Nippers
Beaumaris Life Saving Club’s beach education and life saving program for children aged 5 to 13 years. Our program aims to create a safe and fun environment to teach valuable water safety and lifesaving skills.
Begins Saturday 26th November. 2 – 3.30 pm. Places still available.
NIPPERS FAQs
NIPPERS DATES
WHAT TO WEAR
UNDER 6’s
UNDER 7’s
UNDER 8’s
UNDER 9’s
UNDER 10’s
UNDER 11’s
UNDER 12’s
UNDER 13’s
UNDER 14’s
NIPPERS PROGRAM
RUNS DECEMBER to MARCH
Renewals (members last season) will Open on Monday 10th October 2022 (details will be emailed closer to the date).
New Members are welcome to attend our Open Day to learn about membership opportunities on Saturday 22nd October 2022, 1-3pm. We are looking forward to meeting you!
The Nipper’s program is run by our qualified lifesavers and Age Managers and teaches skills such as;
- board paddling
- swimming
- survival skills
- water safety in an engaging and active way
Parents / Caregivers
** A parent or Guardian is required to volunteer to assist BLSC during the Nippers season for a minimum of 2 sessions.
** A Parent or Guardian is required to stay on the beach for the duration of Nippers and to supervise their Nipper/s.
** Please ensure that you provide adequate supervision for your child whilst at Nippers.
Parent participation adds great value to the program, and the kids love it too! If you would like to be involved as an Age Manager, further details are here
https://lsv.com.au/clubs-members/nippers/age-managers/
We remind everyone that it is a requirement of Surf Life Saving Australia and our Club’s insurance that Nippers must be 5 years of age to participate in the program.
2022-23 NIPPER SEASONS
Hello Nipper Parents and Guardians!
We are so happy to meet you all, to teach your children some essential water skills and for us all to enjoy one of the best beaches we know. Here’s some details you might be needing for the start of nippers.
Begins Saturday 26th November. 2 – 3.30 pm. Places still available.
Nippers Start Time – 2pm on Saturdays
We need parent parent participation to help run nippers, we require you to take an active part and enjoy nippers along side your child.
We required all parents to valid working with children’s check, if you do not have one, you can apply here: https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
Parent Volunteers – make yourself known to the team and we’ll be having a briefing up front before the session to welcome all and explain a few Surf Club things.
The best way to support the club is to become an age manager and support your child and enjoying the beach too. There is a short course so you can qualify: https://lsv.com.au/clubs-members/nippers/age-managers/
What to wear?
- Sunscreen!
- Swimmers/wetsuit. If you don’t have a wetty- there are a few at the club you can borrow for the session. Come on down a bit earlier and you can have a look at them.
- Nippers vest & cap – for those that have ordered on line – these will be ready for collection from 1.30pm on Saturday at the Clubhouse.
If you’re new and haven’t got one or you’ve grown so much in the last year that yours no longer fits – you’ll need to order one as you have to wear them!
https://quickweb.westpac.com.au/OnlinePaymentServlet3?action=EnterPaymentDetails&communityCode=SLSA&supplierBusinessCode&ActionContextId=nwnyqJWeiF1C_K0XGEyNxw
Caps are $10 and vests are $20.
Nippers Finish time – 3pm (we sometimes run over a little bit because we’re having so much fun)
There are hot showers at the club.
See you at the beach!
The maximum number of Nippers aged 10 and under we will be able to train this season is 80. There is currently no cap on numbers of Nippers/Junior Cadets aged 11 and over.
The nipper program runs every week. If its poor weather, nippers will not be run. A notification will be sent via TeamApp with online nippers’ activities that children can engage with.
SKILLS
The underlying principles of our program is:
- Water safety
- Confidence
- Enjoyment Beach Activities
- Signals
- Running over a set distance on the sand (distance depending on age)
- Flags – laying flat on the sand, then getting up and running a short distance to grasp lengths of hose standing in the sand
- Beach relays
- Teams running relays over similar distances to the beach
Water Activities - Essential water safety (survival floating, reading water and wind, etc)
- Surf wading / running through shallow water (usually for younger age groups)
- Learning to use a board
- Learning about board rescues
- Board relays and Surf swims – swimming/paddling from the beach to the buoy and back accompanied by a volunteer lifeguard (only for older children)
PREPARING YOUR NIPPER
The nipper program is run by our Nipper Coordinators together with the members of our lifesaver team.
SIGN IN
Please arrive on time for nippers, we begin at 2pm.
Hands will be sanitised, and your child will then be signed in by the Age Manager in charge before starting activities.
Pink nipper vests and club caps are compulsory and need to be worn by all nippers so we can quickly identify everyone. These will be available to purchase before the sessions.
