Playful Nippers for all
Kerrie Curtis and her team are all about having fun while changing lives. Bayside’s Starfish Nippers’ families will know her as the woman in the tutu on Hampton Beach.
Starfish Nippers is an all-abilities lifesaving skills program designed for children and young adults aged four years and older.
The program provides young people with disabilities beach safety and water awareness skills.
“We focus on a child’s abilities, not disabilities, and tailor programs around what they can do,” Kerrie said.
“It also means there’s a program the whole family can attend. Parents come to their local beach where all their children can participate.”
“That means a lot to parents. And the children with disabilities see that they are involved in something their siblings are doing. That is positive and empowering for them.”
Kerrie is a passionate believer in making all the learning fun – hence the tutu.
“I wore it for fun one day and the kids loved it, so it’s become a regular thing,” she said.
“A playful approach to learning is very effective. We have inflatable platforms, slides, water pistols and balls – anything that spurs the kids to want to go participate into the water.”
Hampton Starfish Nippers turns 10 this year and is so popular there is a waiting list to join. Kerrie said they desperately need more mentors so they can accept new members.
“You don’t need any special skills – just a sense of fun and an enthusiasm for putting smiles on the faces of these children as they learn water confidence and safety. We teach you the rest. We’d love to have you.”
Council provided grant funding for a beach wheelchair for Hampton Life Saving Club and for Starfish Nippers’ 2020 Beach Access Day.
Find out more
All age groups welcome. Contact Kerrie at starfish@hlsc.org.au.
