Life saving numbers increase

Surf Life Saving Australia has increased its numbers at Umina and Killcare.

Umina Surf Life Saving Club is currently boasting 330 nipper recruits, and Killcare has 154 members so far this season, according to figures released earlier this month.

Umina numbers have risen by 20 recruits while Killcare has risen by one.

Registrations are not final and figures are expected to continue to increase.

The Nippers program, for children aged five to 13, promotes water safety skills and confidence in a safe beach environment, according to Surf Life Saving Australia's development manager Ms Vanessa Brown.

"Nippers participate in fun and interactive activities covering surf safety, first aid, sun safety, communication and physical skills including surf swimming, board-paddling and beach sprinting.

"Nippers provide valuable life skills and knowledge for use on and off the beach while participants make friends and have fun," she said.

Email, Oct 21 2011 Allison Brennan, Surf Life Saving Australia