Saturday morning at Horseshoe Bay began a big day in the lives of 12 of our youths.

Seven passed a rigorous set of tests to become bronze medallion holders.

This means that they are now full patrolling lifesavers added to the ranks.

All of this group have come up through nippers, and in addition, most have been competing together since their early years.

As a result their skills, knowledge, and respect for the culture of lifesaving and the club set an example to other members.

Also on Saturday, six under 14’s passed the first major step to become a lifesaver by achieving their surf rescue certificate (SRC).

They are now classed as cadets and can sit for the bronze in two year’s time.

Likewise these young people are a product of the nippers program.

Both groups began their training in the winter months and have put in many hours to learn the theory and to hone their fitness and lifesaving skills.

Jeff Collins and Paul Buchanan have been their instructors and are justifiably very proud of their groups.

Paul, by putting the group through, has now gained his official training qualifications.

While all this was happening, the club was conducting its open day. Unfortunately soaring temperatures meant that we had to delete and modify a few items from the program, but the concept was successful.

One of the most visible and popular items was a ‘come and try surfboat rowing’. Surf Lifesaving headquarters kindly allowed Steve (Chiton Rocks) and Greg Hoffman to deploy the jet ski in the bay, and give many of us a taste of what it is like to be towed on the sled behind.

The Westpac rescue helicopter made a spectacular ‘pick up rescue’ of new bronzie Anjie Collins, and then parked on the lawns for the public get a closer look.

One of the brand new cadets was at a moment’s notice handed a radio to help coordinate the rescue and landing, and did a fantastic job under stress, a big day for Jamie.

To make the day even busier, the second week of nippers was happening, with kids really enjoying their time in the water.

Luckily there were no major incidents on the day, although the first aid room was kept busy treating a few cuts and abrasions, and a suspected broken toe sustained by a German tourist who was amazed that the flurry of activity was all being done by volunteers.