Just So Stories

Boolarong Press

June 2022

Imprint	Boolarong Press
ISBN	9781922643018

Just over three years ago I went on an errand to Bunnings and the local Redcliffe Peninsula Surf Lifesaving Club was holding the weekly sausage sizzle. I noticed the chalkboard that said ‘cadets up to 18 years old’ and struck up a conversation with the tireless Rob van Driel who was, at that time, the Youth Coordinator and now focuses on the Nippers.

I had been looking so hard for an activity for The Kid that would provide both a physical element, new skills and social interaction, as well as give her equal footing with young people without a disability. Her mother and aunts loved brownies and guides – in fact, her mum was a BP Guide – but a brief flirtation with cubs years ago ruled that out.

At Rob’s invitation I took her down to Sutton’s Beach the following Sunday and six weeks later she had her Bronze Medallion, First Aid/CPR, and was in her red-and-yellows. Since then she has won two club awards: in the first year the Encouragement Award, and last season Most Efficient Patrol Member, plus recording 50+ patrol hours each season. She has her IRC (inflatable rescue craft) crew certificate and now she has her driver’s licence, can learn to drive the beach buggy, is going to get her marine licence to drive the IRC, and also the new club jetski. Last year, her bestie (inspired by K) also joined, and they are patrol members together. (go #2 Patrol!)

It was, without a doubt, the very best move I ever made for her since she came to live with me. She loves it. She’s learned so much. She’s learned to mingle with confidence with both peers and elders. She loves that she is making a valuable contribution to her community. SLS gets our vote hands down!

Currently, our nippers numbers stand around the 300 mark. Given we are the closest beach for Brisbane northside suburbs, our nippers are drawn from areas well outside the actual peninsula. We also often see the nippers out when we are up in Caloundra for surfing so we know that this age group is just as popular in other clubs.

So after that long preamble, I’d like to say this book speaks to my heart especially. Based on the experiences of six young newbies, the narrative describes how Mea is rather nervous about joining Nippers and very unsure about the whole ‘saving lives’ thing.

But her wobbly start is boosted when two other girls join her on the beach, while waiting for things to get started, and they spot a boy out in the water in trouble. With exactly the kind of initiative that is needed, the girls spring into action. One to run for the lifesavers, one to try to find the boy’s parents and one – Mea – to keep a close watch on the boy.

As Mea watches the subsequent rescue with all the calm efficiency we expect from our SLS members, she realises that she does truly want to be a Nipper and learn to rescue people, as well as have fun! The text is straightforward with enough action to keep a young reader fully engaged, and definitely interested, and the illustrations are as vibrant and full of life as the beach itself on a steamy summer’s day. This book sums up exactly the vibe of the SLS and the benefits to kiddos (and adults).

Our club is like a family and yours could be as well. While the book is available in many places, Boolarong currently have it at a special price, and it’s a real positive that every sale means a donation to SLS Australia. Speaking of family, this pair of creators are aunt and niece – what a great combination they make! I give this a huge 5 🟥🟨🌊🟨🟥 rating. For information on joining SLS and to find your nearest club, check out their website.