INFORMATION GUIDE 2021 2022 Floreat Surf Life Saving Club

www.floreatslsc.com.au

INFORMATION GUIDE 2021 – 2022 Floreat Surf Life Saving Club

http://nipperswa.com.au/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=footer&utm_campaign=nippers20

2021/2022 Woodside Nipper Information Guide • Floreat Surf Life Saving Club Page 2

CONTENTS

KEY CONTACTS .................................................... 3

AGE GROUP MANAGERS .................................... 4

YOUTH COMMITTEE MEMBERS Error! Bookmark not defined.

MEMBERSHIP ....................................................... 5

WOODSIDE NIPPER AGE GROUPS ....................... 6

FIRST UP – Pool Proficiency Swim ...................... 7

WOODSIDE NIPPERS ON SUNDAYS .............. Error! Bookmark not defined.

PARENT COMMUNICATIONSError! Bookmark not defined.

WOODSIDE NIPPERS SAFETY ............................... 9

AGE GROUP MANAGERS(AGM’S) .................... 10

WHAT TO WEAR / BRING ................................ 11

UNIFORMS ......................................................... 11

LOST PROPERTY ................................................. 11

AGE GROUP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW ......................................................... 12

WHAT TO EXPECT AT NIPPERS .......................... 13

COACHING ......................................................... 14

EQUIPMENT RULES ............................................ 11

COMPETITION .................................................... 14

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

AND SUPPORT ..... Error! Bookmark not defined.

MEMBER SAFETY .. Error! Bookmark not defined.

INCIDENT RESPONSE ......................................... 12

FLOREAT SURF LIFE SAVING..... Error! Bookmark not defined.

CLUB ROOMS ....... Error! Bookmark not defined.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT .. Error! Bookmark not defined.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ...................... 17

COMMUNICATION AND ..................................... 18

USEFUL LINKS .................................................. 18

A WELCOME MESSAGE Welcome to Floreat Surf Life Saving Club’s Woodside Nipper programme for 2021 – 2022 season. The Woodside Nipper Information Guide has been developed to give you an overall insight into what Woodside Nippers is like at Floreat SLSC. Whether you are a newly joined member with little or no knowledge of our Club; an up-and-coming Cadet from the Floreat Woodside Nippers; or requiring further information the Club, this Information Guide contains valuable information for your involvement in our surf lifesaving movement. We hope this points you in the right direction, however for more detail please speak to us on the beach or any Committee Member. An informed member has the ability to make the right decisions about the path they would like to follow within the surf lifesaving movement. We trust that you will find the Woodside Nipper Information Guide both informative and helpful, and hope you enjoy a long and rewarding membership with Floreat Surf Life Saving Club.

Michael Brooks

Director of Youth Services


KEY CONTACTS All regular communication is via TeamApp. You can download it via the App Store or Google Play

The first point of contact for most enquiries is our Club Office.

Club Office Contact Phone Email Ros Blair - Club Manager 9385 9370 [email protected]

Venue Hire 9385 9370 [email protected]

Management Team Position Name Email President Cathy McIntyre [email protected]

Directors of Youth Michael Brooks [email protected]

Director of Lifesaving John King [email protected]

Director of Administration Thierry Chabanne [email protected]

Director of Finance Scott Harvey [email protected]

Director of Competition Karla Pavlinovich [email protected]

Director of Education Anne Ranson [email protected]

Club Officers Position Name Email Registrar Kerry Yates [email protected]

Cadet Coordinator Daichi Ito [email protected]

Nipper Coordinators Kerry Yates [email protected]

Member Protection Officer Anne Ranson [email protected]

Lifesaving Officer Hannah Thornton [email protected]

Patrol Officer Samantha McIntyre [email protected]

Radio Officer John King [email protected]

Equipment, IRB & Vehicle Officer Gavin Allaway [email protected]

Social Co-Ordinator Guylaine O’Donoghue [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


















AGE GROUP MANAGERS – [To be confirmed] Age Group Managers will communicate with parents via the TeamApp to keep you informed of upcoming events, plans for the weekend, Beach set up/pack up, canteen duties, upcoming training and general info.

U6 Pink Lance Perry

U7 White Paul Knottenbelt

U8 Yellow Misha Elliott

Robert Tyrrell

U9 Green CJ Stojsavljevic

Rebecca Lang (Cadet AM)

Ruby Marsh (Cadet AM)

U10 Light Blue David Monaghan

Rod Greedy

David Blizzard

Meg Hobson

U11 Purple Justin Nash

Chris Dark

Jason Papps

Jemima Crosby

U12 Blue Sadahiro Ito

Adam Eley

U13 Red Tim Hills

Digby Short

CADETS

Starfish Nippers Mitch Cleasby

Karin Burril


IMPORTANT DATES Sunday 17 October 2021 Age Managers Info Session at Floreat SLSC (Age Managers and interested parents)

Sunday 24 October 2021 Nippers Proficiency Pool Swim at Hale School Pool between 9am and 10.45am

Sunday 31 October 2021 Nippers commences on the beach at 8.45am

Sunday 20 March 2022 Nippers End of Year Awards Presentation

Note that unlike some clubs, Floreat runs all age groups for the entire duration of the season. This offers the greatest opportunity for kids to learn surf skills. We are focussed on participation and realise younger age groups will find conditions unsuitable on some days, so we expect that some age groups will finish early. Parents or guardians need to be present on the beach at all times.

