Starfish Nippers program open for registration

WITH more people than ever before expected to hit the Surf Coast’s beaches this summer, Torquay Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) is reigniting a pivotal program in teaching water skills and beach awareness to anyone, no matter their ability.

Torquay SLSC’s Starfish Nippers Program is back for 2021-22 and registrations are now open.

Starfish Nippers is a lifesaving skills program designed for children and young adults aged six years and older living with a disability.

The program aims to develop the beach skills and knowledge of young people living with disabilities.

It is a modified and structured version of mainstream Nippers for all abilities that runs alongside a club’s Age Group Nippers program promoting inclusion and diversity.

“Our Starfish Nippers program is an initiative we are extremely proud of at TSLSC. We are focused on enabling everyone access to important beach and aquatic skills,” TSLSC president Tiffany Quinlan said.

“Eventually, we’d love to obtain funding to enable wheelchair access to our beach and also upgrade our club facilities to cater, to broaden the program even further.”

Torquay SLSC launched its first starfish program back in 2019, which was considered a huge milestone for the historic club.

The program caters to students and young adults with a range of disabilities such as autism, Asperger’s, and Down syndrome amongst others.

The program also includes modified Nippers beach and water activities such as games, running, beach flags, wading, swimming and boards as well as activities partnering with the club’s Age Group Nippers.

It is run entirely by volunteers at Torquay SLSC.

“We never struggle for volunteers for our Starfish Nippers program because it’s such a rewarding experience, our members love being involved,” program co-ordinator Louise Tracey said.

“Because we operate on a one-to-one ratio, we really can adapt the activities each day to suit what’s happening with the weather and the kids, and that’s the benefit of the small group, it’s much more tailored.”

The Torquay SLSC Starfish program is sponsored by Urban Elements Landscapes, Torquay Animal House, and Hudson Ridge Builders, who purchase equipment for the group.

To register today call 5251 4110 or email [email protected].