NIPPERS
What is Nippers?
The Nipper Program (or Junior Activities) is Surf Life Saving for children. At Broadbeach, we offer a program for both boys and girls between 6 and 13 years (we now take under 6 and under 7)
Aim of Program
The objective of the program is to educate the children on aquatic safety and awareness, provide fitness skills, awareness and skills in Surf Life Saving competition, first aid and resuscitation. While competition is an important element, the surf safety and awareness is the primary aim. Children are taught how to respect the surf, read the surf and use the surf to their advantage. This is done in an environment of fun, healthy lifestyle and camaraderie which is unique to Surf Life Saving.
Age Groups
Age is taken as at 30 September each year. If a child turns 10 on or before September 30, he or she would be in the Under 11 age group for the whole of that season
Qualifications
Before a child is allowed to participate in any water event or activity (ie. an event where they would be in water out of their depth) they are required to take a proficiency check.
This consists of:
- 200 metre swim in still water (usually done in the local pool) to a specific time (varies by age group);
- a supervised run / swim / run over the swim course distance.
*Children who cannot pass the minimum proficiency are limited to beach and wade events only and cannot enter carnivals.
Children with disabilities are welcome but in some cases a Doctor's letter will be requested stating that the child is capable of undertaking certain events or activities. In all cases, the child would not be expected to participate in any event or activity where the disability might cause danger to the child.
Surf Ed Program
The Surf Ed Program is a series of graded lessons and activities for each age group which introduces children to the surf environment and then builds on that knowledge each year. Each Club is responsible for training children for the Surf Ed Program and for conducting the practical and knowledge tests associated with it.
POOL PROFICIENCY DISTANCES AND TIMES
Under 6- Kick of wall with face in the water plus 30 sec float
Under 7- torpedo off wall plus 30 second float
Under 8- 50 metre swim plus a one minute float
Under 9- 50 metre swim plus a one minute float
Under 10- 100 metre swim plus one and a half minute float
Under 11- 100 metre swim plus two minute float
Under 12- 200 metre swim plus two minute float
Under 13- 300 metre swim plus three minute float
Under 14- 400 metre swim plus three minute float
Sign on Day
First Day of Activities
Dates to be confirmed
© Broadbeach SLSC 2010