A modified and structured special needs Nippers Program

The program runs in conjunction with the existing club nippers program

What is Starfish Nippers

Beach safety and water awareness for all abilities

For children and young adults aged 7 and above with special needs

Access for young people with a diverse range of special needs

All individuals are treated with respect and dignity

Designed for all abilities

Autism Spectrum Disorders Aspergers Syndrome Down Syndrome Learning difficulties and

developmental delay Intellectual Disabilities Cerebral palsy Visual/Auditory/Sensory

processing disorders Physical difficulties Hearing impairments Epilepsy

Program Designed for.

Inclusion To run in conjunction with the age group

nippers Improve safety skills and awareness on the

beach and in the water for special needs participants

Engaging cadet and junior volunteers Broader engagement Opportunity for non-qualified members to be engaged

Aims & Objectives

Fun and Laughter Beach safety and water awareness

Team work

Goals

Inclusion and general goodwill Social skills Water awareness Improves fitness and skills Parent networking Sense of worth for trainers Life/long term member engagement Inclusion

Benefits

‘Go starfish’ Chant Starfish nipper song (optional) Warm up run & stretches Flags (modified) Ball games Surf patrol talk Relays with other age groups Wading activity Board skills and catching waves Body surfing Sand activities ‘Good bye Starfish’ chant

Program include.

Nippers with Special needs learn best by:

Repetition Routine Example Clear simple instructions Watching demonstrations / being

shown Visual prompts Hand directions and signals Firm, direct and friendly instructions

with a smile on your face Observing good role models

Best Practice.

Parent/Guardian must be on the beach at all times during the program Staying with the group at all times Only entering the water with a water safety officer/s Always swim between the flags/allocated swimming

area Must wear nipper hat/uniform at all times whilst at

Nippers Trainer must accompany all nippers to the toliet Sunscreen must be worn Wear a wetsuit -weather permitting

Best Practice…

Ratio 1 trainer to 1 nipper in the water and depending on their individual needs 2 trainers to 1 nipper in the water.

One water safety trainer with Bronze or SRC with each nipper in the water

Water activities including swimming and wading on patrolled beach between flags at all times

Board activities in the board area of the flags

Best Practice…

Make sure a family member is on the beach at all times

Aware of the child’s ability, taking into account their swimming ability.

Do not take nippers out beyond their depth if they have limited swimming skills

At the end of the session, everyone helps pack up

Rules

Have I got your interest?

Contact Details:Brian KirkMentone Life Saving ClubMB: 0418 517 811