There is No Nippers on public holiday weekends or during the Christmas period (Dec 26, Jan 2, Mar 6)

MEMBERSHIP What your Woodside Nipper membership gives you:

● Sunday Woodside Nipper Day activities 8.45 until 11 am late October to late March

● Under 6, Under 7 and Starfish Nippers finish time will vary based on conditions

● Access to Club facilities, club social and sundowner events and gym membership

● Use of Club Boards (Body Boards, Nipper Soft “Foamies” and Epoxy Boards, Full Sized Racing Boards)

● Presentation of trophies & participation medals, and a visit from Santa on the beach!

● Training for accompanying adults in the Nipper Rescue Certificate

● Insurance cover for all approved Surf Life Saving & Club training activities

● Opportunity to participate in competitions against other Clubs throughout WA including competition training

As part of the Woodside partnership with Surf Life Saving Western Australia, every Woodside Nipper (U6 to U13) will be given a:

● mesh sling bag

● high-vis vest and age group cap to be worn at Nippers

● wide-brim hat


WOODSIDE NIPPER AGE GROUPS Woodside Nippers are placed in an age group that is determined by the child’s age as at 30 September each year. The education program for each age group works towards the Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), Age Group Certificate listed below. To easily identify our Woodside Nipper age groups, we have different cap colours

DATE OF BIRTH SLSA AGE GROUP CAP COLOUR AGE GROUP CERTIFICATE

30 Sept 2014 to 1 Oct 2015 Under 6 Pink Surf Play 1

30 Sept 2015 to 1 Oct 2014 Under 7 White Surf Play 2

30 Sept 2014 to 1 Oct 2013 Under 8 Yellow Surf Aware 1

30 Sept 2013 to 1 Oct 2012 Under 9 Green Surf Aware 2

30 Sept 2012 to 1 Oct 2011 Under 10 Light Blue Surf Safe 1

30 Sept 2011 to 1 Oct 2010 Under 11 Purple Surf Safe 2

30 Sept 2010 to 1 Oct 2009 Under 12 Dark Blue Surf Smart 1

30 Sept 2009 to 1 Oct 2008 Under 13 Red Surf Smart 2

30 Sept 2008 on Cadets N/A SRC or higher

Please note, the Woodside Nippers Program is not a learn to swim program. We strongly encourage your child to attend swim lessons. Being confident swimming in a pool contributes immensely to being confident swimming in the ocean. Under 6 and Under 7 Age Groups generally do not use (body) boards unless conditions are ideal.

First Step – Registration To register your child for Woodside Nippers go to www.floreatslsc.com.au/membership

Additional information is also available at www.nipperswa.com.au

Note that an adult member is required per family.

When signing up as a member, parents should use the same email address they wish to use for all club communication via TeamApp. If you already have a TeamApp account, it helps to use the same email address.

If you have any questions please email or call the Registrar or Club Manager.

If one parent plans to be an active member (such as doing their NRC, Age Managing or Coaching) it is best they are the adult member.

http://www.floreatslsc.com.au/membership

http://www.nipperswa.com.au/


Second Step – TeamApp (Club Communications) Floreat SLSC uses TeamApp for all communications with members.

Parents can either download the App from the App Store or Google Play or logon to the TeamApp website: www.teamapp.com/clubs/496857

Once set up, parents, if they wish, can add an email address for their children (including Nippers) and a second email for another parent/guardian. This allows the club to communicate to you and your child/youth easily.

New members will receive an email from TeamApp inviting them to join. If you have an existing TeamApp membership you can search for “Floreat Surf Lifesaving Club” and request to join.

Your Age Manager has admin rights and will ensure you are receiving all the information. Our TeamApp site includes: Chat Group, Schedule, Events, Nipper Documentation, Events, a Store and all club information.

You can subscribe to the Nippers Schedule and it will “sync” with your calendar, so you will never miss when Woodside Nippers is on. For any further information speak to your Age Manager.

Age Manager Info Session Age Managers and interested parents are invited to attend our information session on Sunday 17 October at 9.30am. The info session updates Age Managers on plans for the season, any new requirements and is a chance to socialise. Parents are welcome to attend, especially if they are interested in becoming an Age Manager, trainer, coach or supporting the administration of Woodside Nippers.

Age Managers follow the syllabus and lesson plans provided by SLSWA, tailored for conditions and capabilities.

Nippers First Event - Pool Proficiency Swim The Preliminary Evaluations are in place to ensure that participants are able to meet the safety requirements of the Woodside Nippers Program (this is a requirement of SLSA and is compulsory for all ages). It also helps Age Managers understand the capability of each Nipper before they are on the beach in more challenging conditions. The evaluations consist of a swim/glide and a survival float component to a standard appropriate to their age (see the table below).

