SAFETY

Swimming Policy

Being able to swim competently is an integral part of making children safe at the beach as well as allowing them to actively participate and enjoy surf life saving activities. The nippers program is not a “learn to swim” program.

We strongly encourage you to enrol your children in “learn to swim” classes depending on their current ability. We do recognise that swimming in the ocean is a new experience for many children and that even competent pool swimmers can find this challenging at first.  Our aim is to encourage children and to help develop their confidence and skills swimming in the ocean as well as provide surf education.

Safety

Safety is our first priority for all activities.  Safety extends to on the beach and in the water and also gives consideration to the protection of all children.

Water Safety

We endorse the Surf Life Saving Australia Water Safety Policy 1.1 (which can be found on the SLSA website). We cannot commence any race or activity unless there is the correct number of water safety officers.  To be a water safety officer you need to hold a current Bronze Medallion or Surf Rescue Certificate. This is a great way to become involved with your children and we appreciate any assistance.  The courses are run starting at the beginning of September and will be on the website when and where they will be held.

An IRB must be present during all water activities and we need as many qualified proficient Bronze Medallion or SRC holders as possible to assist in the water to accompany the children during water activities.  Please note that parents are not to accompany swimmers unless they are qualified.

The minimum ratio for water safety for nippers is one (1) qualified adult to five (5) children. All water safety officers must wear an orange cap and orange long sleeved rash vest during water activities and must sign the Patrol Log or Water Safety Log Book at the commencement of each nipper session.

Sun Safety

We aim to teach children about all aspects of surf/beach safety, including sun protection.  We encourage all participants and spectators to follow these procedures:

• Seek shade wherever possible
• Wear a long sleeve top

.    Wear a wide brimmed hat, bucket style hat or legionnaire      style cap to protect face, ears and back of neck

.     Use a maximum protection broad spectrum sunscreen (at   least SPF 30+) even on overcast days and re-apply after water activities

.      Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap