NIPPERS

Welcome to Nippers for season 2012-2013 (:->)

This season we’ll be commencing with a “Preliminary Skills Assessment” at Belfast Aquatics (the Port Fairy Pool) on Saturday the 24th of November.  This assessment, which is a Life Saving Victoria mandatory requirement, is for all Age Groups above Under 7’s and will enable us to clarify how many water safety personnel we require for our Nippers sessions, which will be held most Sundays during December, January and February from 10:30am. We’d like as many Nippers as possible to attend on the 24th, however if you can’t make it we’ll also be conducting assessments at the Surf Club as required during the Nippers season. As per usual we’ll be running extra “Summer Sessions” in the first 2 weeks of January. The dates are noted on the attached calendar of events.

Each session will be divided by age groups into:
Junior:  6 - 8 years of age
Middle:  9 - 10 years of age
Senior:   11 – 13 years of age 

A child’s age is calculated as at the 30th September 2012 – therefore a child turning 14 in October can still participate as an Under 14 for that Nippers season. An age group manager will take charge of each group, however if you’re able to help please let us know as assistance, particularly in the role of water safety officers, is much appreciated – especially during the “Summer Sessions” in the first two weeks of January. 

UNIFORM:

Club caps, which are essential for easy recognition of Nippers, are handed out at the beginning of each session. Wetsuits are a good idea as the water can be cool, and small bodies can easily lose core temperature. The popular PFSLSC hoodies, t-shirts and track pants will again be available for sale this season. 

COMPETITION:

Last season many of our Nippers really enjoyed competing in various local, regional and state carnivals and this season we’d like to encourage all Nippers to consider participating. Prior to competing, each Nipper needs to complete a ‘Competition Skills Evaluation’ swim which the club will arrange as required. The distance required to swim varies for each age group – see the table below: 

• Under 7   Nil
• Under 8   Nil - only wading during comps
• Under 9 & 10  Minimum 150 metres open water swim
• Under 11, 12, 13,14 Minimum 288 metres open water swim

EQUIPMENT:

Learning to use the Nipper boards is a popular part of each Nippers session; however this service depends on the boards being looked after. Please always ensure that the boards are carried rather than dragged along the ground, and that the boards are washed down after use. 

SKILLS:

Nippers sessions are not only lots of fun but also a great introduction to the skills required for a surf life saving or bronze medallion certificate, as listed below:

• Board Paddling
• Beach Running and Relays
• Board Rescue
• Beach Flags
• Wading
• Identification of beach hazards
• Porpoising
• Basic resuscitation
• Tube Rescue
• Sun safety
• Diving under Waves
• General fitness and dietary considerations
• Bodysurfing  

Hope you enjoy a great season on the beach!

Gerard Cahill

 

    

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