If a Nipper misses the scheduled pool proficiency swim, they cannot participate in water-based activities until they have demonstrated their ability to their Age Manager. This can sometimes be difficult to do at the beach, depending on conditions. If your Nipper misses the pool proficiency swim at the start of the season and attends a swim school please provide the Age Manager with a completed evaluation by their swimming teacher. Forms are available from TeamApp: https://www.teamapp.com/clubs/496857/documents/959358?_detail=v1 .

What does your Woodside Nipper need to bring to the pool? Woodside Nippers will require their bathers and goggles are recommended. It normally takes less than 5 minutes to complete and Nippers can attend anytime between 9am and 10.45am.

The Proficiency Swim will be Sunday 24 October at the Hale Aquatic Centre, Hale School, 160 Hale Road, Wembley Downs. Woodside Nippers can attend anytime between 09.00am to 10.45am.

If your child is unable to attend, please contact the Age Group Manager.

http://www.teamapp.com/clubs/496857

https://www.teamapp.com/clubs/496857/documents/959358?_detail=v1


AGE GROUP SWIM DISTANCE FLOAT

Under 6

From a standing position in waist deep water,

perform a front glide & recover to a secure position.

Perform a back or front float holding a buoyant aid & recover to a secure position.

Under 7

From a standing position in waist deep water, perform a front glide, kick for 3m and recover

to a secure position.

Perform a back or front float for a few seconds and recover to a secure position.

Under 8 25m swim (any stroke) 1-minute survival float

Under 9 25m swim (any stroke) 1-minute survival float

Under 10 25m swim (freestyle) 1 ½ minute survival float

Under 11 50m swim (freestyle) 2-minute survival float



Competition Evaluation (Carnivals) To maintain safety and lifesaving standards, SLSA has set a minimum standard of proficiency that Junior Activities Members (Woodside Nippers) must achieve before being eligible to compete in interclub carnivals (see below).

Age Group Managers will arrange these competency tests at the pool to ensure participants are on track to pass and will repeat at the beach as the swim must be conducted in open water.

AGE GROUP SWIM DISTANCE TIME

Under 8 100m open water swim Less than 9 minutes






Woodside Nippers Sundays The Floreat Woodside Nipper surf season runs from 31 October 2021 to 13 March 2022 with a break for the Christmas period and Public Holiday Weekends. Arrive between 8.30 and 8.40am to commence at 8.45 and finish at 11am (depending on your age group and conditions).

Note that the Pool Proficiency Swim is on Sunday 24 October 2021 and we hold an Awards ceremony on Sunday 20 March 2022.

On Club day:

● Assemble on the beach near your age group coloured flag where your Age Manager will be waiting, at least 5 minutes before the start time of 8.45am ready for activities

● Ensure your child already has sunscreen applied, a towel, water bottle and googles if they like

● Age Group Managers will call a roll and mark off an attendance sheet and hand out coloured caps.

● Woodside Nippers will rotate through activities (Swim, Boards, Flags, Education).

● At least 1 parent or guardian must be on the beach at all times for safety

The Club offers a sausage sizzle on Sunday mornings from 11am. Any funds raised through the sausage sizzle goes back to the Club. We now accept cash and cards at the sausage sizzle!

On Sundays we proceed in almost all conditions. If it is too cold, then we complete indoor activities. If it is too rough, we do more activities on the beach. Any cancellation will be communicated via TeamApp and social media


PARENT INVOLVEMENT We need the help of every family to share the workload so that we can continue to maintain a high standard and an enjoyable environment for everyone. Running a successful Club of this size only comes from the ongoing commitment of volunteers and help offered by parents, including:

● As a parent or guardian, you are always REQUIRED to be at the beach during Sunday activities and mid-week training sessions if your child takes part in these. Your child remains your responsibility. Medication, trips to the toilet and the individual welfare of each child is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

● U6 and U7 Nipper parents always need to be with the age group this is to help with added water safety and support for younger children

Each Sunday morning parents and Woodside Nippers will need to CARRY boards from the top of the track to the trailers on the beach and return then to the wash down area at the top of the track at the end of the day.

BOARDS ARE FRAGILE – PLEASE CARRY DO NOT DRAG, PUT BOARDS ON CONCRETE OR LEAN

AGAINST FENCES

SUNDAY ROSTER DUTIES Age Groups are rostered to assist with the activities below:

