|
Click here for: Family Nipper Data Collection Sheet 2011/2012 Nipper Handbook WSLSC Membership Form Welcome to the Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club Nippers Program for 2011-12. This booklet has combined material from Life Saving Victoria as well as information
from the Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club to assist you throughout the season.
The Nipper program relies solely on volunteers and only succeeds through parental
involvement.
We look forward to seeing you on a regular basis on the beach and hope you enjoy
the nipper experience this year.
Please feel free to contact us anytime if you have any queries. 
WARRNAMBOOL NIPPER MANAGEMENT TEAM Contacts: Life Saving Victoria: www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au (Kate Comer)
Warrnambool SLSC Website: www.warrnamboolslsc.org.au WARRNAMBOOL NIPPER PROGRAMNipper Program: What is it? This program focuses on instilling the children with the necessary skills, confidence
and knowledge to enjoy the beach environment safely. The program covers the
many activities associated with Surf Lifesaving as well as developing fitness, surf
awareness and teamwork. Activities include beach running, flags, surf swimming,
surfing and board paddling all conducted in a fun, friendly and safe environment. The
Nipper Program caters for all levels of skill and experience. Nippers just need to bring
along their enthusiasm and energy!
All kids aged from 7 to under 14 welcome.
The Nipper program acts as a stepping-stone for our juniors to become lifesavers
whilst promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
The 2001/2012 Nipper Program starts Saturday 26th of November 2011 - Saturdays 10:00 am - 11:45 am The first key date is Sunday November 20 (10AM) for the Pool Proficiency Test at the Warrnambool College pool. To help streamline this morning we have arranged with: · Aquazone (Jo Wilkinson)· South Coast Junior Aquatics (Leanne Primmer)· Splash Factory (Jayson Lamb/Deanne Bourke)that potential nippers can be signed off by their swim instructors at these three swim schools during the course of their swimming / squad lessons. Please note that your child's instructor may not be aware of this arrangement. If not please see the swim schools coordinators (as listed above). These swim schools have been issued with the distance requirements for each age group and 'sign off' forms.Again this year the S Badge (a requirement if your nipper wants to compete at either Cosy Corner, Regional's or States) will be offered on a voluntary basis. In other words if your nipper doesn't want to compete in any of these carnivals then they don't have to get their S Badge. For those nippers who want to compete at these carnivals then the S Badge assessment is scheduled for Sunday November 27 (time: 11.00AM for nippers). We cannot guarantee a second S Badge assessment time will be available.With regard to the WSLSC Membership Form and Nipper Family Data Request sheet, we would appreciate their return on Sunday 20 November at the Pool Proficiency Test. Even if you have had your nipper assessed earlier at one of the three participating swim schools, we would still like to have these forms returned, with payment, on this day. The cost to a nipper is $45 WSLSC Membership and $35 Nipper Program Fee (a total of $80). There may be benefits in a family membership and these can be discussed with club Treasurer, Mrs Anne Kerr, on the 20th. Of course if you have any questions just email or call me. The WSLSC look forward to your families involvement in the club and in particular the nipper program. Cheers,Alan Aulsebrook (M: 0408 514303)On Behalf of the WSLSC Nipper Committee
Important Information for Parents
• The Nipper Program begins on the beach at 10:00 am sharp.
• All Nippers must wear the club cap in all sessions. New members can
purchase caps for $10 from the Nipper Uniform Officer. Optional club rash tops
and club bathers are available to order from 9:30 to 10:30am on Nipper
mornings.
• Age Managers will take a roll at the start and end of each session and will
conduct a short briefing to pass on any relevant information.
• Nippers are not permitted to leave the beach during the session unless
accompanied by a parent/guardian.
• Parents must notify Age Managers if they are removing their child from the
group before the scheduled finish time.
• Nippers will be placed in their age group according to their date of birth.
Nippers will not be permitted to change groups to be with friends. Age is
calculated as of 30th September. (see table below)
• Parents are expected to assist with the running of the program. In
particular we require parents for assistance with beach activities, water
activities, surf education, barbeques and as duty parents.
• It is the responsibility of parents to ensure Nippers are Sun Smart and well
hydrated while on the beach. It is strongly advisable that Nippers wear a
wetsuit to protect against cold conditions.
• A sausage sizzle is occasionally held at the end of a Nipper session. This is a
great time to socialise and meet other members of the club. Parental assistance
with this BBQ is also required.
NOTE: AT TIMES NIPPERS WILL BE PHOTOGRAPHED FOR CLUB USE ONLY. IF
YOU HAVE ANY OBJECTIONS PLEASE SEE THE MANAGEMENT TEAM
Paperwork required:
A membership form needs to be completed which must be signed by both the junior
member and parents/guardians. This will be sent to LSV so you are recorded as a
financial member and will cover your child for insurance purposes.
The WSLSC medical form is also required to be completed. This form is confidential
and kept by the Nipper Management Team in case of an emergency and the parent/s
is not available.
