Nipper praised for helping teammate

An eight-year-old nipper at Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club has been praised for helping a teammate struggling in deep water.

In the club's first junior board training session for the 2010-2011 season, under-9s nipper Garren McCarthy was the first to reach a fellow nipper who had been swept off his board and was struggling in deep water.

While both Garren's father and the Ocean Beach water safety team were in the water, it was Garren who was first to reach the struggling nipper and assist him to shore.

"Garren showed the skill and presence of mind of an exceptional lifesaver', said nipper board coach Ms Louise Lambeth.

"The club is very proud to have Garren amongst our ranks," she said.

"Nippers account for about 50 per cent of surf club members across Australia, and while a lot of the nipper experience is about having fun, these guys are learning important surf safety messages at the same time" said junior activities director Mr Jason Tucker.

Despite the attention and praise from lifesavers, friends and family, Garren said he was just happy getting out in the water and having fun.

Online Submission, 13 Nov 2010 Aaron Camp, Ocean Beach SLSC