Age Group Roster 2021-2022 Pool 24-Oct-21 Prof Swim

Week 1 31-Oct-21 Grey SRC U14

Week 2 7-Nov-21 Red U13

Week 3 14-Nov-21 Blue U12

Week 4 21-Nov-21 Purple U11

Week 5 28-Nov-21 Lt Blue U10

Week 6 5-Dec-21 Green U9

Week 7 12-Dec-21 Yellow U8

Week 8 19-Dec-21 White U7 & Pink U6

Week 9 9-Jan-22 Grey SRC U14

Week 10 16-Jan-22 Red U13

Week 11 23-Jan-22 Blue U12

Week 12 30-Jan-22 Purple U11

Week 13 6-Feb-22 Lt Blue U10

Week 14 13-Feb-22 Green U9

Week 15 20-Feb-22 Yellow U8

Week 16 27-Feb-22 White U7 & Pink U6

Week 17 13-Mar-22 Grey SRC U14

Awards 20-Mar-22 Nipper Pres Day

The duties are divided into 4 tasks, you Age Manager will assign you to the tasks:

Beach Set Up 7.45am

Beach Set Up will meet your Age Manager at the club at 7.45am to set up the Beach Arenas. The Age Managers will open the sheds. The tasks include:

• Taking trailers to the beach, setting up the first aid tent, filling ice and water containers, marking out the arenas with cones and flags, putting out signs, laying the cans out for the IRB drivers, getting out boards for training, putting out lost property containers, putting up Floreat feathers at the club office

• Setting the bbq and tent up on the balcony

Beach Pack Up and Wash Down 10.50am Meet your Age Manager at the Nipper Trailer on the Beach at 10.50am to start packing up the equipment. Activities include: ● Washing sand off all equipment, re-packing the trailers

for next weekend, bringing all gear back up to the sheds, making sure parents and Nippers carry boards back up to the washdown area and putting trailers back in the sheds

● Making sure damaged boards have a RED tag put on them

Canteen 9-10.30 and 10.30-11.30am The Canteen roster is divided into 2 shifts, 1 at 9-10.30am and one 10.30am until 11.30. This includes: ● Cutting rolls, cooking sausages, selling food and drinks

and then clean up afterwards.

First-Aid Tent If you have your first-aid qualification, are a nurse, doctor or paramedic, you can assist on Sunday with Nipper Activities. Please liaise with the Nipper co-ordinator if you are willing to provide this kind of support.

The first aid tent provides basic first-aid, common ailments include chaffing, stingers and bumps/strains. For more complicated first-aid we utilise the patrol.

Water Safety Water safety personnel spend their time monitoring Nippers in the water/shoreline on Sunday Mornings.

Floreat SLSC maintains a dedicated Beach Patrol and IRB (inflatable rescue boat) Patrol during Sunday Club days to monitor safety for all age groups. These volunteers are all Bronze Medallion or Surf Rescue Certificate qualified and are focused on assisting the AGM’s in providing a safe environment for all participants.

You will need to have either a current Nipper Rescue Certificate (NRC), Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion to provide water safety. Check with the Office for details of upcoming courses and requirements, including annual requalification.

On Club days parents who are suitably qualified are to provide water safety for water activities.

● Sign into the water safety register at the nipper Trailer and wear the correct Water Safety Vest (Pink for NRC, Orange or SLSWA Uniform for higher awards)

Without the presence of water safety, the Club will not provide aquatic activities for the children.


Nipper Rescue Certificate The NIPPER RESCUE CERTIFICATE (NRC) is a great introductory 2-hour course designed for parents or older siblings who would like to provide water safety for Woodside Nippers! The course is free for members and allows you to count towards our water safety ratio and get in the water with your child.

Training involves a short swim, learning how to use a tube and familiarisation with surf conditions and signals. NRC parents are not permitted to use Rescue Boards.

The course is normally run at 9 – 11am on Sunday’s. The first 2 are scheduled for 7 Nov and 28 Nov.

The NRC needs to be completed ANNUALLY!

AGE GROUP MANAGERS(AGM’S) AGM’s are all volunteers. Please consider joining and assisting in this important function. Note that there is 2 on-line courses to complete to become an AGM and then we pair you with a mentor. Please contact the Youth Director or an Age Manager to find out more.

AGM’s are allocated to each age group and are responsible for organising and conducting various activities as per the programs developed by SLSWA. The responsibilities of an AGM are as follows:

● Encourage children to participate, enjoy, co-operate and complete all activities safely

● Instruct the children towards the requirements of the Surf Education Program

● Organise Nippers at carnivals

● Keep weekly records of each child’s attendance

● Keep the children and parents informed

● Ensure the children in the age group are aware of and encourage sun protection.

WOODSIDE NIPPERS SAFETY ● All Woodside Nippers must have a parent/ guardian

on the beach/surrounds throughout the session and

be on hand to assist your child in the event of an

incident or injury or to use the bathroom.

● Woodside Nippers must always stay with their Age

Group Managers.

● If Woodside Nippers must leave their group (e.g. to

go to the toilet etc.), the Age Group Manager must

be informed prior to them leaving and they must be

accompanied by a parent/guardian

● No Woodside Nipper is to enter the water unless

authorised by the Age Group Manager

● U6 and U7s must always have a parent/guardian

remain with the age group as parents will be

needed to assist

• Woodside Nippers are not to leave the Club/ surrounds until collected by an adult and checked off the attendance roll. Failure to sign your child out may result in the closure of the beach and a search being carried out to find them.

