Rookie Lifesavers from the North Sea Volunteer Lifeguards based in Whitley Bay are on the crest of a wave after getting hold of some specialist surf boards.

Rookies show off their new nipper boards

Geoff Wade, one of the Rookie Trainers in the club, explains: “The boards are basically junior versions of the rescue boards used by lifeguards, but are made of a soft material so that they can be used safely.

“Many of our Rookies will grow up to be the beach lifeguards of the future, but becoming skilled in the use of rescue boards takes a lot of practice.  The investment in this new equipment means that they can get a head start.”

The Nipper Boards have been supplied thanks to a generous donation to NSVL from the Willen Trust and will be used during the club’s Rookie beach sessions in the summer, and in the waves of Whitley Bay Leisure Pool in the winter.