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 25th November 2023. 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 NOVEMBER to MARCH
Renewals (members last season) will Open on Monday 10th October 2023 (details will be emailed closer to the date).
New Members are welcome to attend our Open Day to learn about membership opportunities on Saturday 28th October 2023, 1-3pm. We are looking forward to meeting you!
The Nipper’s program is run by our volunteer Nippers Coordinator with help from qualified lifesavers and Age Managers + Assistants and teaches essential skills such as;
- board paddling;
- swimming;
- survival skills + first aid; and
- water safety in an engaging, fun and active way.
We are not predominantly a competitive club. Whilst we do encourage Nippers who are interested to attend carnivals and are lucky enough to have an ex-olympian in charge of our Sports Program this season – our mission to be as inclusive as possible and teach all children, regardless of ability, essential water safety and first aid skills and a love of caring for our Marine Sanctuary and being custodians of the Sea.
Our program is small, nurturing and tailored to promoting: friendship, fitness and FUN !
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.
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 at the start of the 23/24 season to participate in the program.
2023-24 NIPPERS SEASON
Hello Nipper Parents and Guardians!
We are so happy to meet you all, to teach your children some essential water skills in a caring and nurturing community environment. We are lucky to be able to do this on the shores of a marine sanctuary 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 our nippers season.
Swim Assessment: Saturday 12th Nov 2-4pm – 150 Tulip St, Cheltenham. Compulsory attendance – see Nippers 23/24 FAQ section below.
Nippers begins Saturday 25th Nov 2-3:30pm. 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 require all parents and guardians to have a valid working with children’s check (WWCC), if you do not have one, you can apply here.
Parent Volunteers – make yourself known to the team and we’ll be having a briefing up front before the session to welcome all and for a safety briefing.
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 available here.
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 the first Saturday of Nippers 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 below as you have to wear them!
-
Caps are $10 and vests are $20- they can be purchased here.
Nippers Finish time – 3pm for U6 + 3:30 pm for U7-U12 (we sometimes run over a little bit because we’re having so much fun)
There are hot showers at the club, the staggered finish times are so younger Nippers can use the changing facilities before the older Nippers finish.
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 nippers program runs every week. In case of inclement weather, nippers will not be run on the beach. 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 Volunteer Nipper Coordinators together with our Age Managers/ Assistants.
To run the Nipper program we MUST have enough Age Managers and Assistants, so please consider volunteering for these important roles. Our lifesavers provide water safety for ALL beachgoers and we need the extra help to operate the program.
SIGN IN
Please arrive on time for nippers at 1:45pm to sign in, we begin at 2pm sharp. U6 age group runs until 3pm. U7-12 until 3:30pm.
Hands will be sanitised, and your child will then be signed in by the Age Manager/Assistant 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)- we are also planning to have a wetsuit sale at the start of the season- watch our socials for the date.
- Swimming goggles (optional)
- Bathers/towels for parents and children.
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 Jodie Stevens- Secretary (blscsecretary@gmail.com) or Grace Schirripa- Membership Coordinator (beaumarislscmembership@gmail.com).
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 23/2024
Hello Nipper Parents & Guardians!
Not long until our 23/24 Nippers Season starts at BLSC and we can not wait to welcome you to our exciting NEW PROGAM !
Swim Assessments
These are compulsory this year. Assessment will take place on November 12 2023 at Sandringham Leisure Centre (150 Tulip St, Cheltenham – Swimming Pool Area).
Please attend with your Nippers. Parents are required to stay. If your Nipper cannot attend you will need to contact Kay Davis our Nippers Coordinator and get your child signed off by their swim instructor. Without sign off Nippers won’t be able to take part in water based activities, this is an LSV requirement.
- U6-U7 + U8 will take place from 2-3pm
- U9-U10-U11 + U12 will take place from 3-4pm.
Nippers Season Starts
Our first session starts Saturday 25th November 2023 from 14:00- 15:30. Our Fish and Chip Social starts after Nippers.
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 need.
Nippers Start Time – 2pm U6 finish at 3pm U7-12 finish 3:30pm.
Check In – You will need to check in your Nipper with the team, so come down a bit earlier at 1:45 pm so you can get all the 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 a safety briefing. Please complete the online Age Manager course.
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.
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.
See you at the beach!
What time does Nippers start/FINISH?
2pm on a Saturdays. U6 finish at 3pm and U7-12 finish at 3:30pm. This gives everyone opportunity to use showers + changing facilities.
Please arrive on time to check in from 1:45pm and BEACH READY (in swimsuit or wetsuit, caps, vest and with sun screen on).
Does Nippers run through Winter?
No, Nippers runs from Nov- March.
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.
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 are not strong swimmers must have an adult, parent or guardian within an arms’ reach. Competence will be assessed at the start of the season (see Nippers FAQ 23/24 above).
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. If you are found drinking around our Nippers you will be asked to leave.
Saying that we are a very social club and do have adult only social occasions like our picnic en blanc, where there is the opportunity to have a drink and socialise in our amazing bar area overlooking the beach.
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. LSV has introduced minimum standards for each age category and Nippers will be assessed s the can safely undertake water based activities.
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 who remains at arms length, we aim to provide a safe and nurturing environment for Nippers to improve their confidence and water skills.
Swim Assessments
These are compulsory this year. Assessment will take place on November 12 2023 at Sandringham Leisure Centre (150 Tulip St, Cheltenham – Swimming Pool Area).
Please attend with your Nippers. Parents are required to stay. If your Nipper cannot attend you will need to contact Kay Davis our Nippers + Age Manager Coordinator and get your child signed off by their swim instructor. Without sign off appropriate to their age Nippers won’t be able to take part in water based activities, this is an LSV requirement.
- U6-U7 + U8 will take place from 2-3pm
- U9-U10-U11 + U12 will take place from 3-4pm
Bringing a wetsuit or bathers and getting involved is a great way to encourage your child to join in the fun.
We require parents to complete an Age Manager Course and to accompany their young children when we begin water activities.
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.
How can I participate in Nippers AS A VOLUNTEER/AGE MANAGER in the 2023/24 season?
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. Please email Jodie our Secretary blscsecretary@gmail.com if you’d like to get involved.
We are still looking for volunteers to help run our Sausage Sizzle Saturday each month and a fundraising coordinator to join our friendly Committee.
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?
No Nippers does not 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.