Why become an Edi nipper?

The lifesaver is an Australian icon and for most, nippers is where it all begins. The program is all about teaching our children about safety in the water in a fun environment. Nippers are taught skills in beach and board racing for competition. The program can also provide you with useful skills such as leadership, teamwork and communication that will enable you to become a fully fledged lifesaver. Not to mention the great friends to be made along the way!

2008/2009 Nipper Season

Edithvale beach on Sunday mornings beginning 23rd Nov 2008– 22 March 2009
No training Dec 21, 28, Jan 4 due to christmas break
Time: 10-11am
Register from: 9am
Program starts: 10am sharp
Total sessions 15 plus carnivals (Carnival dates TBA)

Rain, hail or shine, we'll be there taking membership enquiries, selling uniforms and we'll modify the program and the morning to suit the weather conditions.

Members up to the age of 14 can participate in nippers training, however the minimum age to be eligible for competition is 7 yrs old. The program is broken up into age groups (your age as at 30th September). This year the Nippers will be colour coded in line with LSV carnivals. You ca download a summary of learning outcomes here:
U6-orange
U7-Light Blue
U8-red
U9-Purple
U10-Yellow
U11-White
U12-Navy Blue
U13-green
U14+ Black - This is the last year of structured junior activities and the first where the junior can start to participate in regular surf lifesaving activities ie patrols etc. A number of skills and knowledge lessons are provided through the structured junior development program that pathway towards the Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC). The SRC is the introductory award for patrolling surf lifesavers and allows the recipient to take part in beach patrols. A member must be 13 years of age to sit the examination for this award.

Nippers’ training involves loads of activities aimed at improving fitness, developing teamwork and life saving skills such as:

Surf awareness
Swimming
Board paddling
Wading
Beach running
Basic rescue techniques
Basic resuscitation
Lifesaving competition skills

All activities are conducted on the beach by parents who have trained as Age Managers to become volunteer instructors and are supervised by qualified lifesavers.

Nippers management team

Junior Manager - Monica Busch
Nippers Instructor - Greg Busch

What should I bring?

It is the responsibility of parents to ensure Nippers are Sun Smart and well hydrated while on the beach. The club cap is compulsory during sessions for easy identification and nippers should wear rash vests and bathers because, lets face it…. you’re going to get wet. Towel, hat, sunscreen, drink bottle, snacks and warm clothes are also useful. New members may like to download the Nippers Tips sheet which outlines some helpful info for getting started on the beach.

The nippers uniform

Club caps are the only compulsory 'uniform' for nippers. ELSC bathers, rash vests, jackets are not compulsory but look really cool. All ELSC branded uniforms including club caps are available for sale at the club window on Sunday mornings.
Don’t forget to name your cap as there will be over 100 identical caps on the beach:
New caps
$10 for one
$18 for 2
$25 for 3

Preloved until stocks run out
$7 for one
$12 for 2
$18 for 3

Just see Susie our Club Merchandise officer at nippers training sessions for all orders.

What is expected of parents?

Becoming a part of the nipper program is a fantastic and rewarding experience, kids love to see their parents getting involved and enjoying themselves, so try to save the Sea Breeze café breaky till later and JOIN IN!. The success of the program relies on parents help. You choose how to get involved whether its Age Manages (running the program for each session for the age group), water safety officers (qualified helpers who assist in the water based activities i.e. with technique and safety practices), social activities or fundraising—you name it. The nipper program has grown considerably and we desperately need more help, so please contact the Junior Manager if you are interested.
Parents code:

Do not make an unwilling child participate
Children are involved in sport for their enjoyment
Encourage your child to play by the rules
Work towards improving skills and sportsmanship
Do not yell or abuse kids for making mistakes
Recognize and encourage good play or effort
Do not publicly question the club officials
Recognize that the coaches are volunteers
Respect the rights of every club member

What is involved with the Age Manager course?

Age Manager Training Course
2009 course TBC
To register interest email mbasu@iprimus.com.au

Parents can obtain Age Manager qualifications, which will see you working the a team in water safety and nippers activities, plus you’ll receive an awesome Age Manger t-shirt that will make you feel extra special (must be worn for easy identification of leaders). Age Manager courses are offered throughout the season with course dates listed in the monthly newsletter.

To assist your child and others, Age Managers must complete a working with children check (WWC). Forms are available from the Junior Manager, the Post Office or here.

What is expected of nippers?

In order to ensure everyone has a positive experience, we always promote fairplay:
Nippers code

Play and enjoy sport
Follow the rules
Do not argue with club officials decisions
Control your temper and be a good sport
Treat others like you like to be treated
Remember your aim is to have fun
Listen to your coach, team and mates
Respect the rights of every club member

Can I compete at nippers carnivals?

Nipper carnivals provide an opportunity to put all the hard training to practice. They are awesome fun and you’ll meet loads of other kids from clubs around Victoria. Carnival events include:

Beach Flags
Beach Sprints
Beach Relay
Run and Wade
Nipper Board Race
Iron Man & Aquacameron Relay

A number of nipper carnivals are run throughout the season at various beaches around Victoria. Your Junior Manager will advise you of competitions ELSC will be entering.

What do I need to do to compete at carnivals?

To maintain safety and lifesaving standards, Surf Life Saving Australia has a set standard of competency that you must achieve before being eligible to compete at carnivals. The club Nippers Instructor and Junior Manager will ensure all Nippers meet this standard before competing at Carnivals.

What is the Standard of Competency?

Juniors Proficiency Test - The S Badge
All nippers who wish to compete in carnivals are required to complete annual ‘S Badge’ Proficiency test. Your Junior Manager will advise when proficiency testing is to take place during nippers training.
The competency test involves successfully completing an assessment which will include and continuous effort of RUN – SWIM – RUN (distance is determined by age group and you will be advised by the Nippers Instructors at the time of assessment).

There are 2 levels of S Badge Proficiency:
Competing Swimmer
Those that successfully and competently complete the required distance are able to compete in both sand and water events at Carnival.
Training Swimmer
Those that are not able to successfully and competently complete the required distance, will be awarded the Training badge which allows you to compete in all sand based activities at carnival.

The ‘S badge’ must be sewn onto the left hip of the bathers you intend to compete in. Carnival Officials will inspect competitors at line up and competitors not displaying ‘S Badge’ will not be permitted to compete in water based events at Junior Carnivals.

So when can I become a lifesaver?

Step 1
ELSC run patrol mentor programs throughout the patrol season for members. You’ll need to be an Edi nipper, 9 years of age, register for the program and then sign on for each shift (just like the real life savers). You’ll then be matched up with one of the lovely ELSC patrol member as your mentor. You’ll get a chance to see what goes on at patrol and find out if becoming a qualified life saver is for you. You can choose to do just one hour or stay for the full shift - it’s up to you, but parents must remain on site while nippers complete a mentoring shift.

Step 2
The minimum age to become a fully fledged lifesaver is 13 years of age. You’ll need to complete the Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC), which is a course run through the club and members will be notified of course dates via the monthly newsletter. The SRC qualification involves training in surf awareness, surf skills, surf rescue techniques, first aid and resuscitation. Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you will be qualified to participate in patrol duties under the supervision of a Bronze Medallion holder.

Step 3
Once you turn 15 years old, you can complete the Bronze medallion. This course is also run through ELSC and members will be notified of course dates. The Bronze medallion involves training in surf awareness, surf skills, surf rescue techniques, first aid and resuscitation. Following successful completion of the course, you will be qualified to participate in patrol duties.