whole committee of parents.
She said the group, which raised money to operate, was also open to sponsorship from the Canberra community to help buy equipment and pool entry, and to become more professional.
She believes pool competitions, since the Canberra Nippers mostly train in the pool, is an area the Canberra club is well-placed to excel in competitions in the future.
She said registrations for the upcoming season were still open but reminded parents children should be confident swimmers in the pool and the surf.
Parents should also be aware of the monthly commitment to the coast and expect to stay nearby during training sessions, she said.
Ms Williams said she dreamed of seeing the idea expand with other clubs at the coast and to more kids in Canberra.
Registrations close August 31 and a proficiency swim will be held on September 6.
Get in touch at canberranippers@gmail.com.
