STARFISH NIPPERS
WSLSC operates an inclusion program for people of all abilities called starfish nippers. it’s a modified Nippers program for young persons with a disability, AND runS in conjunction with the age group nipper program, ON SUNDAY MORNINGS from November through to March.
activities designed to suit each of the participants abilities. Participants are supported by our members that volunteer to be mentor’s providing a 1:1 ratio.
WSLSC IS PROUD TO BE ONE OF THE SIX LIFE SAVING CLUBS IN VICTORIA WHO ARE RUNNING A STARFISH NIPPERS PROGRAM. OUR 1:1 mentor-to-participant ratios mean STARFISH NIPPER KIDS ARE HIGHLY SUPPORTED THROUGHOUT THEIR SESSIONS.
VERONICA TRELOAR HAS LED THE PROGRAM SINCE 2016, and was recently recognised for her transformative work in inclusive life saving - winning the australian sports commission’s 2025 sport volunteer of the year!
WE OFFER two program levels TO SUIT DIFFERENT participants’ abilities:
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Program Aims:
To create an environment at the beach which is inclusive for everyone
To provide participants and families a supportive and friendly experience at the beach.
To teach lifesaving skills and experience when visiting the beach, with a program designed to meet individual abilities.
A prelim swim assessment is not required, as 1:1 water safety is provided via Mentors.
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Program Aims:
To create an environment at the beach which is inclusive for everyone
To provide participants and families a supportive and friendly experience at the beach.
To teach lifesaving skills and nipper/senior carnival skills to compete at Life Saving Victoria Carnival (LSV), LSV State Carnivals and Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) National Events.
Events such as Beach Sprints, Beach Flags, Distance Run, Relays, Wade, Swim, Board Paddle.
TESTIMONIALS
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TESTIMONIALS •
Ferdi - parent
of Olive
Our third season at WSLSC Starfish Nippers continues to be something truly extraordinary for our family. It’s a space where kids who need extra support can thrive, while parents enjoy peace of mind knowing their children are in caring hands. To us, that’s incredibly rare and invaluable.
Since joining, I’ve seen a remarkable boost in my daughter’s confidence and enjoyment in the water. Olive’s enthusiasm for the Adaptive Carnivals is contagious - she’s discovering a whole new side of herself, one filled with healthy competition, resilience, and pride as she learns new skills, races, and wins ribbons.
For our family, this program has been nothing short of transformative—an experience full of growth, friendship, and hope.SAM - parent
of BEN & LUKE
My twin boys, Ben & Luke (aged 14) have been members of the Williamstown Swimming & Life Saving Club for 4 years. They enjoy the Starfish Nippers program where they have developed water safety skills through enjoyable lifesaving activities and games on the beach and the Club pool. Their favourite activity is getting on the paddle boards.
Participating in the Adaptive Carnival at the Altona Life Saving Club on the weekend was a great way for them to apply the skills learned at Starfish Nippers. The carnival was well staffed, and the organisers created a great atmosphere which allowed all participants to enjoy the activities.MARYANN - parent of OLIVER
Oliver participated in the adaptive carnival at Altona on the weekend, the event was really well planned and run, and even though the weather wasn’t perfect, Oliver had a great time. Oliver can’t wait for the next carnival.