It all started off in the first lockdown back in March with the decision to launch the very first Nippers and Dolphins program on Zvulun beach, Herzliya.
Within a couple of very intense weeks, we had our website up and running and started to spread the word..
Before we knew it, Israel Life Saving Federation was blooming. Social Media, News Articles in the Times of Israel , Australia’s i24 news and local news - the message that ILSF is bringing Australia’s water safety culture to Israel was getting out there and registration for our summer program was filling up with kids joining all the way from Jerusalem to Nahariha.
Water Safety experts and Age Managers were trained in different sessions both on Zoom and on the beach and an amazing team was created.
Dolphins (13-17-year-olds) started their course at Kfar Maccabiah with a swim test and their first session on July 2nd. Followed by 3 additional sessions on Zvulun beach. There they learned
Surf awareness and skills
Safety and well-being
The human body
CPR and first aid
Communications
Rescue techniques
Patrol and radio operations
Board and tube rescue techniques
Thanks to the overwhelming response of volunteers and instructors, the program was a huge success, In fact, Dolphins ages 15+ volunteered to do an advanced water safety course and joined the Nippers program as assistant age managers and water-safety guides. This experience bonded these teens and kindled many friendships who otherwise may not have met.
The Nippers(ages 7-12) program started July 26th on Zvulun beach, Due to the popular demand (and requirements to keep small groups and social distancing), there was a morning and an afternoon session every Sunday for 6 weeks.
Rotating in 4 different stations the kids learned’
Swim and Tube Rescue
Rescue Boards and Surfing
Fun and Fitness
First Aid & CPR
Our graduation ceremony, held at the end of August was attended by the Australian Ambassador to Israel H.E Chris Cannan, Deputy Mayor to Herzliya, Ofra Bel and Hetzliya Beach Manager, Shmulik Lin
Making our mark on Tel-Aviv Beach
ILSF joined forces with Maya’s Surf Club on Alma Beach in Tel-Aviv we held our first introductory Nippers program for over 40 kids from 2 surf schools and Meitarim Tel Aviv elementary school.
ILSF goes international with Maccabi South America
Over the first 2 weeks of September, ILSF taught surf rescue skills to Jewish participants from Maccabi World Union’s South America Yachad gap year program. 40 students from Chile, Uruguay and Argentina had the time of their life getting fit and learning surf rescue skills. Yachad Yariba!
ILSF making historic headlines.
To top off our activities before the “ festival lockdown “, a film crew from Channel 12 news came to film our nippers and dolphins on the beach. What a sweet way to end the year, and look forward to a positive and fruitful new year to come.
A big THANK YOU to all of our wonderful volunteers, whom without, this summer would not have been the success that it was. And THANK YOU to all of those who supported us both on the beach and off. Welcome to the ILSF family
Looking to the future, this was not just a summer program. ILSF are making plans to grow in many locations by integrating their program in schools in order to create a community and beach culture that promotes water-safety and reduces drownings in Israel.