Nippers (ages 7-13)
Children ages 7-13 learn the basics of water safety through controlled exposure in the aquatic environment, building both theoretical knowledge as well as skills in the waves. While swimming in the ocean, body surfing the waves and paddling on rescue boards, participants develop safe ocean habits as well as a better understanding of the risks at the beach.
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Our program for children is structured based on the Junior Educational Development Program of Surf Life Saving Australia widely known as the Nippers. Our first Nippers program launched in 2020.
For Nippers, the beach is their classroom. Skills are cumulative over the years. Nippers gain confidence through beach fitness, surf awareness, survival, first-aid training, learning board and tube rescue skills while having fun..
Subjects include:
* Surf awareness (rips and ocean theory)
* Ocean swimming skills
* Identifying and responding to emergencies
* Rescue boards
* Beach fitness
* First aid & CPR
At the end of each course, participants receive a certificate.
The Nippers program generally takes place during the summer and other school holidays.
Swimming requirements
A compulsory basic standard swimming test is a prerequisite for participants in this course, all Nippers participants need to be able to swim float and tread according to their age group.
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The swim test will be held at a pool near the course site. The test is usually a week before the course starts.
Age | Swimming requirement | Floating requirement |
|---|---|---|
Under 14 | 200 meters (freestyle) | 3 minutes |
Under 13 | 150 meters (freestyle) | 3 minutes |
Under 12 | 100 meters (freestyle) | 2 minutes |
Under 11 | 50 meters (freestyle) | 2 minutes |
Under 10 | 25 meters (freestyle) | 1.5 minutes |
Under 9 | 25 meters (any stroke) | 1 minute |
Under 8 | 25 meters (any stroke) | 1 minute |
Nippers FAQ
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How many Nippers per group?
Nippers are divided into groups according to their age and skills. The staffing ratio is one adult per up to 5 children.
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What happens at each session?
Nippers learn how to swim in the sea (not the same as swimming in a pool), paddle on surfboards, and have running competitions and relay races. Nippers also learn about safety at the beach and the marine environment.
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Are there discounts for families with several children?
Yes. We have discounts for families with more than one child attending. Contact us for more information.
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What kind of life-saving skills are taught?
Skills that Nippers learn include:
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identifying emergencies and calling for help
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dolphin diving
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life-saving swimming
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how to use a lifesaving belt
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how to use a lifesaving board
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what to do if the person drowning is unconscious vs conscious
What do we need to bring?
Each participant needs to bring/wear:
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bathing suit
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sunscreen
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2 liters of water
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goggles - optional
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the swim shirt Nippers are given at the first session (during some programs)
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Is there a lifeguard present?
All ILSF activities have a lifeguard present. Our staff includes ILSF volunteers who are certified lifesavers and water safety instructors, who are both in the water and on the beach with participants at all times.
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Do you have insurance?
Of course! The course fee covers insurance
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What precautions are taken in the water?
Each Nipper is required to pass a preliminary swim test before the program. Trained water safety experts and trained volunteers are in the water and on the beach at all times. Our staff ratio is 5 children per water safety volunteer or coach.