Nippers FAQ

Who manages and runs the Nippers Program? Port Fairy SLSC Nippers is run by volunteers. These volunteers are primarily made up of parents of Nippers and young adult patrollers. The roles at Nippers include: Nipper Co-ordinator - Responsible for program management and communication with Age Managers. Age Managers - Responsible for leading individual Age Group sessions. Assistant Managers and Water Safety - follow the instructions from the Age Manager and assist with Nipper safety and the sessions.

Can I drop my children at nippers and leave? No. It is absolutely necessary that one parent or designated guardian is at the beach during the entire duration of Nippers. This parent or guardian must be a member of our Club and must hold a current WWCC.

How old does my child need to be to join? Children need to be 5 years of age by the opening of the Nipper season in December. Each participant is appointed to an age group based on their age on 30th September for the upcoming season.

I have 3 children and can’t be with all groups at the same time? That is fine. Parents of U6 & U7 children need to be with their group at all times. Parents of U8-14s just need to inform the age manager where they will be if they are not going to be with the group.

How often do I bring my child to the Nipper Program? Our Nipper days are as per the program. We understand that families are busy so the program doesn’t require 100% participation but your child will benefit from regular attendance.

What does my child need at Nippers? A high visibility pink rash vest ($40) and age group cap ($10) are compulsory. These can be purchased from the Club. We also require Nippers to have bathers, water bottle, towel, and sunscreen. Wetsuits are recommended, as children find the sessions more enjoyable when they are warm.

What do children do in Surf Life Saving? Each session for each age group is run according to specific LSV guidelines. Children learn surf lifesaving skills, surf awareness, basic CPR/ first aid skills, plus a range of surf sports including beach sprints, flags, swimming, board paddling and wading. Whilst engaging in these fun activities, they will also intrinsically develop personal and emotional skills.

Is Nippers a learn to swim program? No. Your child will benefit enormously and increase their confidence from exposure to open water activities including swimming and board paddling, however we do not provide specific learn to swim training or stroke correction. This is strongly encouraged to be taken up externally.

What is Twilight Nippers? Twilight Nippers is run on a Friday night. This is necessary sometimes to avoid clashes with other Club events. Twilight Nippers is run the same as other sessions, just at a different time.

My child can’t swim, can they still join Nippers? Children in U6 & U7 can still join Nippers even if they are not proficient in the water (able to swim 50 metres). From U8 upwards children are required to take an annual preliminary evaluation swim and float test. Children U8 and above must provide proof of proficiency (able to swim 50 metres) in order to participate in the Nipper program. Our Age Managers and Water Safety volunteers approach each child with care & will modify water-based activities to suit individual abilities. In some cases, having regard to ability & confidence, children may be directed not to participate in particular water activities where it is deemed unsafe or unsuitable for them to do so.

What can I do to help? There are a range of roles, both on & off the beach, & we encourage all Nipper parents to become involved in our Club. On Nipper days roles can include beach setup/pack down, helping run activities, being an Age Manager, being an age group assistant, providing water safety, helping with merchandise and the bbq. On a Club wide level we have roles in administration, lifesaving, surf sports, education, communication, gear & equipment, patrols, fundraising and so much more. We welcome everyone to enjoy volunteering at our Club.

I see parents with ORANGE and GREEN Rash vests on, what does this mean? All helpers at Nippers must wear a high visibility rash vest. An orange vest means that the individual has their Bronze Medallion qualification and the green rash vest means that the individual does not hold a lifesaving qualification. All helpers must be a current member of our Club. Those over 18 must have their Working with Children Check which includes PFSLSC as an organisation you are involved with, and proof of this must be provided to the Club.

Do I have to buy any equipment? No. All equipment required for the Nippers program is supplied by the Club. Nippers may also use our Nipper boards outside of Nipper sessions times, under supervision from an adult. We ask that care be taken with our gear & equipment so it can be enjoyed by all of our members.

Does the PFSLSC have a code of conduct? The Club has a Code of Conduct that is regularly reviewed and updated by the Board of Directors. The Code of Conduct is available here.

What should my child do if they stray from their Age Group? With so much traffic and colour on the beach, little ones can sometimes end up in the wrong age group or find themselves ‘lost’. Our Colour Age Caps & Age Group Flags help us keep groups together. In the event your child can’t find their group we suggest they speak to an Age Manager, wearing a yellow vest, or a Water Safety helper, wearing an orange or green rashie. Obviously, we ask that parents also keep an eye on their children.

I am new to Nippers and I have an Under 6 joining, what generally happens in U6 & U7? U6 & U7 age groups are about having fun, gaining confidence, learning about the beach & ocean, and developing basic open water skills. U6 & U7s are non-competitive age groups & therefore do not attend carnivals or participate in championship days. Activities incorporate lifesaving skills, teamwork, fun activities & games. These might include beach sprints, relays, flags, wades, boards, dolphin diving, dodge ball and obstacle races. With plenty of opportunity for playing in & enjoying the water, children are able to choose the depth to which they feel comfortable. All are encouraged & given the skills to develop their confidence to go out further as the season progresses.

How much is it to join and is there a family discount? Details on membership can be here. Please note that nippers must join with a parent/carer.

In previous years, we were required to complete a swim assessment, is this required this season? Yes. Every Nipper is required to participate in an annual swim evaluation prior to any junior water activity commencing. This assessment enables Age Managers to be aware of the abilities of the Nippers in their care. We are able to work with less confident children to obtain this proficiency. Children in this scenario would have their water activities limited accordingly until proficiency is achieved.

Why is Port Fairy SLSC Nippers different? Port Fairy SLSC is one of Victoria's largest and most successful Nipper Programs. The success of this program is a result of the many hours of effort by our volunteers. Some of the specific areas that make Port Fairy’s Nipper Program so special includes:

• Shared Experience with your Nipper - We have a program that helps you better share the lifesaving and surf experience with your child.

• Inclusive- We welcome and invite all skill levels.

• Qualities- We pride ourselves on being respectful, adaptable, professional, safety minded, knowledgeable and organised.

How can I become a volunteer? All members of Port Fairy Surf Life Saving Club are volunteers. We rely heavily on parental help to be able to run our Nippers program! We have a lot of fun and it’s a great family friendly environment to be involved in. There are other volunteer roles within the club that may interest you also. You are definitely welcome at the Port Fairy Surf Life Saving Club! Please email nippers@portfairyslsc.com.au for any further questions.