● Club caps are to be removed at the end of the session and handed to the Age Group Managers.

● Once Woodside Nippers have been checked off the attendance roll and removed their Club caps, any Woodside Nippers re-entering the water are the responsibility of their parents/guardians

● All Woodside Nippers must wear the supplied Hi-Viz vest at all sanctioned Club activities, including Club days, training sessions and competitions.

● If it is unsafe to enter the water for any reason, we do land-based activities instead.

● Water Safety ratios meet or exceed the standards set by SLSWA but if you see anything unsafe then tell any of the Age Managers, Water Safety or Life Savers on the beach.


WHAT TO WEAR / BRING ● Woodside Nipper high visibility rash vest is

compulsory

● Club bathers and goggles are recommended

● Sunscreen (applied before getting to the beach), hat, towel and water bottle are essential

● Warm clothing for cool days and SunSmart clothing for hot days.

● Wetsuit/rash vests are optional and encouraged for younger age groups

Whilst we encourage members to wear Club bathers, it is not compulsory. Appropriate swimwear includes Speedos, skins, boardshorts for boys and one piece or two-piece bathers or board shorts and vest for girls.

If your child is prone to feeling the cold, feel free to have them wear a wetsuit or bring a jumper, even on “good” days.

UNIFORMS If your Woodside Nipper is interested in competing, then it is a requirement of SLSWA that they were a competition uniform and hi-viz vest.

Floreat SLSC competition uniform is a Club cap with Club bathers. Club apparel can be purchased from the “Floreat Surf Shop” which is located at the front of the main Club building. The shop is open on Sunday mornings during the Surf Club season from 8.30am to 12pm.

LOST PROPERTY Please label your children’s belongings with a black permanent marker preferably on a part of your item that can be seen when worn e.g. on their sun hat and Hi-Viz vest.

There is a lost property container in Nipper shed which is also made available on Sunday mornings.

EQUIPMENT RULES Our Club enjoys access to outstanding resources. Floreat provides all equipment necessary to train and compete. There are a few key rules relating to the use of Club equipment:

• All Equipment is found in the Nipper’s trailers which is taken down to the beach as part of beach setup

• Equipment is not to be removed from the shed under any circumstances without prior permission from AGM’s, Youth Directors or to the Competition Director. Boards with a yellow or red tag are not to be used.

• The “beach crew” are responsible for ensuring the equipment is washed down and free of sand and put back in the trailer.

• Do NOT drag boards on the ground

● Boards taken offsite need to be approved by the Youth Directors or the Competition Director and signed in/out of the board register.

● Please immediately report any damage to your Age Manager, Youth Directors or the Competition Director. This prevents water damage, making repairs much easier!

● Damaged boards need to be tagged with a RED “Not in Use” tag

PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOURS Floreat will strive to provide a safe environment for everyone involved in SLS, take an inclusive approach in its activities and ensure the safety and wellbeing of their Members and Children or Young People in particular.

SLSWA’s policies on Member Protection:

https://www.mybeach.com.au/members/member-

protection/

● Volunteers may be required to undertake a Working With Children Check

● AGMs must complete the “Safeguarding Children and Young People Awareness” Course: SLSA Members Area

https://www.mybeach.com.au/members/member-protection/

https://www.mybeach.com.au/members/member-protection/

https://members.sls.com.au/SLSA_Online/modules/login/index.php

https://members.sls.com.au/SLSA_Online/modules/login/index.php


PHOTOGRAPHY ● Floreat uses volunteers to take photos and videos

at Woodside Nipper events and makes these photos available via TeamApp to registered members allocated to Nipper Age Groups and Board members. Parents are free to access these and request higher resolution copies.

● If a child is wearing a GREEN wrist band (available for $5 from the Club Office) then they are not to be photographed.

● Parents are permitted to take photos and videos but are requested not to post these to any social media platforms or make them publicly available if they feature the image of other children and you do not have that child’s permission.

● Parents can post photos to TeamApp also and share them amongst their Age Group on TeamApp which ensures everyone respects each other’s privacy.

INCIDENT RESPONSE In the event of an incident, such as a missing person, there is a response that that all members should be aware of.

On Sunday Woodside Nipper days, in an emergency, Water Safety or the Patrol Captain will raise the alarm by sounding the siren. This is the signal for all Woodside Nippers and Water Safety to return to shore.

Woodside Nippers are to assemble for roll call at their age group flag. Parents must allow the Age Group Managers to complete roll calls before listening for further instructions.

Water Safety members are to head to the Woodside Nipper trailer and await instruction from the Water Safety Coordinator who will instigate the appropriate plan.

STARFISH NIPPERS ● Starfish Nippers is a program for children with a

disability.

● The requirements are the same as the Woodside Nippers, however children in Starfish Nippers will work with their own Starfish Nipper group.

● Our program is led by two Age Managers and has a higher water safety ratio, includes the use of life jackets where preferred and involves modified activities aimed at the individual needs of each Starfish Nipper.