Pink vests cost $20.00 and caps are $10.00 (pay and order through www.pay.slsa.com.au ONLY prior to commencing Nippers).
WHAT TO WEAR
It is important that the children are well prepared for an afternoon at the beach and some essentials include:
- Bathers, Long sleeve rashie for extra sun protection or warmth
- Nipper cap – compulsory
- Pink vest – compulsory
- Sunscreen liberally applied before commencing activities
- Water bottle
- Wetsuit if it’s cold or raining (cheap ones are available from K-Mart, Target, Aldi)
- Swimming goggles (optional)
- Bathers/towels for parentsAdults will be required to wear masks while supervising their child. Children over the age of 12 will be required to wear a mask to and from the beach but may take it off when participating in Nippers.
OTHER INFORMATION
We are a small family based non-competitive club focused on providing a safe environment to learn water skills and have fun.
We are located at Ricketts Point – turn left on entering the main car park, and go all the way along the gravel track (as far as you can drive). There is also foot access from Beach Road (stairs leading down from Beach Rd near Dalgetty St).
Any questions please contact Claire O’Riordan.
Nippers – Under 6’s
In the first session we informally assess the nippers on their ability to successfully:
- Achieve from a standing position in waist deep water perfrom a front glide and recover to a secure position.
- Perform a back float, 15 seconds whilst holding a bouyant aid and recover to a secure position.
Nippers – Under 7’s
In the first session we informally assess the nippers on their ability to successfully:
- Achieve from a standing position in waist deep water perfrom a front glide, kick for 3m and recover to a secure position.
- Perform a back float, 15 seconds whilst holding a bouyant aid and recover to a secure position.
Nippers – Under 8’s
In the first session we informally assess the nippers on their ability to successfully:
- 25m swim (any stroke)
- 1 minute survival float (on back)
Nippers – Under 9’s
In the first session we informally assess the nippers on their ability to successfully:
- 25m swim (any stroke)
- 1 minute survival float (on back)
Nippers – Under 10’s
In the first session we informally assess the nippers on their ability to successfully:
- 25m swim (freestyle/front crawl)
- 1 1/2 minute survival float (on back)
Nippers – Under 11’s
In the first session we informally assess the nippers on their ability to successfully:
- 50m swim (freestyle/front crawl)
- 2 minute survival float (on back)
Nippers – Under 12’s
In the first session we informally assess the nippers on their ability to successfully:
- 100m swim (freestyle/front crawl)
- 3 minute survival float (on back)
Nippers – Under 13’s
In the first session we informally assess the nippers on their ability to successfully:
- 150m swim (freestyle/front crawl)
- 3 minute survival float (on back)
Nippers – Under 14’s
In the first session we informally assess the nippers on their ability to successfully:
- 200m swim (freestyle/front crawl)
- 3 minute survival float (on back)
Nippers FAQs
Nippers FAQs 2022/2023
Hello Nipper Parents and Guardians!
Only 1 more day until our 8 week Nippers Season starts at BLSC and we can not wait!
We are so happy to meet you all, to teach your children some essential water skills and for us all to enjoy one of the best beaches we know. Here’s some details you might be needing for Saturday:
26th November.
Nippers Start Time – 2pm – 3.30
Check In – You will need to QR code at the clubhouse and check in your Nipper with the team, so come down a bit earlier so you can get all the Covid requirements done and out of the way.
Parent Volunteers – make yourself known to the team and we’ll be having a briefing up front before the session to welcome all and explain a few Surf Club things. Please complete the online Age Manager course that Tara sent you last week.
What to wear?
Sunscreen!
Swimmers/wetsuit. If you don’t have a wetty- there are a few at the club you can borrow for the session. Come on down a bit earlier and you can have a look at them.
Nippers vest & cap – for those that have ordered on line – these will be ready for collection from 1.30pm on Saturday at the Clubhouse.
If you’re new and haven’t got one or you’ve grown so much in the last year that yours no longer fits – you’ll need to order one as you have to wear them!
https://quickweb.westpac.com.au/OnlinePaymentServlet3?action=EnterPaymentDetails&communityCode=SLSA&supplierBusinessCode&ActionContextId=nwnyqJWeiF1C_K0XGEyNxw
Caps are $10 and vests are $20.
Nippers Finish time – 3pm (we sometimes run over a little bit because we’re having so much fun)
There are hot showers at the club, so you can rinse off after the session or continue to hang out with your new Nipper friends. To enter the building you will need to show your Vax cert and wear a mask.
See you at the beach!
Nippers FAQs 2021/2022
Hello Nipper Parents and Guardians!
Saturday 26th November 2022 from 1400- 1530
Only 1 more day until our 8 week Nippers Season starts at BLSC and we can not wait!
