A large contingent of youngsters was on hand to receive certificates and medals for their efforts this year at a presentation night on Saturday.

Instructor for the under 13s and 14s Margaret Hazelgrove said it was inspiring to see the numbers of young people involved in the club, but acknowledged everyone helping them along the way.

“There are many unseen people who are not here tonight, but they form part of our club and they’ve all helped you get here,” Hazelgrove said during her speech.

Hazelgrove said enjoying the beach and being part of surf lifesaving was a privilege countries around the world wanted and locals shouldn’t take it for granted.

“I’d just like to say, the people here tonight are the envy of many people in many countries,” she said.

Hazelgrove said she enjoyed her time working with the Nippers and the assistance went both ways.

“They are beautiful people, I’m so pleased I’ve been able to come on the journey and help them help themselves gain these qualifications.

“As a parent and volunteer that when you come to help at these clubs you actually think you’re doing something to help the kids, but along the way there is a switch.

“And the switch is the kids help those people who are volunteering,” she said.

Club member Rob Armstrong also made an opening speech to the Nippers to encourage them back into the water despite a shark attack that killed his wife Chris last week. .

“I’m just enjoying looking around at my future lifesavers because you will be part of my family and the family of all the people who are here … as you grow up and you experience that it is something you will never experience anywhere else,” Armstrong said.

“So I want you to honour Chris, honour this club, and most of all, honour yourselves,

“Get back in the water to enjoy it, to love it and most of all to remember to hug the person beside you as often as you can,” he said.