Nippers

Elwood LSC’s Nippers program has concluded for the 2023/24 season.

Registrations for the 2024/25 season will open in August 2024 for returning families and in September 2024 for new families.

What is Nippers?

Nippers is a beach education program that introduces children aged 5-13 to lifesaving.

The program caters for all manner of experience and skill levels. It is about learning new skills, gaining confidence and having fun in a safe beach environment.  For Nippers, the beach is the classroom. They gain confidence through activities such as swimming, board paddling, beach sprinting, dolphin-diving, spotting a rip and having fun with new friends.

Children taking part in Nippers must be at least five years of age as at midnight on September 30.

When is Nippers?

Nippers sessions run each Sunday from 9.15am-10.45am.  Sign in for children starts at 9am.

Nippers and their parents, like all members, can attend training sessions on Monday and Wednesday evenings.

The program commences in November, with 12 sessions typically scheduled through to February.

How do I register?

Elwood LSC’s Nippers program has concluded for the 2023/24 season. Registrations for the 2024/25 season will open in August 2024 for returning families and in September 2024 for new families.

Families who secure a place must complete the following before their child can participate:

• Online membership registration for each family member including parents through the SLSA Members Portal
• All members aged 18 and over including parents must have a current Working with Children Check with Elwood LSC listed as an organisation
• Payment of the relevant membership fee ($150 for family membership)
• Payment of the Nipper program fee ($50 until September 30 after which fee is $60 )
• Nominate at least one parent or carer to help out on the volunteer duty roster.

For details about how to renew or take out a family membership please refer to the following document.

If you do not have a Working with Children Check (WWCC), you can complete an online form and lodge it at Australia Post outlets. The check is free for volunteers. The codes you need to enter in the Organisation Details section of the form are 10 and 42. In this section also complete the details of all clubs that you volunteer with including Elwood LSC, PO Box 43, Elwood, VIC 3184 and Life Saving Victoria, PO Box 353, South Melbourne, VIC 3205.

If you already have a Working with Children Check, you just need to add Elwood LSC and Life Saving Victoria to it. This can be done online also via the Working with Children Check website.

Proficiency testing – Preliminary skills evaluation

Before Nippers can take part in water-based activities they must complete the preliminary skills evaluation relevant to their age group.

These assessments will be held at Harold Holt Pool.

Under 6: Push and glide 1-2m from wall, recover to stand; back float for 15 secs, recover to stand; submerge to retrieve object from bottom of pool with hands in depth of 1m.
Under 7: Push and glide from wall, kick 2-3m, recover to stand; back float for 30 secs, recover to stand; submerge to retrieve object from bottom of pool with hands in depth of 1m.
Under 8: Swim 25m (incl 3-5m underwater); back float for 1min, recover to stand; submerge to retrieve object from bottom of pool with hands in depth of 1m.
Under 9: Swim 50m (any stroke); front to back float 5 secs each side; tread water and/or scull for 1min; submerge to retrieve object from bottom of pool with hands in depth of 1.5m.
Under 10: Swim on front 50m (any stroke); front to back float 5 secs each side; tread water and/or scull for 1min; submerge to retrieve object from bottom of pool with hands in depth of 1.5m.
Under 11: Swim on front 75m (freestyle); front to back float 5 secs each side; tread water and/or scull for 2min; submerge to perform forward or backward roll/somersault, recover to surface, retrieve object from bottom of pool with hands in depth of 1.5m.
Under 12: Swim on front 125m (freestyle); front to back float 5 secs each side; tread water and/or scull for 3min; submerge to perform forward or backward roll/somersault, recover to surface, retrieve object from bottom of pool with hands in depth of 1.8m.
Under 13: Swim on front 150m (freestyle); front to back float 5 secs each side; tread water and/or scull for 3min; submerge to perform forward or backward roll/somersault, recover to surface, retrieve object from bottom of pool with hands in depth of 1.8m.

Uniform collection

Two Nipper uniform days for collection of Nipper caps and purchase of uniforms are held prior to the season.

A coloured age group cap is issued to each Nipper, the cost of which is included in the Nipper Program fee. The coloured age group cap is compulsory for participation at every session.

Pink high visibility vests must be worn by all Nippers when they are taking part in water activities. These vests are compulsory for participation at all sessions including weeknight training and if members want to use equipment outside of supervised sessions.

We also request that Nippers have a long sleeve rashie for sun protection. Club rashies are available for purchase but any style is acceptable.

Your support is vital   

Elwood LSC requires at least one parent or guardian from each Nippers family to join the volunteer duty roster in order to secure their child’s enrolment. The following roles are included in the roster:

• Age group managers: Look after a particular age group. Must have completed or be currently completing the age manager’s course (training is provided by the club).
• Age group assistants: Assist the age manager running the age group. Must complete the SLSA Safeguarding Children and Young People Awareness online course.
• First aid officers: Tend to first aid cases at each session. A current first aid certificate is required for this role.
• Water safety helpers: Provide water safety for the age groups at each session. A current Bronze Medallion or Surf Rescue Certificate is required for this role (courses will be run prior to the season if you don’t currently have these awards).
• Set up and pack up helpers: Assist with setting up the beach and packing everything away after the session.
• BBQ and coffee cart helpers: Assist with preparing and cooking on the BBQ, making coffee and serving customers.
• Merchandise sales: Help sell merchandise at uniform collection days and during weekly sessions.

We also welcome individuals interested in becoming part of the Nippers subcommittee, which is responsible for overseeing the smooth running of the program. The group comprises up to eight people who meet regularly before and during the season.

Communication with families

Elwood LSC uses Stack Team App to communicate with members regarding Nippers and also manage weekly volunteer rosters. Please download the app to your mobile device and add “Elwood LSC”. Please add your children as ‘players’ when you sign up under their age group. If you’re interested in competing request to be added to the competition group also.

Each Nippers session is loaded as an event. We also ask you RSVP on behalf of your children for each week.

Competition training schedules are loaded on Teamapp and all carnivals are loaded as events. If your children are competing please RSVP to the event on their behalf.

For further questions regarding our Nippers program, please contact nippers@elwoodlsc.com.au.