Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
Inclusion as a pathway — from Nippers to parasport Nick’s next push is where sport and service meet. He believes surf lifesaving can (and should) be a genuine parasport pathway — with board, swim and ski races tailored to classification, and a clear line from club training to state, national and international representation. “Surf lifesaving embodies Olympic ideals — service, community, excellence,” he says. “As a Paralympic discipline, it would showcase athletes who keep us safe on the beach, some of whom happen to live with disability. That’s powerful.” He sees immediate opportunity to connect para swimmers and para kayakers to surf craft, build inclusive Iron events, and keep growing participation until full divisions are viable at major carnivals. “Don’t be scared to start a race with three athletes. That’s three more than yesterday.” Beyond the flags: access that starts in the car park Nick’s commitment to inclusion extends into his day job as a local councillor. Inspired by a Churchill Fellowship, he’s piloted “beach lock boxes” at Burleigh Heads — secure, QR-code accessed lockers with child and adult beach wheelchairs available 24/7. The aim is simple: remove barriers so families don’t have to wait for a patrol to touch the ocean. The data the system captures will help plan more chairs, more ramps, and smarter access across the Coast. “We’re world-class at water safety,” he says. “Let’s be world-class at getting people to the water too.” Advice to clubs: start now, learn fast For clubs curious about launching their own program, his message is clear: • Embed, don’t bolt-on. Run adaptive Nippers within your standard set-up to save volunteer load and normalise participation. • Design for safety, not perfection. Start with one morning, one group, and build. • Back a champion. Programs thrive when one or two people are trusted to lead and iterate.
• Keep the door open. Every club will serve different abilities; that’s OK. What matters is an invitation. “If you treat it like community building, people will meet you with patience and generosity,” he says. “There’s no ‘fail’ — only the next, better version.” Why Life Membership matters For Nick, Life Membership is less a finish line than permission to keep pushing. He’s still coaching, still on the sand, still sitting in committee rooms and council chambers making access practical. And, on the best days, he’s dad on the beach, coaching his daughters — “They still listen to me… for now,” he laughs.
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