What Is Starfish Nippers?

Starfish Nippers is a modified and tailored inclusive nipper program designed for young people aged 6 and over with special needs. Running alongside our Summer Holiday Nipper Program, it focuses on beach and water safety awareness, fun, and belonging.

Participants enjoy adapted Nipper activities such as games, beach flags, wading, swimming, and board skills, plus selected sessions with the Age Group Nippers. The program is proudly delivered by our dedicated team of volunteers.

“We believe every young person deserves to have access to the SLSA Nipper program. The Starfish program allows all young people to be part of a nipper program where they can learn critical beach skills while having fun and learning important life skills such as teamwork."

Started in 2011 by volunteers at Anglesea SLSC, the Starfish Nipper Program now runs at more than 20 surf clubs across Australia, including Jan Juc SLSC.

Membership: Parents and children must become members of the Jan Juc SLSC. The Starfish Nipper Program is free for club members.

Note: Session locations may change depending on beach conditions.

HOW TO JOIN

The program is capped at 10 participants. Direct enquiries to the Starfish Nipper Coordinator. 

To join the Club (or renew your membership) and submit your Starfish Nipper Registration, head to our Join/Renew webpage.

What Are the Benefits?

For Our Starfish Nippers

Starfish Nippers love being part of the Club and the wider Nippers community. They feel a strong sense of belonging and wear their Nippers gear with pride.

Many have watched their siblings participate in the Age Group Nippers Program - now they get to join in too!

Through the program, Starfish Nippers:

• Learn vital beach and water safety skills
• Build confidence, fitness, and coordination
• Improve their swimming and board skills
• Enjoy the social side - encouraging each other, making friends, and having fun

For Parents and Families

Parents value that all children in the family can take part in Nippers together. The program also helps families connect and support each other, sharing experiences and encouragement along the way.

For Mentors and Youth Members

Our mentors find the experience deeply rewarding. They develop:

• Greater understanding of working with people with disabilities
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• A sense of purpose and contribution within the community

For the Club and Community

The Starfish Nippers program strengthens our Club by fostering inclusion, empathy, and community spirit. We aim to keep junior members engaged and welcome support from the broader community - including financial donations - to help us continue running this valuable program.

Session Dates

Sunday 28 December – Jan Juc

2.30–5.00pm – Water, beach, environment & surf education

5.00–7.00pm – Summer session kick-off: music, food & bar (optional)

Tuesday 30 December – Cosy Corner

8.30–11.00am – Swim & board session

Wednesday 31 December – Jan Juc

8.30–11.00am – Practice carnival events (optional) & surf education

Friday 2 January – Jan Juc

8.30–11.00am – Surf lifesaving session: meet the patrol, patrol duties, rescue skills, board/swim/wade rotation, first aid

Tuesday 6 January – Cosy Corner

9.00–11.00am – Starfish session

Wednesday 7 January – RACV

1.00–2.30pm – Starfish pool session

Sunday 11 January – Jan Juc

4.00–5.30pm – Adventure Race

6.00pm – Presentations