Thanks to the hard work and team spirit of the ANZA Singapore Nippers Committee, the 2021 season 2 started with a mighty splash on Sunday 10 September. The Nippers were back on Palawan Beach learning valuable surf lifesaving skills, having a blast in the water and forging new friendships.
WHAT DOES NIPPERS OFFER?
ANZA Singapore Nippers is for kids aged between 5-13 and it’s aimed at teaching water safety, beach awareness, and fitness through fun beach games and activities. Sessions are held each Sunday at Sentosa Beach and are run by a wonderful group of parent volunteers, who all enjoy this activity as much as the kids. Sessions include board paddles, swims, wades, flags, relays, and beach games. Nippers also aims to teach participants about beach and ocean awareness, first aid/CPR, and rescue practices.
We also offer parent social nights, fun events, group day trips, and a special end of year Presentation Day where the Nippers are awarded their certificates of accomplishment and the best of each discipline get presented a medal. It’s rewarding to see what we have achieved over the year, how the kids have grown in stature and confidence, and the new friendships they have found.
HISTORY
ANZA Singapore Nippers started about five years ago, through the inspiration and dedication of our founder Skye Wellington (herself a former Nipper) and a small enthusiastic team who were able to establish the group and bring it to life at Sentosa.
MEET UPS
We meet on Palawan Beach Sentosa (near FOC) at the eastern end of the beach. Sessions run on Sunday mornings at 8:45am for a 9:00am start. We finish by 10:30am. We have two seasons: March to June, and September to December each year.
HOW TO JOIN
Nippers is popular each year and many of our age groups have waiting lists, so it’s good to get in early and register well ahead of the season. For further information please visit anza.org.sg/sports/nippers or email us at info@anza.org.sg
VOLUNTEERS
We can’t survive without volunteers, and there are many roles to play to make Nippers happen; whether that’s helping carry equipment, water safety, age managers and assistants, events, uniforms. Nippers is not a drop off activity and parents are required to help out where possible – on and off the beach.
We provide the opportunity and encourage parents and others to train to be a qualified lifesaver and obtain their Surf Life Saving Australia Bronze Medallion, Age Manager, or First Aid certificates. It is a requirement for safety in the water that we have one qualified person for every five kids. So, it’s important to always have more parents getting their qualifications, so we can perform and grow as a club.
COACHES
Our coaches come from all walks of life. Some have extensive surf life saving experience, others have learned the basics from being around Nippers, want to assist and go on to complete an Age Managers Certificate qualification. All have a passion for teaching and training the kids.
CLUB CHAMPS
Club Championship day is always exciting; everyone enjoys the anticipation of competition and to see who comes out on top. The Nippers put in their best efforts but it’s the parents who are the most vocal – their cheering on the sidelines gives it a special atmosphere.
Sign up now at anza.org.sg/sports/nippers
WHY WE LOVE ANZA SINGAPORE NIPPERS
Georgina (U8)
“I love going to the beach and the coaches make the sessions lots of fun. It is a good way of making new friends.”
Trinity (U12)
“I love the adventure I have at Nippers and that it’s fun and games while we are learning lifesaving skills. I also love that my parents are running it and it’s easy to make friends.”
John (U12 co-age manager)
“I’ve always liked leading sports groups. At Nippers, I get the chance to positively encourage and motivate the U12’s to give it their best during activities, whilst learning techniques and lifesaving skills.”
Silvia (U12 co-age manager)
“I love my group of kids; they are just simply awesome and always ready to go. I love watching their progress, improving their lifesaving skills, and best of all the camaraderie as they build friendship amongst themselves and with us as coaches.”
David Howard (Age Manager Coordinator and Under 9 Age Manager)
“I found out about ANZA Singapore Nippers and wanted to get my daughter involved. Naturally it wasn’t long before I was involved as well. The best thing about Nippers is seeing the kids make new friends, learn new skills and have fun. It’s quality time at the beach.”
Words: David Howard
