Starfish Nippers
A modified and structured Nippers program that helps young people with a disability build beach and water safety skills, confidence and a sense of belonging.
Designed for participants aged 6 years and over, activities can be adapted to individual needs so everyone can be included.
Fingal Beach SLSC is a participating Starfish Nippers club, delivering the program locally as part of the wider Starfish Nippers network.
What is Starfish Nippers?
Starfish Nippers is a modified and structured Nippers program for young people aged 6 years and over with a disability, including physical and intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties.
The program runs alongside a club's Age Group Nippers program and focuses on beach and water safety and awareness while promoting inclusion and diversity. Activities can be modified to suit an individual participant's needs.
Beach games & running
Modified activities that build confidence, movement and participation on the sand.
Beach flags & wading
Familiar Nippers activities adapted to suit each participant.
Swimming
Supported water activities focused on confidence and water awareness.
Boards
Board activities can be introduced and modified according to individual ability and confidence.
Beach & water safety
Practical skills and awareness are at the centre of the program.
Nippers participation
Opportunities to participate alongside the wider Age Group Nippers program.
More Than Beach Skills
Starfish is about learning important beach skills while having fun, developing confidence and being part of the Nippers community.
Participants
Build beach and water safety knowledge, swimming and board skills, fitness, coordination, confidence and social connection.
Families
Children can take part in the club's Nippers environment alongside siblings, friends and other families.
Volunteers
Trainers and mentors develop leadership, understanding and practical experience supporting people with a disability.
Our Nippers Community
The program promotes inclusion, diversity, role modelling and a stronger sense of belonging across the club.
Being Part of the Club
Starfish participants are part of Fingal Beach SLSC and take part in the same club environment as all members.
There are opportunities for Starfish Nippers to be involved in inclusive surf sports events and club activities throughout the season, allowing participants to represent Fingal and be part of the wider surf lifesaving community.
Families are an important part of the Starfish community, with the program helping participants join in alongside siblings, friends and other Nippers families.
Participation is always guided by individual ability, confidence and readiness.
Starfish Nippers at Fingal Beach
Fingal Beach SLSC is officially listed as a participating Starfish Nippers club. Our local program forms part of the wider network of lifesaving clubs around Australia helping young people with a disability take part in Nippers and develop beach and water safety skills.
The Starfish Nippers Australia club directory currently contains some older Fingal contact and website details. For current Fingal Beach information, please use the contact and joining details on this website.
How to Join Starfish Nippers
Joining Starfish Nippers follows the same membership process as our Nippers program, with additional support provided to ensure the program meets each participant's needs.
Register as a Member
All Starfish participants must be registered members of Fingal Beach SLSC. At least one parent or guardian must also be a current member of the club.
If you need assistance with registration, the club can guide you through the process.
Register Online →Speak with the Club
Before participating, we encourage families to speak with our Starfish coordinators so we can understand each participant's individual needs and provide the appropriate support.
Attend a Starfish Session
Once registered, participants can attend Starfish sessions during the season. Sessions are structured to support each participant at their own pace, with activities adapted as needed.
We understand that every participant is different. If you would like to discuss Starfish Nippers or have questions about joining, please contact the club. We are happy to help families through the process.
Starfish Session Information
Starfish Nippers sessions run alongside the club's Nippers program during the Surf Life Saving season.
Session Time and Location
Starfish Nippers sessions are held at Fingal Beach during the Nippers program. Participants meet at the designated Starfish area on the beach.
Session times are published each season and available on the club calendar.
What Happens at Starfish
Activities are tailored to each participant and may include:
The focus is on participation, enjoyment, confidence and skill development.
What to Bring
The club will provide guidance on any additional equipment if needed.
Carnivals and Events
Starfish Nippers may have opportunities to participate in inclusive surf sports events and club activities throughout the season.
These events provide opportunities for participants to represent Fingal Beach SLSC and be part of the broader surf lifesaving community.
Participation is always guided by individual ability, confidence and readiness, and is supported by the club and families.
Participation in carnivals is optional.
Learn More
To find out about Fingal Beach sessions, joining and local support, please contact the club.
You can also learn more about the national Starfish Nippers program at Starfish Nippers Australia.
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