Bush Nippers
Bush Nippers is a fun, inclusive program for kids aged 5 to 14, designed to build water safety skills and confidence in rivers, lakes, pools, and other inland waterways.
Based on the popular coastal nippers model, sessions are practical, age-appropriate, and open to all abilities.
WSAC proudly supports Bush Nippers and its focus on safety, learning, and lifelong confidence around water. Contact us or visit Life Saving Victoria to learn more.
At WSAC, we run an intensive Bush Nippers program every January and offer tailored options for schools during the year. If you’re a parent or educator interested in future sessions, please complete our Expression of Interest form. This helps us keep you in the loop when program dates are confirmed, and gives schools the opportunity to register their interest directly.
Expression of interest form
About the program:
Introduction to lifesaving
Where participants, and their parents/caregivers/guardians, will be welcomed by the instructors, and introduced to the aquatic location and other group participants.
Survival swimming
Practise the skills to survive an unexpected fall into deep (open) water, including entry/exit techniques, floating, gliding, sculling and treading water.
Rescue strategies
Practise different types of non-swimming rescue techniques, to assist someone in trouble in the water.
Everyday Lifesaver
Learn the emergency response sequence, DRSABCD (Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation).
Be aware and be prepared
Gain the knowledge and skills to keep safe across a variety of different aquatic settings.
Staying fit & healthy
Learn the importance of establishing a healthy mind and body for the safe enjoyment of aquatic activities.
My community
Recognise the connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have to the land and water and look at ways to maximise local community interaction with aquatic environments.
Survival strategies
Learn how to correctly fit and wear a lifejacket, along with the HELP and HUDDLE survival positions.
Safe boarding
Lifesavers use boards to rescue people in the water. In this activity, participants will use boards to practise the basic skills required to assist a swimmer in trouble.
Beach flags/ sprints
Learn how to sprint efficiently over a short distance, which is essential when trying to help someone in an emergency situation.
Iron Challenge
Combine running, swimming and board skills to complete an Iron relay race.