Welcoming Starfish Nippers
Discover the joy of beach safety and water awareness with our inclusive Starfish Nippers Program.
Empowering young people with disabilities through beach safety and water awareness.
The Starfish Nippers program at Scarboro, is an inclusive program which provides children and young people living with a disability the opportunity to participate in surf lifesaving. The Starfish Nippers program provides participants with the opportunity to engage in many different water and beach activities. The activities are modified to the individual needs of the participants.
The program provides participants living with varying disabilities the chance to engage in varied experiences whilst on the beach, including sensory and tactile experiences, water and beach surf lifesaving activities. The Starfish Nippers program adapts to the specific needs of children living with complex disabilities within the community, providing the opportunity to explore using specialised equipment to accommodate individual’s needs.
The Starfish Nippers program also provides participants with the opportunity to gain awareness and knowledge of the beach and surf conditions, such as when the conditions are safe to swim, and safe swimming areas including swimming in between the red and yellow flags. The activities offered include, swimming, board paddling, wave catching, obstacle courses and building sandcastles!
Discover the Benefits of Participating in our Starfish Nipper Program
By joining our Starfish Nippers Program, children and young adults with disabilities can experience improved confidence, social skills, and physical health in a supportive beach environment.
Improved Confidence
Participating in the Starfish Nippers Program helps build self-esteem and belief in abilities.
Social Skills
Through teamwork and interaction, participants develop valuable social skills and friendships.
Rewarding opportunities to contribute to the Starfish Nippers program
The Starfish Nippers program provides volunteers from the Scarboro community with the opportunity to assist in facilitating the program and develop transferrable skills. This allows both volunteers and participants to build a trusting working relationship with one another, where the participants can be supported to experience the ocean, which for some, might be a first for them.
Dedicated volunteers supporting every participant
Our team of dedicated volunteers is committed to supporting every participant in the Starfish Nipper Program. They provide guidance, encouragement, and assistance, ensuring that each individual feels valued and included. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Club.
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Specialized equipment for enhanced learning experience
We have a range of specialized equipment designed to enhance the learning experience for participants in the Starfish Nipper Program. From adaptive flotation devices to accessible surfboards, we ensure that every individual has the tools they need to thrive in the water.
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Building confidence and fostering independence
Through our program, we aim to build confidence and foster independence in children and young adults with disabilities. By providing them with the skills and knowledge to navigate the beach safely, we empower them to embrace new experiences and enjoy the water with confidence.
Starfish FAQ
Find answers to common questions about the Starfish Nipper Program.
Starfish Nippers is a modified and structured nippers program for young people of all abilities that runs alongside Scarboro's nipper program from January to March each year. It focuses on beach and water safety and awareness, while promoting inclusion and diversity.
This program features modified nippers beach and water activities such as games, running, beach flags, wading, swimming, and boards, as well as activities run together with the club’s age group nippers. The program is run entirely by volunteers.
The program is designed for young people aged six years and above with a disability, including physical and intellectual disabilities, and learning difficulties. It can be modified to suit an individual participant’s needs so that everyone can be included.
The program ensures participants with a disability and their parents can be involved with surf skills and lifesaving activities just like their siblings, friends, and others on the beach.
To enroll in Scarboro's Starfish Nippers program, you must become a member of our Club.
Contact the Club today as we'd love to assist.
There is a membership fee associated with joining the Club and becoming a Starfish Nipper. Refer to our 'How to join' page for current membership fees.
If you still have questions about the Starfish Nipper Program, please feel free to reach out to us. We are here to help!
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