Bush Nippers Program Returns

Published on 03 December 2024

Bush Nippers Program Returns

The Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre is continuing its partnership with Life Saving Victoria to bring the Bush Nippers program to Wangaratta for a second year. The program is designed to teach primary-aged children practical and engaging skills in water safety, lifesaving, healthy living, and emergency response.

The Bush Nippers program is adapted for regional and rural inland communities like Wangaratta. Drawing inspiration from coastal nipper education programs and successful open water learning experiences, the program aims to enhance the lifesaving and water safety knowledge and skills of children aged 5 to 14 years in open water environments.

Bush Nippers will be run at Sydney Beach, on the Ovens (Torryong) River, Wangaratta. Life Saving Victoria’s education team, along with Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre’s lifeguards and swim teachers will deliver an engaging program suitable for all abilities, where participants will learn to make safe decisions while enjoying our local waterways. The program includes education about Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander communities’ connection to land and water ways.

“The program provides valuable information delivered in a fun and relaxed atmosphere building the confidence and skills kids need to stay safe around water.” said Grace Kerwin, Program Instructor.

“We encourage the community to register their children to ensure the program’s continued success. WSAC is certain the program’s growth will contribute to the safety and well-being of our local community." Added Leon Newton, Sports and Events Precinct Manager.

Parents and guardians interested in enrolling their children in the Bush Nippers program can find registration details on the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre website, or by contacting the centre directly.

Details

Duration:                     2hrs per day over a three-day period

Dates:                         20-22 January 2025

Location:                     Sydney Beach, Ovens (Torryong) River, Wangaratta

Cost:                           $130 or $90 concession (includes program rashie)

More info & enrol:       https://www.wsac.vic.gov.au/

Activities

o          Introduction to lifesaving

o          Surviving the river

o          Open water swimming techniques

o          Rescue strategies

o          Everyday lifesaver

o          Games and fitness on the riverbank

o          How to use a rescue board

o          Learning about the region

o          Beach flags

o          Mini ironman