Use of nipper boards after Nipper sessions:
Boards are available to nippers for one hour after session if a Nipper Committee
member is available to handout and collect boards. Parent/Guardian MUST sign out
and in the equipment and MUST be fully responsible for their child's safety.
THERE WILL BE NO WATER SAFETY OFFICERS
PROVIDED AT THESE TIMES.
AGE CALCULATION The age group that your child is calculated to be in is the age they are as at the 30th
September. Therefore if your child was 11 on the 30th September (turned 12 on 5th
October) he/she is in the under 12 age group (even though they are 12). This
birthday is considered to be a lucky day in surf.
- Under 8 born between October 1st 2003 - September 30th 2004
- Under 9 born between October 1st 2002 - September 30th 2003
- Under 10 born between October 1st 2001 - September 30th 2002
- Under 11 born between October 1st 2000 - September 30th 2001
- Under 12 born between October 1st 1999 - September 30th 2000
- Under 13 born between October 1st 1998 - September 30th 1999
- Under 14 born between October 1st 1997 - September 30th 1998
Junior Preliminary Skills Assessment:
To maintain safety and lifesaving standards, Surf Life Saving Australia has set a
standard of competency that nippers must achieve before being eligible to enter the
water during Nipper Program (Preliminary Evaluation) and to compete at carnivals
(Competition Evaluation - S Badge)
Age Group | Preliminary Evaluation | S Badge | Surf Education | Under 8 | 25m Swim (any stroke) 1 minute survival float | Nil
(no water competition, except for wade which
takes place in waist deep water) Surf Aware 1 | Under 9 | 25m swim (any stroke) 1 minute survival float | Minimum 150m open water swim
(competition course as per competition manual) | Surf Aware 2 | Under 10 | 25m swim (freestyle)
1.5 minute survival float | Minimum 150m open water swim
(competition course as per competition manual) | Surf Safe 1 | Under 11 | 50m swim (freestyle)
2 minute survival float | Minimum 288m open water swim
(competition course as per competition manual) | Surf Safe 2
Basic/Resuscitation* | Under 12 | 100m swim (freestyle)
2 minute survival float | Minimum 288m open water swim
(competition course as per competition manual) | Surf Smart 1 * Basic Resuscitation | Under 13 | 150m swim (freestyle) 3 minute survival float | Minimum 288m open water swim
(competition course as per competition manual) | Surf Smart 2
Basic/Resuscitation* | Under 14 | 200m swim (freestyle in less that 5 minutes) 3 minute survival float | Minimum 288m open water swim
(competition course as per competition manual) | Life Saving Star * |
Preliminary and Competition Evaluation (S Badge) Rules:
• All nippers must achieve the Preliminary Evaluation in order to participate in
any water events during the nipper sessions or at competitions.
• All competing nippers are required to complete an annual Competition
Evaluation - (S Badge). This evaluation will take place Sunday Dec 5.
NB: Both tests shall be valid until December 31st the following year
• Competitors not displaying "S Badge" Proficiency patch will not be permitted to
compete at junior carnivals.
* Basic Emergency Care/Resuscitation Certificate and Surf Rescue Certificate -
Contact Chief Instructor - Ben Logan Parental involvement and support... we need you!
The Nipper program relies solely on volunteers. Approximately 45 parents are
needed for each session to run the program.
Principle roles needed:
Please contact the Nipper Coordinator if you can help in any way.
Bronze Medallion for Parents
Each year we offer the Surf Life Saving Bronze Medallion course to parents. This is a
great opportunity for you to improve your fitness and develop your understanding of
surf and lifesaving skills. You never know when you might need them! The program
ensures that we continue to have a group of parents who are qualified to run water
activities each year.
Contact: Chief Instructor - Ben Logan
Age Managers
Responsible for the overall safety and wellbeing of the age group. Deliver the
program in a supportive environment where nippers can learn, develop skills and
have fun. Life Saving Victoria requires Age Managers to complete an accredited
course. Contact Age Manager Coordinator.
The fluorescent green vests easily identify Age Managers.
Age Group flag colours:
- Under 8 Light Blue flag
- Under 9 Purple / Maroon flag
- Under 10 Yellow flag
- Under 11 White flag
- Under 12 Dark Blue flag
- Under 13 & 14 Black flag
Use of Club Equipment:
It is every nipper's responsibility to take care of nipper equipment they use while at
the Club or in competition. Throughout the Nipper program all nippers will be given
advice on how to care for equipment.
Importantly nippers should remember that boards must be carried, not
dragged, and need to be hosed down to remove excess sand before being
put away in the Nipper board room.
Many nippers wish to use equipment outside the Nipper program. We endeavour to
make time for nipper members to access the equipment, but please bear in mind that
all members involved with running the Nipper Program are volunteers.
Information regarding times that equipment will be available will be posted on the
Nipper noticeboard and through the Club Newsletter in the near future. Parents need
to sign a form accepting responsibility for their children using Club equipment.
For more information, or equipment issues please see
the Nipper Program Maintenance Officers.
|
Nippers 