1.  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

2.  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

3.  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.

4.  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

5.  Fun and Laughter  Beach safety and water awareness  Team work Goals

6.  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

7.  ‘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.

8. 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.

9.  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…

10.  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…

11.  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

12. Have I got your interest? Contact Details: Brian Kirk Mentone Life Saving Club MB: 0418 517 811