The conditions may have been cool and windy on the beach last Sunday but the smiles of City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club’s newest and youngest members, the Minnows, did not hint at anything but the perfect start to the season.
Sunday was the first day on the beach for the Minnows, the age group for children aged 5 and 6. Many come to the beach with some trepidation about being in the ocean and by the end of the season, they will have learned some of the skills they need to be safe in the water.
Gaining confidence to be in the ocean and understanding how to stay safe in the water is the main focus of being a Minnow. Minnows are supported by volunteer Age Group Managers, many of whom started on the same beach as a Minnow. Participation by parents is part of the success of the Minnow program, with many parents undertaking training to assist in the water.
This group of Minnows will become part of a club that has served Bunbury for over 100 years. They will move through their age groups until they too become volunteer surf lifesavers wearing the trusted red and yellow, patrolling the beach and assisting beach goers to stay safe.
But for now, being a Minnow is about fun, making friends, learning to be safe in the water, enjoying the beach and, at the end of the day, enjoying a sausage sizzle on the club deck with their family and friends.
Sunday was also Remembrance Day and the Club ceased activities to gather on the beach for a minute’s silence.