● More details on the program can be found at:

www.floreatslsc.com.au/nippers-youth/starfish-nippers

www.starfishnippers.com.au/

● Starfish Nippers are encouraged to attend the pool proficiency swim, but this may not be practical for each child. Please discuss your individual needs with the Starfish Age Managers.

http://www.floreatslsc.com.au/nippers-youth/starfish-nippers

http://www.floreatslsc.com.au/nippers-youth/starfish-nippers

http://www.starfishnippers.com.au/


AGE GROUP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW An important part of our Club’s Sunday morning activities will be the Woodside Nippers curriculum, which is comprised of four key learning areas.

Surf Awareness: Not only are surf skills required in conquering conditions, but a knowledge of where the dangers are and how to read the surf are essential ingredients in keeping safe at the beach. Individual Safety: This deals with recognising potential risks that we all face when visiting the beach, and in life in general. Lifesaving Skills: This learning area starts to introduce our Woodside Nippers to the role we hope they undertake as they grow and develop into future lifesavers. Surf Sport Skills: Woodside Nippers learn a variety of skills to help them develop confidence and introduce them to surf life saving’s various surf sport events, such as swimming, board racing and beach flags, to name a few.

There are 8 levels in the program which correspond to the 8 age groups – Under 6 through to Under 13 – and each year will build upon the skills and learning from the previous.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT NIPPERS The Woodside Nipper program will always depend on the surf conditions on the day. If the conditions are favourable, more time will be spent in the water than on the beach and vice versa should water conditions be adverse.

The Woodside Nipper’s program on Sundays focus on fun activities whilst teaching beach safety. Activities on Club days for Woodside Nippers include:

• Beach sprints, relays and beach flags

• Wade races and wade relays

• Surf swim races and surf swim team races

• Board races, rescues and relays

• Surf safety education

• Games and fun activities

• Great social occasions.

Cap Colour Age Group Certificate Skills and Learning

Under 6

Surf Play 1 This will be your Nippers first introduction to the Woodside Nipper

Program. This level is designed to be educational through play, participation and fun.

Under 7

Surf Play 2

Under 8

Surf Aware 1 Introduction to beach safety, basic lifesaving skills and surf sports

skills. These age groups are referred to as Little Nippers and are offered a modified interclub carnival.

Under 9

Surf Aware 2

Under 10

Surf Safe 1 These age groups demonstrate beach safety skills, lifesaving skills and

further develop their surf sports skills through club activities, clinics and Interclub carnivals.

Under 11

Surf Safe 2

Under 12

Surf Smart 1 These age groups transition towards becoming a surf lifesaver, develop

an understanding of what is required to be a patrolling member and continue to develop their surf sport skills through club activities, clinics

and Interclub carnivals.

Under 13

Surf Smart 2


COMPETITION The Nipper Surf Sports program offers a wide range of competition events for all ages culminating in the Nipper State Championship each year. Competition is designed to provide an environment to enhance the lifesaving skills used for patrols. The Club runs a program that encourages every member to achieve their own competition goals. Our coaching programs are designed to support our children in all aspects of competition by practicing the skills they learn in groups on Club days suitable to their ability. Not all children want to be involved in competition and there are pathways the Club provides in life saving and other activities.

There are a range of carnivals that members can enter throughout the year. Information can also be found on Surf Life Saving WA’s website:

https://www.nipperswa.com.au/what-is-woodside-nippers/nipper-sport/

Nippers in the U8-U13 age groups who wish to compete at the State Championships must have achieved their respective age award and passed the competition proficiency swim.

Who can compete?

All members are encouraged to compete, you do not need to be a “Competition” member or attend Coaching. Of course, it may help, but all members can register and attend, even just to see what it is like.

U8-U13s must have completed their competition evaluation (done as part of Sunday’s)

Where are carnivals held? Inter club carnivals will be held at different beaches around the metro area, with a country carnival held outside the metro area around Australia Day.

How long do the carnivals go for? • U8-U9 Carnivals are expected to last no longer than

Club day activities (approximately 2 hours)

• U10-U13 carnivals generally run for 3-4 hours depending on the events.

● The State Championships runs over 2 days. umbrella/tent/chair and sit nearby

● You will require plenty of water and good nutritional food to last the day

● Sunscreen, Club bathers, Hi-Viz singlet, towel, goggles if needed, warm clothes if the weather/ wind turns and SunSmart clothes for hot days.

What to Bring? ● Floreat tents are provided for use by our

members and families. You can bring your own

● Food, shelter, warm clothes, water and sunscreen

COACHING Board training is available on Saturday mornings at 8:00am on Floreat Beach to all U9s to U14s to cater for all skill levels. There are also sessions on weekdays.

For info contact [email protected]

Please note: Parents are expected to bring their children to the coaches not just drop them at the front of the Club. Each child must have a parent or nominated adult on the beach during water activities for safety reasons or they will be unable to participate.

