Nippers (ages 7-13)
Israel Life Saving Federation introduced the Junior Educational Development Program of Surf Life Saving Australia famously recognized as the "Nippers" to Israel's beaches in summer 2020.
“Nippers” is the Australian Surf Life Saving's youth program that focuses on beach awareness, water safety and the environment. For Nippers, the beach is their classroom. Nippers gain confidence through beach fitness, surf awareness, survival, first-aid training, learning board and tube rescue skills while having fun..
Our Nippers program is catered to children from ages 7-13.
What does the program look like?
Each session is approximately 2 hours.
Participants are divided into groups according to ages.
Each group rotates to one of our 4 stations on rotation:
1. Surf Awareness and Tube Rescue
2. Rescue Boards
3. Beach Fitness
4. First Aid & CPR
At the end of each course, the participant will receive a certificate confirming that they have learnt the necessary skills mentioned above.
The Nippers program generally takes place during the summer and other school holidays and join other special events.
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
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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), row 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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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 that Nippers are given at the first session
Is there a lifeguard present?
All ILSF activities have a lifeguard present. ILSF employs additional life guards 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! There is an initial membership fee of NIS 100 that 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. A lifesaver is present at all times. Magen David Adom is present at all times.
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