Our Nippers are the future of Surf Life Saving, and the program pathway teaches lessons and skills allowing them to continue in lifesaving and sport as they grow older. Woodside Nippers is a great way for children to make friends, be active and enjoy the beach in a safe environment. It is also a great activity all the family can be involved in. We encourage the whole family to be involved to enjoy the beach and all the activities available.

Woodside Nippers runs from 9:30am – 11:0am Sunday mornings during the surf lifesaving season.

Objective of the Nipper Program

• Have fun.

• Improve surf lifesaving skills.

• Learn about the beach environment.

• Develop team building skills.

• Develop new friendships and a sense of community.

• Participate in carnivals.

What to bring? Nippers should bring these basic requirements to all surf club activities.

• Bathers

• Goggles

• Sunscreen (should be applied before leaving home and reapplied as necessary)

• Hat

• Rashie

• Towel

• Water Bottle

• Warm clothing (for cold conditions)

Each Woodside Nipper is provided with a High-Vis vest and coloured cap and a wide brimmed hat.

What Parents need to know?

• Encourage your child throughout the session.

• All Nippers must have a parent or guardian present on the beach at all times.

• Be supportive of the person in charge of your group. All Age Group Managers are volunteers and rely on assistance from parents.

• Never leave the beach without your child signing out and returning their cap.

• To be fair to others, please arrive on time for sessions.

• Consider what capacity you are able to volunteer and support our club as much as possible.

Parent Volunteering

The City of Bunbury SLSC relies on volunteering to keep participation affordable for all families. We encourage all our families to get involved as much as possible throughout the season.

Volunteering at the club can take many forms including (but not limited to) as an Age Group Manager, Competition Official, Water Safety, Beach Set-up.

Nipper groups require at least 1 qualified Water Safety Person for every 5 nippers for all water activities. The club generally holds adult training courses for those interested in being water safety for Woodside Nippers early in the season.

Parents interested in water safety are welcomed to join training sessions for the following awards - The Nipper Rescue Certificate, Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion.

The next Nipper Rescue Certificate Course - TBA

The Nipper Rescue Certificate is designed to enable a large range of parents/guardians to be engaged by Clubs to formally assist in improving the delivery of Nipper water-based activities and create potential pathways to lifesaving operations such as beach patrols or carnival water safety.

• Course Content

• Manual Handling & OSH requirements

• Surf Awareness

• 200m Ocean Swim (6-minute time limit)

• Demonstrate Aquatic Rescue

• Signals

Proficiency requirements

To maintain current members who hold an NRC will need to undergo an annual proficiency test incorporating a 200m Ocean Swim in 6 minutes, a tube rescue and demonstration of signals. This proficiency test will need to be recorded on SurfGuard as per other proficiency testing such as SRC and Bronze.

Validity

One (1) year from date of course. Refresher sessions will be provided each year by the club.

If you require any further information, please contact our Director of Youth, Neil Robertson via email doy@bunburyslsc.com.au