We watched as some of them, late one Christmas Day and after their patrol shift had ended, pulled grown men from the water and performed CPR on the beach. We watched as those kids learned that sometimes people can’t be saved.

Now we’re parents of our own Nippers, and my happy place is on the beach every Sunday morning of the season. I ‘manage’ (to use the term in its broadest sense) a group of boys that includes my son. I count heads a lot — into the water and out again, at the start and the end of each session, and plenty of times in between. This merry band is chaotic, brave, fun and fit — and they’re all mates.

Nippers gives kids (and their parents) another ‘tribe’ — beyond school groups and footy teams — and importantly, a sense that they are part of something that is respected and valued. It teaches them about the value of community, and the importance of giving back. It creates confident, responsible and resilient young people.

Nippers also teaches kids that everyone has a place, regardless of ability. One of my proudest moments each season is when the State competition team assembles to hear from the surf club’s senior ranks. Put 120 wet, sandy kids in a stuffy hall, and you could forgive a bit of restlessness. There’s one club member who speaks each season: he has a physical disability that makes his speech slow, but his words are always heartfelt and inspirational. And that hall is completely silent while Neil speaks.

I love the ethos that pervades this group: everyone has a go, and no one gets left behind.

I’ve watched our fastest sprinters get down in the sand to show another boy how he might improve his start technique.

I’ve watched the strongest swimmers finish their surf swim, and then head back out to coax the last ones around the cans.

Together, we’ve endured hours of waiting on baking beaches for big races, only to have the result not go our way. And yes, there are tears on those occasions — but they bounce back fast.

There’s always another race, another wave, another mate to cheer on. They make me achingly proud.

Are there other Australian experiences we should be asking about for Australia Diary, our collection of reader stories reflecting Australia’s unique character? Send us your story.

For guidance and inspiration, here are few recent entries: tales of growing up on the creek, generational angst, paying with pineapples, magical mermaid pools, lizard friends, nude beaches, music and road trips, curious lifeguards, death and kindness, plus poetry and #metoo on the work site.