Bush Nippers Program in Wangaratta
Published on 19 December 2023
Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre is thrilled to announce its partnership with Life Saving Victoria to introduce the Bush Nippers program in Wangaratta. This innovative program is designed to transform primary-aged children into 'Everyday Lifesavers' by teaching practical and engaging skills in water safety, lifesaving, healthy living, and emergency response. Empowering participants to make safe decisions while enjoying our local waterways.
The Bush Nippers program is a tailored initiative, specifically 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 Torryong (Ovens) River, Wangaratta. Life Saving Victoria’s education team and Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre lifeguards and swim teachers will together deliver a fun and engaging program. Designed to be a progressive learning experience suitable for all abilities.
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. Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre looks forward to the success of the program and its positive impact on the safety and well-being of the local community.
"Our goal is to instil a lifelong love for water safety and open water environments. The Bush Nippers program provides a unique blend of education and enjoyment, fostering a sense of responsibility and awareness in the next generation of water enthusiasts." Said Sonya Dalgliesh, Sports Aquatic and Events Precinct Manager
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 actions
Details
Duration: 90mins over a five-day period
Dates: 8 – 12 January 2024
Location: Sydney Beach, Torryong (Ovens) River, Wangaratta
Cost: $120 or $85 concession (includes nipper cap and rashie)
Enrol: WSAC website or visit the centre
Home Wangaratta Sports & Aquatic Centre (wsac.vic.gov.au)