Coogee Minnows, Australia’s longest-running junior surf life saving program, continues to strengthen community ties and teach lifesaving skills to children aged 5 to 13, offering a vital connection to the rich beach culture of Coogee.
Coogee Minnows, part of the Coogee Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), has been a pillar of the local community for decades. Established over 50 years ago, it is celebrated as Australia’s longest continually running junior surf life saving program. The initiative introduces children to beach safety, surf skills, and lifesaving techniques while fostering a sense of belonging.
As part of the broader Coogee SLSC, founded in 1907, Minnows has become an essential feature of the beachside identity of Coogee, encouraging children to embrace an active lifestyle while learning vital water safety and rescue skills.
How the Program Works
The Minnows program welcomes children aged 5 to 13, teaching them a variety of skills, from basic sun and surf safety to advanced lifesaving techniques like CPR and water rescues. Age-specific qualifications ensure all participants meet minimum swim proficiency levels before engaging in activities.
- Preliminary Evaluations: Conducted at the start of the season, these ensure children meet Coogee Minnows’ higher-than-standard swim requirements.
- Competition Evaluations: Children under the age group U9 to U14 who wish to compete in events like the Randwick Shield and State Championships must pass this assessment, completed in the ocean.
New members are required to complete an external swim proficiency evaluation, signed off by their swim coach, before joining the program.
Community Involvement
Coogee Minnows is not just about the children. The program invites parents to become “Nipper Parents,” allowing them to contribute by teaching beach activities or obtaining qualifications like the Bronze Medallion or Age Manager’s Award. This approach strengthens bonds within the community and ensures ongoing support for the program.
The Coogee Beach clubhouse offers a welcoming hub for families, with activities and events that celebrate surf culture and safety.
Challenges and Future Steps
While Coogee Minnows continues to thrive, organisers stress the importance of regular swim lessons outside the program to maintain proficiency levels. They also remind parents that the program is not a swim school but a platform to develop lifesaving and surfing skills.
Looking forward, Coogee Minnows aims to uphold its legacy of teaching water safety while nurturing the next generation of lifesavers. The club’s commitment to excellence, supported by its passionate community, ensures its continued success.
Published 28-Jan-2025
