Bush Nippers is a regional and rural inland adaptation to coastal nipper education programs and our successful lifesaving education programs, which aims to build lifesaving and water safety knowledge and skills of children aged 5 to 14 years in open water environments.

Programs are offered at any location – whether that’s the beach, river, lake or pool. LSV’s Education team can deliver the programs or alternatively, we have a range of partners, supported by LSV, who also deliver Bush Nippers. They are designed to be offered as progressive learning experiences, suitable for all abilities.

The Bush Nipper education program pilot was funded through the Victorian Government and forms part of the Public Water Safety Initiative.

What’s Covered In The Program

Children will participate in both land-based and water based-activities depending on the schedule, age group and conditions each day from the below activities.

Program Details

How long is the program?

Most programs run for 1-2 hours each day over 3-5 days and will depend on locations. We can tailor something that works best with your organisation or community.

How much does the program cost?

Our venues, locations and participants are diverse and varied – contact us for up to date prices!

When are Bush Nipper programs run?

The Bush Nipper programs are run during the summer holidays in January every year.

What are the requirements for participation?

All children and young people that wish to be part of the program must:

• Be aged 5-14
• Complete a preliminary skills assessment (see below) prior to commencing activities in the?water and/ or discuss child’s swimming ability with the delivery partner if they don’t meet suggested requirements;
• Have a parent or carer present for the entire program;
• Surpass the criteria outlined for their age group.

How does my child complete a preliminary skill assessment?

Your child may already have received a certificate from their swimming lessons stating the competencies met (as per criteria above). Alternatively, you may contact the delivery partner and request an assessment – please take the above criteria for their reference.

Does my child need to meet the necessary criteria?

Participant swimming ability evaluations are in place to ensure that participants are able to swim and float to ensure their safety when participating in programming in an open water environment or pool.

By registering your child or children into the program you are agreeing that they meet the standard required for the age group or?to discuss options with the provider for your child to safely participate, I.e., undertaking additional swimming lessons in the weeks prior, having additional support available for in water activities, being included in another age group.

Please also indicate with the provider when your child is well above the recommended swimming criteria to ensure appropriate adaptations may be made.

Is this a learn to swim program?

This is a lifesaving and water safety program. Although your child will benefit enormously and increase their confidence from exposure to open water-based activities including survival swimming and board paddling, this is not a learn to swim program. Options to enrol into swimming lessons exist with your local aquatic facility through either holiday intensives or weekly lessons.

What do participants need to bring on the day?

Participants should bring:

• Any medication requirements (parent/ guardian to have with them)
• Bathers, lightweight long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses, warm clothing and spare towel (in case of cool weather), SPF 30+ sunscreen, wetsuit (optional), drink bottle, wide brimmed hat, enclosed shoes (recommended).
• Participants will be provided with a rash top to wear during the program and a lifesaving cap.

Upcoming Holiday Programs

Lifesaving education programs can be delivered at the beach, river, lake or pool. Available locations for the December / January period will be updated here when confirmed.

If your preferred location is not listed, please complete the enquiry form to receive an email with this information directly:

Want to Run a Bush Nipper Program?

Check out our Bush Nipper Partners page for details on how to become an endorsed delivery partner.