Everyone deserves to enjoy the beach, and Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club’s Seahorse Nippers Program is dedicated to making this a reality. EPIC Assist is proud to support initiatives that encourage diversity and inclusion, and we recently awarded Bribie Island Surf Club’s Seahorse Nippers program with a community grant.
For many children with disability, Seahorse Nippers is their first time participating in beach games and competitions. The program runs fun activities designed for all abilities incorporating relays, flags, boards, and waves. Club President Debbie Joyce says it has been incredible to watch the youngsters improve and excel in a welcoming and exciting atmosphere.
“The children benefit from learning water skills, life skills, and leadership. They also learn to work as part of a team,” says Debbie.
Since the Seahorse Nippers program model was first introduced in NSW, it has been making waves across Australia, encouraging inclusivity and creating opportunities for kids with disability. Their goal is to enrich the community and create spaces where people with disability are welcomed.
“It gives the children a sense of belonging to the club and a chance to make friends and explore,” says Debbie.
The program also offers leadership opportunities for youth club members to volunteer and encourage people with disability to enjoy the surf and reach their potential. The volunteers are partnered with nippers to help them to conquer every wave and learn how to swim safely in the ocean.
This interaction offers people with disability an incredible opportunity to see their role models in action. The program aims to inspire children of all abilities to face each wave head-on and live active and healthy lifestyles on Australia’s beaches.
Check out Bribie Island Seahorse Nippers Facebook page for more information on this program, and the EPIC Assist website to apply for a grant today.