Keeping the beach safe is our priority but it’s not all that we do. Over the years our members have enjoyed considerable success in the competition arena, boasting numerous State and National champions, in a range of disciplines.
There are Senior and Junior carnivals (inter-club competition) at ocean beaches, and one or two in the bay, around Victoria each season. They are usually held on Saturdays or Sundays, spread throughout the summer from December till the end of March. Carnivals are a great place to compete as an individual and in teams. While competitive, they are taken with good humour and much encouragement. Competitors and their families often enjoy a great weekend trip up the Surf Coast.
Competition is offered in a number of different disciplines that not only assist members to maintain their life saving skills, but also provide children and adults with regular physical activity that incorporates fun and team work. Age groups in lifesaving are determined by the age that you are, as at midnight on the 30th September at the beginning of the season (ie if 9yo then you will be in u/10). More information on the types and rules of events conducted can be obtained by reading the ‘Competition Handbook’ downloadable from Life Saving Victoria.
Clubs earn points from placings at carnivals and these go towards an annual Premiership. Winning clubs are awarded trophies or equipment at the end of the season.
Junior Competition Program
The Junior Surf Lifesaving (Nippers) program, runs for children from the ages of 6 to 13 years. At junior levels our club focus is more on fun and learning rather than winning. A child’s best is always good enough. Health, improvement and good sportsmanship should be seen as the primary goals.
Click on the Nippers Competition Program Information Sheet which shows the events for nippers of various ages, including both individual and team events. These events incorporate a number of disciplines, with events such as the board rescue beginning to teach the basics in rescue techniques.
Senior Competition Program
The senior program is for active members aged 13 years and older. This also includes Masters age groups (30+ years of age). Seniors not only train for carnivals (inter-club competition) and fitness, but also to further develop their lifesaving skills. Note: Members must be qualified lifesavers and must complete a minimum of 16 Patrol Hours each season in order to compete at Senior and/or Masters carnivals. We have land, craft and surfboat teams, competing at all levels including State and National. Many have had great success.
Click on the Senior Competition Information sheet which shows the events for Cadets/Seniors/Masters of various ages and includes both individual and team events.
To download the 2011 Yearly Board and Ski training calendar click here.
50-50 Equipment Purchase Subsidy Strategy
The new 50-50 Equipment Purchase Subsidy Strategy aims to support competitors to purchase their own equipment. This option is only available to paid competing members. Members are eligible for the 50-50 strategy after they have been a competing member with the club for a minimum of one season, and have paid the appropriate club fees for registration at Senior Carnivals. The option is available for senior members in the U14 age group and above. The current ($75) board allocation system that is in place is no longer available.
How does it work?
A member who wishes to obtain their own equipment can request the club to finance 50% of the cost of the equipment and the member will finance the remaining 50%. The equipment remains share owned by the club and the individual for the duration of the period while the member is a competing member with the club.
If a member wishes to sell their craft then the club has first option to purchase the equipment outright by purchasing the remaining share at market value. If the club does not wish to purchase the remaining share, then the club must be repaid their 50% share upon the sale of the item at its market value. The member also has the option of purchasing the equipment outright from the club. The market value shall be determined by the board and ski captain in conjunction with the competition director.
If member who has undertaken the 50-50 strategy decides to transfer to another club, transfers will not be endorsed until all monies/equipment owing to the club under the contract are fully paid.
A contract is to be signed between the individual and the club before a member can undertake the 50-50 option.
The clubs monies will be raised by a combination of fundraising, sponsorship and donations. All members undertaking the strategy are expected to assist with minimum of one fundraising activity per year.
For further information please contact Jon Ford (Board & Ski Captain) or download the 50/50 Equipment Subsidy Application 2011 from the download section.
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