Rozanne Latimer’s photograph captures a quintessential summer moment on Pāpāmoa Beach — her young granddaughter taking part in the Nippers programme at the Pāpāmoa Surf Life Saving Club.

The image, which won the Weekend Sun’s Unstoppable Summer competition and a $50 Pak‘nSave voucher, shows 7-year-old Peyton Cuff confidently immersed in a Sunday morning Nippers session, where children learn beach safety and water skills through games, relays and time in the surf.

“It’s sort of a journey into lifesaving,” Latimer said. “They start them at about 5 years old and take them right through until they’re teenagers.”

Now in her third season, Peyton has grown noticeably more confident in the water.

“She’s always been a confident little pixie.” Latimer said, “It’s really good for their water safety and understanding the conditions - especially living so close to the beach.”

Latimer said the weekly programme, held every Sunday morning during the season, attracts large numbers of families.

“You’d be amazed at how many people are down there. It’s massive,” she said. “There’s such a great atmosphere.”

Photograph of Moni enjoying a holiday with nana at Pāpāmoa Beach won second place. Photo / Barbara Lowther

The sessions run for a couple of hours and include beach games, sand relays and, as children grow older, increased time in the water.

“As they get older, they get into the water more, which is really cool,” Latimer said.

She said the programme plays an important role in teaching safety messages at a time when coastal communities are increasingly focused on water awareness.

“They do an awesome job. With all the water safety messaging around at the moment, it’s just so valuable.”

Latimer said the photo reflects everything she loves about summer - family, the beach and seeing children gain confidence in a safe, supportive environment.

“It’s just lovely down there on a nice day,” she said. “That’s what summer’s all about.”

Second prize, with a ride for two adults and two children on the Mount Maunganui Pepi Toot Beach Express, was won by Barbara Lowther, whose photograph shows her dog Moni relaxing at Pāpāmoa Beach.

Photograph of Winitana Gabb, 3, on a visit to Waihī Beach with Grandma and Grandad won third place. Photo / Megan Taylor

Third prize, a chocolate treat, went to Megan Taylor for her photograph of her 3-year-old grandchild Winitana Gabb during a visit to Waihī Beach.

The Weekend Sun’s Unstoppable Summer photo competition ran from December 19 to January 6, encouraging readers to send in photographs of their best summer moments at their favourite location in the Bay of Plenty. Thank you to everyone who entered!