For more than 15 years, a dedicated and skilled team at Pambula Surf Life Saving Club have been making a difference to the lives of people with a disability or developmental delay through their Same Wave Nippers program.
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On Saturday, January 30, around 18 Same Wavers were back on the beach with more than 30 volunteers for the first time this season.
Michelle and Peter Bootes started up the program in 2000 with the aim of making the beach accessible for all kids “even those who don’t fit the norm”.
The program helps the kids to have fun, learn beach safety and participate in activities such as flags, sprints and beach relays. They also learn to paddle surfboards and experience the excitement of catching, for many, their very first wave to the shore, all whilst under the guidance of the trained volunteers.
Leonie and Rob Borch drive up from Mallacoota each Saturday so their 25-year-old son Damen can participate.
“It is absolutely worth the long drive, we wouldn’t miss it for anything,” Mrs Borch said.
“Damen suffers from stress and anxiety but when he comes here it is like he is in another world, it has made a huge difference for him.”
Tammy Prince’s daughter Jazmin Cooper has been part of the Same Waves program for three years and was over the moon at it starting up again on Saturday.
“She was up at 6.30am ready to go. She just loves it and it is so good for her to feel included and to feel normal.”
As part of the program, all Same Wavers are supported by two volunteers.
“It’s very reassuring because it give parents and carers a break, we can just sit and watch our kids have a ball and know they are in good hands,” Ms Prince said.
The program will run every Saturday from 9.30am until 10.30am until April 2. Pambula SLSC is on hoping more young people will volunteer to help with the program.
If you would like to volunteer or just find out more please contact Michele Bootes via email at m.p.bootes@gmail or 0416649315