EMAIL CONTACT jac@brunswickslsc.org
Registrations open now for Nippers 2022/2023 Season
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Brunswick Surf Club is a family based club that values the junior members as the future of the club. The junior program is based upon the development of youth within the club as future active patrolling members and training for those wanting to participate in competition.
The aims of the Brunswick SLSC Junior Program are to:
- develop surf awareness
- increase confidence and skills in beach related activities
- offer training to those wanting to pursue competition or awards
- instill and reinforce Sun Smart philosophies
- encourage enjoyable and healthy participation
- progress the members towards surf awards for relevant age groups
- become the best life saver that you can be
- promote a positive non-threatening environment
- meet new friends
We are fortunate to be living in this part of the country, where the surf, sun and sand can all play a large part in our lifestyle. The beach however can be dangerous and joining a surf club can teach you and your children how to safely enjoy this part of our environment. Whether you simply want your child to learn how to be safe at the beach or if you are inspired by our surf life savers or iron men or women, the process begins with the Brunswick Junior Surf Life Saving Club.
BECOME A NIPPER
Every Sunday between October and March, our Nipper members flock to Brunswick beach to enjoy the surf and learn vital surf safety and survival skills. Brunswick Nippers learn valuable surf safety skills, teamwork and have a great deal of fun. Nipper events include wade events, board paddling, swimming, beach sprinting and beach flags as well as lots of fun activities and games designed to teach and improve surf skills. All Brunswick Nippers also participate in a progressive Surf Education program designed by Surf Life Saving Australia. Registration days are held in September.
Nippers starts at 9:30 am each Sunday and finishes about 11.30 depending on weather, conditions, helpers etc.
Children are registered in the age group according to the age of the child on the 1st October ie if your child is 10 on the 1st October the child is in the Under 11’s.
Children 5 to 13 years old are allowed to be registered as a Nipper. Under 6’s and 7’s children attend on an educational basis and are given a non-competitive (game based) introduction to beach and Nipper activities. Children in the Under 8 age group are given beach activities and wade races and on special occasions may be allowed into the water to swim. Children in the Under 9’s to Under 14’s compete in beach and water events and are taught water safety and surf life saving skills.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Please introduce yourself to your child’s Age Manager, we need all the help we can get in organising the children. Support from willing parents makes life easy for all and makes sure the children have a good time. We need judges, recorders and just good all round extra hands. Even if you can not commit to each week please try and fill in when and where needed.
Water Safety Help
If you are interested in doing your Bronze Medallion to help us with water safety, we are willing to train you. Please contact us
Club BBQ and Raffles
The Nippers run the club BBQ every Sunday as well as regular raffles as part of the fundraising for junior activities. Rosters will be prepared so that the work load is shared. You will be given the opportunity to nominate your preferred dates. Once completed the rosters will be available to view. If you are unable to help on your rostered day please contact somebody else to do your turn. Should you not be on a roster and would like to help please let a committee member know.
Officials for Competitions
We need parents that are willing to do training to obtain accreditation that will allow them to become an official at competitions. We are required to supply officials according to the number of competitors we send, so more assistance is always gratefully received.
Water Event Conditions
The safety of the children is our first concern. The Patrol Captain, Junior Activities President or Junior Water Safety officer are the only people authorised to allow water events to start or continue in the case of doubtful conditions. When children are in the water there is an official minimum ratio of water safety to children. If the level is not achieved water events can not continue.
Important Points to Note
The nippers are not a child minding service and parents/guardians are advised they should remain nearby should an incident occur or should events finish early. It is important for parents to remain on the beach for the children’s safety and confidence. Parents should also be willing to get involved with their child’s sport as helpers. The whole of the family can then enjoy being involved with Surf Life Saving.
Club uniforms, competition caps and other items are available for purchase through the club office on Sundays.
TRAINING
Swimming Training
Being able to swim competently is an integral part of making children safe at the beach. We strongly encourage parents to enroll their children into learn to swim classes or pool training/squad sessions depending on their ability. In conjunction with what we can teach them through nippers, their ability to be a competent swimmer is their best guarantee for surf safety.