We are so happy to meet you all, to teach your children some essential water skills and for us all to enjoy one of the best beaches we know. Here’s some details you might be needing for Saturday:
Saturday 8th January.
Nippers Start Time – 2pm
Check In – You will need to QR code at the clubhouse and check in your Nipper with the team, so come down a bit earlier so you can get all the Covid requirements done and out of the way.
Parent Volunteers – make yourself known to the team and we’ll be having a briefing up front before the session to welcome all and explain a few Surf Club things. Please complete the online Age Manager course that Tara sent you last week.
What to wear?
Sunscreen!
Swimmers/wetsuit. If you don’t have a wetty- there are a few at the club you can borrow for the session. Come on down a bit earlier and you can have a look at them.
Nippers vest & cap – for those that have ordered on line – these will be ready for collection from 1.30pm on Saturday at the Clubhouse.
If you’re new and haven’t got one or you’ve grown so much in the last year that yours no longer fits – you’ll need to order one as you have to wear them!
https://quickweb.westpac.com.au/OnlinePaymentServlet3?action=EnterPaymentDetails&communityCode=SLSA&supplierBusinessCode&ActionContextId=nwnyqJWeiF1C_K0XGEyNxw
Caps are $10 and vests are $20.
Nippers Finish time – 3pm (we sometimes run over a little bit because we’re having so much fun)
There are hot showers at the club, so you can rinse off after the session or continue to hang out with your new Nipper friends. To enter the building you will need to show your Vax cert and wear a mask.
See you at the beach!
What time does Nippers start?
2pm on a Saturdays , depending on the numbers that registered we may have slightly staggered start times.
Please arrive on time and BEACH READY (in swimsuit or wetsuit, caps, vest and with sun screen on) as the clubrooms won’t be open until 2021. You will be required to book into your session the day before and meet your group in your allocated area outdoors, check into a QR code and hand sanitise.
All equipment is sanitised at the start of the session, each nipper will received a number and this will be their allocated number for the season, each nippers board also has a number and they should only use this board so there is minimal sharing of equipment.
Parents who are Age Managers will be able to assist in Nippers and others will have to stay on the beach and observe from a distance and listen to directions from our Covid Safety Marshalls.
Does Nippers run through Winter?
No, Nippers runs from January 8th 2022 for 8 weeks.
Can I leave my children at the beach for Nippers and return to collect them?
No, parents or a guardian are required to remain on the beach during nippers, because of COVID parents are asked to observe their children from the viewing area and keep to socially distancing rules (1.5 Meters apart). We are also looking for official COVID Marshalls and Age Managers or those who hold their Bronze Medallion to help; please contact our Nippers Coordinators if you want to help.
Children under the age of 12 must be supervised at all times and accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 years.
Children who cannot yet swim competently must have an adult, parent or guardian within an arms’ reach.
Water Safety Victoria rules apply to all children around any water environment.
Do you mind if we have an alcoholic beverage whilst Nippers is running?
No alcohol is to be consumed on the beach near any Nipper’s programs. We are a very social club and do have social occasions like our welcome picnics and quiz nights where there is the opportunity to have a drink and socialise.
Please find a spot on the beach well away from Nipper’s activities. Or, if you wish to use the bar facilities upstairs you are welcome to drink on the premises during Nipper’s (BYO only). If you wish to use the bar facilities upstairs you are welcome to drink on the premises during Nippers.
How old do my kids need to be to participate in Nippers?
Children must be 5 years of age to commence our Nippers Program. This is a requirement of Surf Life Saving Australia & Life Saving Victoria together with our insurer.
Do my kids need to be able to swim to participate in Nippers?
Most children at five years of age have limited experience around the water, whether they attend formal lessons or not.
We require parents to complete an Age Manager Course and accompany young children when we begin water activities as children who cannot yet swim competently must have an adult, parent or guardian within an arms reach.
Water Safety Victoria rules apply to all children around any water environment. Our smallest Nippers spend time mostly in the shallow water but there are some circumstances where we will encourage them to try new activities with the help of a responsible adult, parent or guardian.
Bringing a wetsuit or bathers and getting involved is a great way to encourage your child to join in the fun.
How can I participate in Nippers in the 2021/22?
Having trained and informed teams on the beach for our Nipper events, makes a huge difference to the quality of our training and the safety of our Nippers. LSV Age Manager / Age Assistant Award Course is for Every Parent who helps out on the beach as Age Assistants. This includes those who are brand new, and those who have been here for a while.
You will need to be a financial member and present your Victorian Working With Children Check as well as completing a quick online Age Managers course
Does Nippers run on Christmas and Public holidays?
Mon – Fri: 8am – 6pm
Sat – Sun: 9am – 1pm
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Beaumaris Life Saving Club recognises the Traditional Country of the Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation in Victoria and extends its respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.