Queensland’s next generation of lifesavers will benefit from a major new partnership between Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) and diversified construction and technical services provider, Symal Group (Symal), with the company formally joining as the Official Junior Partner.

The partnership will provide additional support, resources and opportunities for junior lifesavers across the state, helping to strengthen the pathway opportunities for young people as they develop their skills, confidence and leadership both on and off the beach.

As part of the partnership, SLSQ’s flagship junior lifesaving program will be known as “Symal Nippers”, while the State’s premier youth lifesaving event will become the Symal Surf Life Saving Queensland Youth State Championships.

Young participants will be supported at every stage of their junior lifesaving journey, from the youngest children taking part in Little Lifesavers (5-12 years) and Nippers (5-13 years) through to emerging elite competitors competing at the Youth State Championships (U11 – U15).

SLSQ CEO Damien Marangon said the partnership represented a significant investment in the future of surf life saving in Queensland and the young people who are at the heart of the movement.

“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Symal as our Official Junior Partner and look forward to working together to make a genuine difference to the next generation of lifesavers,” Mr Marangon said.

“Junior lifesaving is about so much more than learning skills on the beach. It’s about building confidence, resilience, leadership and a lifelong connection to water safety and community.”

“Symal’s support will allow us to strengthen that journey for young Queenslanders and provide even greater opportunities for young people to learn, participate and thrive.”

Symal Founder and Group Managing Director, Joe Bartolo said, “We are incredibly excited to be supporting junior surf lifesavers as the official Junior Partner and the Symal Nippers program. Partnering with Surf Life Saving Queensland gives our youngest and most enthusiastic athletes the opportunity to get involved in the surf lifesaving community from a young age, within one of the most iconic grassroots movements in the country.”

“Symal’s support will extend to SLSQ’s Youth Excellence Program, backing the State’s most promising young lifesavers, along with youth leadership funding to help take the step from Nippers into active patrolling roles.”

“As a national, diversified infrastructure services provider, our people are the most important part of our success. Making sure everyone returns home safe at the end of the day is the same priority values that underpin lifesaving.”

“Symal has a long history of supporting grassroots sports that reflect who we are, and backing Surf Life Saving Queensland is one way of standing behind the same families and communities our people belong to,” Mr Bartolo continued.

“It also reflects our commitment to giving young Queenslanders the confidence and opportunities to grow – on the beach and beyond,” Mr Bartolo added.

The partnership will see Symal’s presence integrated throughout SLSQ’s junior programs stretching the Queensland coast and a purpose-built Symal Nippers website providing families and volunteers with access to water safety information, age-group activities and skill development pathways.