Eddy the Nippa
Eddy the Nippa
Join in the Nippers fun with Eddie the Gull at the Edithvale Lifesaving Club 10am Sunday. Our season runs from November to March.
Nipper Season Dates for season 2024/2025
Starting Sunday 24th November 10am
Last Nippers before Christmas break Sunday 15th December 2024
Starting back again after Christmas break Sunday 12th January 2025
Last Nippers of the season Sunday 9th March 2025
What’s Nippers all about?
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, and is a great way for your kids to reinforce the skills gained from their swimming lessons.
Nippers are taught skills in beach and board racing for competition - this is NOT a swimming lesson program. 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!
Members up to the age of 14 can participate in Nippers training, however the minimum age to be eligible for competition is 7 years old. The program is broken up into age groups (determined by your age as at 30th September).
What age group for my child?
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Your child needs to have turned 5 before starting Nippers in November. It is a Edithvale LSC requirement that all children participating in the under-6 program are to be accompanied by a parent throughout the program. We do not run a program for children under the age of 5.
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Your child needs to have turned 6 before starting Nippers in November
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Your child needs to have turned 7 before starting Nippers in November
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Your child needs to have turned 8 before starting Nippers in November
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Your child needs to have turned 9 before starting Nippers in November
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 and pink rash vest 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.
Parents, we need your help to run our Nippers Program!
How else can parents join in?
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 Sand Dunes Beach Kiosk breaky till later and JOIN IN!
The success of the program relies on parents help. You choose how to get involved whether it’s Age Manages (running the program for each session for the age group), water safety officers (qualified helpers who assist in the water-based activities), social activities or fundraising - you name it.
The Nipper program has grown considerably and we desperately need more help, so please contact the Nippers 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 at or abuse kids for making mistakes
Recognize and encourage good play or effort
Do not publicly question the club officials
Recognise that the coaches are volunteers
Respect the rights of every club member
When can I become a lifesaver?
Step 1
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 2
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.
