Albany Surf Life Saving Club has introduced a fantastic new all-abilities nippers program. This initiative benefits all children, including those with autism spectrum disorders at Binalup/Middleton Beach on Western Australia’s picturesque south coast. The program is a piece of an increasing effort statewide. It seeks to increase the confidence and safety of juvenile participants in surf lifesaving programs.
10-year-old participant Rhyzel Benafield can’t wait to be part of this unique, inclusive program. Her brother, Tairhys Aylmore, is traveling with her, which adds to their shared-journey experience. The nippers program emphasizes fundamental skills essential for beach safety and ocean awareness. Bronwyn Meldrum, facilitator of the All Abilities program through Surf Lifesaving WA, is hopeful. She hopes the youth will gain confidence and better relate to their peers with these creative pursuits.
Building Confidence and Skills
The program covers important surf safety lessons, and more importantly, it seeks to create fun and excitement for participants. “They’re learning a lot about the ocean and getting fitter and actually enjoying the water more than they used to,” said Paul Bairstow, a key figure involved in the initiative. Most importantly he explained how we need to create an environment that is pro-child, pro-family, and supportive of healthy development.
Debra Aylmore, whose grandchildren are part of the nippers program, shared her perspective on the benefits that come with participation. We would have two very different perspectives, she commented, her grandsons experiencing the world through an entirely different lens. “The boys are 15 and 10 but they are toddlers, they see things like toddlers, basically,” Aylmore explained. This important point illustrates the extraordinary difficulties children with special needs face. Retweet this It shines a spotlight on the critical support they require to truly thrive.
Aylmore underscored how the program has provided her family with peace of mind. “So now I’ll have more confidence in their abilities, and they’ll have more knowledge about what the waves are doing, and I won’t feel as scared,” she remarked. This sentiment reflects a broader goal of the program: to foster a safe and enjoyable environment for all children.
Expansion of the Nippers Program
The all-abilities nippers program has since gone from strength to strength around Western Australia, with eight metropolitan clubs already implementing its structure. Champion Bay Surf Life Saving Club in Geraldton are set to be the next champions to take up this initiative. The adaptive approach provides space for intentional curation, development, and activation of spaces that cater to the distinct needs of every participant.
Communities of Hope Executive Director Bronwyn Meldrum expressed her dreams for the children. She wishes for them to have fun with their special talents and develop the self-assurance to engage with their classmates in all that the club provides. It’s a progressive way of thinking that has the potential to make long-term positive changes to children’s lives, while inspiring them to seize opportunities in surf sports.
The Adaptive Aussies had their first real throw down at the Ausralian Surf Lifesaving Championships. This cool-forward-thinking welcome emphasizes the sport’s deep-rooted commitment to welcoming all walks of life. “This is where participants can compete against each other in adapted surf sports events where anyone in an all-abilities program can go and compete,” Aylmore noted, emphasizing the progressive nature of surf lifesaving in Australia.
A Heartwarming Community Effort
The Albany Surf Life Saving Club’s initiative stands as a testament to the community’s dedication to inclusivity. By ensuring that programs are accessible and tailored to individual needs, they are fostering an environment where all children can succeed.
Anna Emery, a program development specialist, highlighted the need for inclusivity. She added, “We need to make sure the program is serving the needs of our children and putting the safety of our children first.” This commitment enables talented youngsters such as Rhyzel and Tairhys to develop valuable skills in the sport. All the while, they’re having fun and establishing deep friendships.
