‘Proud to be a part of it’

In the final part of 2508’s series celebrating 40 Years of Women in Surf Life Saving, meet three teenage stars of Helensburgh-Stanwell Park Surf Life Saving Club.

Sabina Rogers, Madison Agnew and Kiara Manning are former nippers who have risen through the club’s ranks to become some of its youngest Bronze Medallion holders.

The teenagers attend different high schools – Sabina goes to Bulli, Kiara to Heathcote and Madison to St John Bosco – but all three have been meeting at Stanwell Park Beach on Sundays for the past 10 years. They enjoy an active life: Sabina, 16, loves sports and outdoor activities; Kiara, 15, plays league tag; and Madison has been competing in nipper carnivals since she was eight years old.

“I enjoy the beach and hanging with friends and I also play a lot of hockey on the weekends.”

Thanks to the girls for taking the time to answer 2508’s questions.

How old were you when you first joined nippers and what were your first impressions?

Kiara: I was five years old when I first joined nippers. I really enjoyed running on the beach and playing in the water while making new friends.

Sabina: I was six when I started nippers and I loved it. I used to be terrified of the water, but doing nippers helped me get over that fear.

Madison: Five, my first impression was it was exciting and scary all at the same time.

What have you enjoyed most about being part of the club?

Kiara: Some of the friendships I have made, the skills I have learnt both on the beach and in the water.

Sabina: I love the atmosphere of Helensburgh-Stanwell Park, it’s such a family vibe. There is no pressure to compete and if you do, there’s no pressure to win.

Madison: Making friends through competition and weekly nippers.

What was the biggest challenge in getting your Bronze, and how did you overcome it?

Kiara: Gaining more confidence on using the rescue board. I overcame it by taking the board out in the surf every chance I got.

Sabina: It would have to be gaining better experience in controlling the big paddle boards.

Madison: Probably the board paddling, I practised with my dad some weekends to make myself more confident.

What are you most proud of?

Kiara: I am proud that I got my SRC (Surf Rescue Certificate) in the U/14s and my most recent achievement is getting my Bronze Medallion. I am also looking forward to getting my IRB crewman and driver’s certificates.

Sabina: My most memorable team achievement would be being a part of a state title-winning relay team with Madi, Abby and Mia, which we won gold four times. My most rewarding individual achievement was last season when I was lucky enough to take home gold in both the U/15 Flags and Sprint.

Madison: Both individual and team-medalling at state carnivals. Being nominated for life saver of the year.

2020 marked 40 years of women in Surf Life Saving – what are your thoughts on this milestone moment?

Kiara: Forty years of women being a part of surf life saving is a huge accomplishment and I am proud to be a part of it.

Sabina: It’s great to see that more women are getting involved in surf life saving and are very passionate about it. It would be good to encourage the younger generation to get involved themselves.

Madison: It’s great to see that women are getting recognised for the efforts they are putting in.
I celebrated at the lunch a few weekends ago.

The club marked 40 Years of Women in Life Saving with a luncheon on January 31 attended by about 60 people, including guest speaker Professor Ngiare Brown.