Champions rally to teach ocean safety at Australia's largest free Nipper clinic amid record drowning toll
Chapter One Advisors
With drowning deaths in Australia reaching a record high, surf lifesaving champions are rallying to equip the next generation with essential ocean-safety skills at the Race One Nipper Clinic - Australia’s largest Nipper Clinic - held as part of the 2025 Shaw and Partners WA Race Week.
Proudly sponsored by Shaw and Partners Financial Services and Race One Surf Craft, the free 90-minute Race One Nipper Clinic (for Nippers U10–U13) will take place on Sunday, 23 November 2025, from 9:00am to 11:30am at Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club.
More than 700 young surf lifesavers are expected to attend, each gaining a rare opportunity to be coached by some of Australia’s most celebrated Ironmen and Ironwomen — the true legends of surf lifesaving.
This major community initiative aims to build ocean confidence, improve surf-awareness skills, and help reverse Australia’s escalating drowning toll.
The National Drowning Report 2025 revealed 357 drowning deaths nationally — a 27% increase on the 10-year average — with Western Australia recording the highest drowning rate in the country (49 deaths; 1.65 per 100,000 people), a 36% increase on long-term averages.
Experts attribute this rise to declining swimming skills, more people swimming at unpatrolled locations, and an ageing population.
“Education, awareness, and early exposure to the surf environment are our best defences against drowning,” said ten-time Coolangatta Gold Champion and world and Australian Ironman champion Ali Day. “By connecting young Nippers with Australia’s elite surf athletes, we’re helping instil confidence, fitness and ocean knowledge that can one day save a life.”
Participants will receive hands-on coaching in board handling, surf awareness, rescue fundamentals and teamwork — the same skills used by Australian surf lifesavers every day.
“Every Ironman and Ironwoman began as a Nipper,” added Day.“The Race One Nipper Clinic is where it all starts — building both future athletes and safer communities.”
A standout among Australia’s greatest ironmen, Ali Day also serves as a patrolling member at Surfers Paradise SLSC and was recently inducted into the Surf Life Saving Australia Hall of Fame in recognition of his remarkable achievements.
The Race One Nipper Clinic is a major feature of Shaw and Partners WA Race Week (22–29 November 2025) — a week-long celebration of ocean sport, community, surf lifesaving and world-class competition.
EVENT DETAILS
- What: Race One Nipper Clinic (U10s–U13s)
- When: Sunday, 23 November 2025 | 9:00am – 11:30am
- Where: Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club
- Cost: Free (registrations essential)
- Duration: 90 minutes
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shaw-and-partners-and-race-one-nipper-clinic-tickets-1717383493259
SHAW AND PARTNERS WA RACE WEEK: 22–29 NOV 2025
Shaw and Partners WA Race Week is Australia’s largest and most prestigious ocean-racing festival, offering over $300,000 in cash and prizes — the biggest prize pool in global ocean-ski racing.
More than 1,000 competitors, including Olympians, world champions and elite surf lifesaving athletes, will converge on Perth for seven days of racing and community events.
The 2025 Shaw and Partners WA Race Week is proudly supported by the WA Government through Tourism WA. The Shaw and Partners Doctor is supported by City of Joondalup.
Athletes competing include:
- Ali Day (NSW): Ten-time Coolangatta Gold Champion; world and Australian Ironman champion
- Jemma Smith (NSW): Reigning Doctor champion; 2024 Coolangatta Gold winner
- Cory Hill (QLD): Four-time World Surf Ski Champion, four-time Molokai champion, four-time Shaw and Partners Doctor winner
- Kira Bester (South Africa): Current Women’s World Ocean Paddling Champion
- Hank McGregor (South Africa): Ten-time World Marathon Kayak Champion
- Danielle Richards (NZ): Former champion Ironwoman and winner of multiple major global ocean paddling events
- Nick Notten (South Africa): World Surf Ski Champion
- Riley Fitzsimmons (NSW): Olympic silver medallist (K4 kayak)
Key Events:
- Fenn West Coast Downwinder – 24km downwind (Sat 22 Nov)
- Race One Nipper Clinic – (Sun 23 Nov)
- Shaw and Partners Downwind International – 12km prone & double-ski (Sun 23 Nov)
- Dr Benjamin Hewitt Sunset Surfski Series – 11km downwind races (Tue 25 & Thu 27 Nov)
- Race One Twilight Paddleboard Dash – 2km sprint (Wed 26 Nov)
- Shaw and Partners Dash for Cash – Surf ski sprint racing (Fri 28 Nov)
- Shaw and Partners Doctor – 27km Rottnest Island to Sorrento Beach finale (Sat 29 Nov)
Throughout the week, Sorrento Beach will transform into a vibrant event hub with live music, family entertainment, food vendors, athlete meet-and-greets, and daily presentations.
Contact details:
Media Enquiries: David Tasker
T: +61 433 112 936
E: [email protected]
Event Details & Registration:
https://oceanpaddler.com/ocean-events/wa-race-week/