Apollo Bay Surf Life Saving Club is excited to launch its first Starfish Nippers program this summer, alongside our Intensive Nippers Program.

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What is Starfish Nippers?

Starfish Nippers is an adapted lifesaving program for children and young people aged 6 to under 18 years with a disability including physical, psychological and intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties. It helps participants build beach safety skills, become more familiar and confident around the water, and enjoy being part of Nippers alongside siblings and friends. Activities and instruction can be adapted to each participant’s abilities, pace and support needs.

The program began in 2011 at Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club, where volunteers wanted to give more young people the opportunity to take part in Nippers. It has since been adopted by lifesaving clubs around Australia.

Our Starfish Nippers

For some of our Starfish Nippers, this summer will be their first chance to pull on a Nippers cap and join in at Apollo Bay after watching siblings or friends from the beach. With their mentors alongside them, they’ll learn how to stay safe at the beach and around the water, build swimming and board skills at their own pace, and develop fitness and coordination through play. We hope each session gives them a chance to try something new, cheer each other on and feel at home in our club.

Parents, carers and families

We want families to be able to share a summer at Nippers, with each child taking part in a way that suits them. Having Starfish Nippers run alongside our Intensive Nippers Program also gives parents and carers a chance to meet other local and visiting families, share experiences and get to know one another on the beach.

Volunteers and mentors

Before the program begins, we’ll meet with each Nipper and their family to learn what they enjoy, how they like to communicate and what helps them feel comfortable. This will help us match each participant with a mentor who will stay with them throughout the six sessions. For our volunteers, including younger club members, it’s a chance to practise adapting activities, build their leadership skills and get to know the young people they’re supporting.

Age Group Nippers

During one session, Starfish Nippers and Age Group Nippers will come together for selected activities. It’s a chance for the kids to get to know each other, practise teamwork and learn how to adapt a game so everyone can join in. Our Age Group Nippers can lead by welcoming others, explaining activities and cheering on their teammates.

Our club and community

Summer Nippers is a big part of life at Apollo Bay. Starfish Nippers gives more young people and their families a way to be part of it. With adapted activities, dedicated volunteers and equipment such as our beach accessibility chair, we’re making it easier for more families to join us on the sand and feel welcome at the club.

Supervision / instruction will be one volunteer supporting one or two participants, depending on individual needs.