OTHER VOLUNTEER ROLES We are always looking for parents to help with a variety of tasks, such as:

• Committee Members, social and event coordinators, social media, administration, accounting;

• Grant and sponsorship seeking, club promotion, club strategy and development;

• Photography, judging/officiating, board repairs and maintenance, coaching/training first-aid,

Please feel free to ask your Age Manager or any of the Club Officials. We have a range of volunteer rolls always looking for some help, even if it is just a couple of hours once off!




RISK MANAGEMENT Our Club endeavours to provide the safest environment possible for all members participating in Club activities. This is done through complying with SLSA and SLSWA Policies, providing high quality water safety services and having Club contingency plans in place.

The Water Safety Coordinator, Patrol Captain or Coach will complete a risk assessment before each activity commences which will also be monitored throughout the activities by the Age Group Managers. This includes:

● Identify hazards - rips, shallow bank, dumping waves, debris/seaweed

● Assess the risk - is the surf too dangerous?

● Determine measures - will certain children/groups stay out of the water?

● Review, apply and monitor - have the conditions become worse?

● Water Safety - that minimum Water Safety personnel ratios are met and adhered to. See below also.

● It is important to respect the decision of the Age Group Manager or coach if they have limited Nippers’ time or depth in the water.

WATER SAFETY RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Water Safety personnel aim to:

● Minimise Nippers losing their craft and bumping into each other

● Ensuring the Nippers ability can handle the conditions

● Encourage and guide members in the water

• Attend to any incidents if needed.

FLOREAT SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB ROOMS Floreat SLSC is lucky to have a great building with facilities such as a training room, first aid room, gymnasium and first floor function rooms including a members’ bar and balcony area with a view of our amazing beach.

The Club holds Sundowners once a month on a Friday night upstairs in the Members Bar and balcony area. Keep an eye open for notices in the newsletter and on Facebook for upcoming events.

If anyone has any ideas/suggestions or would even like to volunteer their time, we are always looking out for ways to keep our younger members entertained whilst the older members have chance to catch up.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT Floreat SLSC undertakes ongoing quality control and evaluations of all its operations to ensure standards are appropriate to the expectations of members and the community. The Nipper portfolio is constantly changing and evolving to meet the needs of the members it serves. Having a continuous improvement process means that everybody can contribute to the way the organisation operates.

Members are encouraged to provide feedback to the Manager of Nippers in one of the following ways:

● E-mail communication

● Verbal communication

● Writing a letter

Your feedback is integral to the success of the Club.


SAFETY SIGNALS – NIPPERS SAFETY SIGNAL – ASSISTANCE NOT REQUIRED

Woodside Nippers can give this “thumbs up” signal to Water Safety personnel to tell them

they are OK after an incident or while completing a

course/task.

Surf Life Saving Australia Hand Signals

Numbers 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 & 9 will be used most in the Woodside Nippers Program.

If you have any concerns over the safety of your child, please see our Water Safety Coordinator.

Beach to water signals (Images show hand signals, use signal flags when available)

Water to Beach Signals (May be conducted from any craft or boat)

Tower and other Signals

13. Emergency Evacuation Flag 14. Emergency Evacuation alarm

15. Mass rescue 16. Signal flag

7. Message understood,

12. Shore Signal received and understood

1. To attract attention between a

boat and the shore

4. Pick up swimmers

10. Boat wishes to return to shore

8. Pick up or adjust buoys

9. Assistance required. 11. Emergency Evacuation Alarm


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

My child is currently 11 (12 in January 2022), what age group will he be in?

Your child will be in Under 12 age group (even though they turn 12 during the season). The age group that your child joins is determined by their age as at 30 September, therefore your child was 11 on the 30 September 2021 (turning 12 in January).

My son turns 5 in November 2021, can he join then?

No, sorry, he needs to be 5 on or before 30 September to join for that season. Our insurance will not provide protection if he does not meet the age requirement.

Can I drop my children at Nippers and leave the beach?

No, it is necessary that a parent or designated guardian is at the beach during the entire duration. That duty can be shared with another child’s parent, but your child needs to know who that is and be comfortable with that guardian

I have 3 children and can’t be with all groups at the same time?

That is fine. Parents of U6-U7 children always need to be with their group. Parents of U8-14s just need to inform the Age Group Manager where they will be on the beach.

My friend’s birthday puts him in a different age group. Can they be together?

Sorry, we need to obey the policies set by SLSA that children are put into groups where their birthday falls, they will be able to make new friends and still be able to socialise before and after Club activities.

How often do I bring my child to the beach?

Our Nipper Days are held each Sunday. We understand that families are busy so the program does not require 100% participation, but your child will benefit from regular attendance.

What does my child need?

Appropriate bathers, water bottle, towel, goggles and sunscreen.

A Woodside Nippers cap and high visibility rash vests are compulsory – please note that these will be provided to you at no additional charge.

What do children do in Surf Life Saving?

Depending on their age, children will cover basic CPR/first aid skills, sprints and flags, swimming, board paddling, wading, and lots of FUN activities. They will also learn surf lifesaving skills, surf awareness and develop inter-personal skills.

Woodside Nipper Awards – what are these for my child?

Each age group award has sessions that they participate in to acquire relevant skills and knowledge. They will need to attend and participate in all the compulsory sessions to attain the award.

Does my child have to be able to swim?

Yes, all age groups need to complete their Pool Evaluation. This is carried out before participating in any Woodside Nipper Activities session to assess their swimming and self-survival ability in the water. This will determine whether they can participate in Woodside Nipper Activities. The next step is for them to train to complete their Competition Swim Evaluation which allows them to compete at carnivals. Only those who wish to compete are required to complete the Competition Swim Evaluation.

Under 6 and Under 7 do not need to be able to “swim”, but they need to meet the Proficiency Requirements including floating and recovering.

Is this a learn to swim program?

No, although your child will benefit enormously and increase their confidence from Woodside Nippers including swimming and board paddling. We do not provide specific learn to swim training or stroke correction.

What happens when my child finishes all the various Woodside Nipper Activities age groups and awards?

The Woodside Nipper Development Program is designed to gradually introduce your child into the role of a qualified Surf Lifesaver and assist in patrolling the beaches. They can continue to be involved in a variety of competitions (state and national), undertake various other awards including being a judge or a Cadet Age Manager, learn about community service and ultimately become a Surf Life Saver.

What can I do to help? Parents/guardians can become involved in many areas of Club activity. Areas can include helping at Sunday Woodside Nipper days (beach setup/pack down, helping run activities, being an Age Group Manager or Assistant), carnival officiating, first aid officer, fundraising, providing water safety at Sunday Woodside Nippers, training and carnivals (if you gain your Nipper Rescue Certificate, Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion). All parents/guardians will see most positive results from supporting their child in their Woodside Nipper activities.

Our club is always looking for volunteers!


COMMUNICATION AND

USEFUL LINKS The Club uses a variety of tools to communicate to its members start here: https://linktr.ee/floreatslsc

TeamApp – is the official communication tool for Floreat SLSC. You can log in on line at www.teamapp.com or download the App and search for Floreat Surf Lifesaving Club

Email – we also use email to communicate general club activities. If you do not receive these emails, please update your email in TeamApp. It is best of your TeamApp email and Surf Lifesaving email address are the same.

Website – Our website provides brief information regarding Club news, upcoming events, patrol rosters etc. http://www.floreatslsc.com.au

Facebook – ‘Like’ our Facebook page Floreat-Surf-Life-Saving-Club-Inc to receive up to date photographs and event notifications. Some AGMs are active on Facebook and may have a closed Age Facebook group you can join.

Instagram - check out the Floreat SLSC Page using

https://www.instagram.com/floreatslsc

SLSA (Surf Life Saving Australia) www.sls.com.au for National circulars, news, education, general member information.

SLSWA (Surf Life Saving Western Australia) for WA circulars, carnival information, news, education, general member information and www.mybeach.com.au/beach for Floreat Beach specific information.

Seabreeze www.seabreeze.com.au for up to date local weather and surf report.

Bureau of Meteorology www.bom.com.au for up to date weather report.

Sharksmart www.sharksmart.com.au for up to date reports and sightings of sharks.

Twitter: @SLSWA for SLSWA info including shark sightings

NIPPER COMPETITIONS 2021 -2022 DATES Refer SLSWA Planning Calendar: https://www.mybeach.com.au/members/circulars-and-bulletins/

Little Nippers (U6-U9)

Little Nippers Country Carnival: 22-23 January – Bunbury

SunSmart Little Nippers Championships: Sunday 27 February – Venue TBA

Nippers (U10-U13)

U10-U13 SunSmart Nippers Development Carnival: Sunday 28 November 2020 Alkimos

Sun Smart Nipper Country Carnival: 22-23 January 2021 – Bunbury

SunSmart Nipper Metro States Qualifier: 12 February 13 February 2020 – Mullaloo

SunSmart Nipper R&R Championships: 26 February Sorrento

SunSmart WA Nipper Country Championships: Sunday 6 March – Venue TBA

Sun Smart Nipper WA Nipper Championship: Friday 11 to Sunday 13 March 2021 – Scarborough Beach

Please Note: Information in this booklet and any information on links herewith may change. Ensure you check dates and times closer to the events:

https://www.mybeach.com.au/members/circulars-and-bulletins/

https://linktr.ee/floreatslsc

http://www.teamapp.com/

http://www.floreatslsc.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/Floreat-Surf-Life-Saving-Club-Inc-Perth-WA-116633281687466/

https://www.facebook.com/Floreat-Surf-Life-Saving-Club-Inc-Perth-WA-116633281687466/

https://www.instagram.com/floreatslsc

http://www.sls.com.au/

http://www.mybeach.com.au/beach

http://www.seabreeze.com.au/

http://www.bom.com.au/

http://www.sharksmart.com.au/





WOODSIDE NIPPER SUNDAY’S ARE FUN DAYS!

Documents

INFORMATION GUIDE 2021 2022 Floreat Surf Life Saving Club