Safety
Safety is our first priority and extends to safety on the beach, in the water and protection of all children. The Junior Committee will liaise with the Patrol Captain on Sunday mornings to decide whether conditions are suitable to conduct water activities. Due to the potential for rapid changes in conditions the decision to cancel activities due to adverse weather or surf conditions or other unforeseeable events will usually be made on the day – so please check our club’s notice board or the website for updates as alternative activities may still be conducted.
Guidelines for water safety are laid down by the Surf Life Saving Association and will be adhered to. Activities will only commence when there are the correct numbers of water safety personnel and Age Managers.
Water Safety Officers and Age Managers are easily identified by their brightly coloured shirts which are to be worn during the appropriate Nipper activities. Bronze Medallion Water Safety Officers may sign into the “Patrol Log Book” and register hours toward patrol obligations
The safety of all Nippers in paramount. As a parent/guardian you are required to be at the beach at all times during Sunday Nippers. Your child remains your responsibility. Medication, trips to the toilet and the individual welfare of each child on Woonona Beach is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.
Child Protection Policy
The Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998 came into effect on 3 July 2000.
Our Club has appointed a committee person as its Member Protection Officer, who is listed under "Contacts". That person is the first point of contact for any child, parent, guardian or any other Club member who wishes to seek any information or discuss any incident in relation to child protection.
The Act means that a prohibited person is not permitted to work or continue to work with or alongside children.
A prohibited person is a person who has been convicted of a serious sex offence. Work includes performance as a volunteer for an organisation.
A child is defined as any member of Woonona SLSC registered as a Nipper or Cadet up to 18 years of age.
This Act means that as a volunteer organisation we are required by Law to enquire of each volunteer involved in working with or near children to sign a declaration form. We realise that this may cause offence to some people, but every member of our Club is required to sign one of these forms and please remember that it is for the protection and well-being of our children.
We are required to ask paid and volunteer workers if they are a prohibited person. If you are a prohibited person you are required to advise us that you are a ‘prohibited person’ before you work for us or remove yourself from child related work. There are severe penalties for failing to comply with the Act, including fines and periods of imprisonment. The form you are asked to complete is our compliance with the Act.
Privacy and discretion are assured in the treatment of this matter. For further information please visit the website: www.kids.nsw.gov.au/check
Code of Conduct
Children should:
- follow the rules;
- wear your Nipper cap at all times;
- always stay with your age group;
- listen to your Age Manager and team mates;
- not throw sand, it can be dangerous;
- not use offensive language;
- treat other people as you like to be treated;
- not argue with official’s decisions - in a carnival situation, the team manager can ask the necessary questions;
- try to control your temper and be a good sport;
- play to enjoy the sport;
- remember the aim is to have fun and improve your ability;
- remember that competing is most important, winning is a bonus.
Note: Any Nipper who does not follow our Code of Conduct will risk the forfeiture of any points gained on the day or be asked to leave the beach on the day or will risk suspension from Nippers for a period determined by the Committee.
Parents/guardians should:
- ensure your child understands the above code;
- participate in conducting nippers activities;
- be present on the beach at all times whilst your child is attending nippers;
- not make an unwilling child participate in a sport;
- remember children are involved in sport for their enjoyment - don’t spoil it by being too intense;
- encourage the effort, it is as important as the result;
- work towards improving skills and sportsmanship;
- not yell and abuse a child for making a mistake - they are trying as hard as they can;
- not publicly question an official’s decision;
- respect ALL decisions made by the officials;
- recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches;
- applaud good efforts by all children, not just your own;
- show respect for all competitors;
- condemn the use of violence in all forms;
- not use profane or offensive language or harass competitors, coaches or officials.
Junior Lifesaving Philosophy
- All Junior members of Woonona SLSC have the right to enjoy the experience of being a Nipper and this should not be at the expense of others;
- All children should be encouraged (never forced) to participate in any activity. They should be praised for their efforts as they participate to the best of their ability;
- A child’s best IS good enough and improvement shall be seen as the primary goal;
- Children should be encouraged to participate with a high level of ‘sportsmanship’. The promotion of cheating will not be tolerated;
- No child is more important than any other and favouritism will not be given to any one member over another;
- All competition should contain a component of skill development;
- Competition is only one part of Woonona SLSC Junior Activities - time spent on training and skill development is balanced;
- No child should be placed under excessive or unrealistic pressure (by coaches, parents or spectators);
- Discipline and correction is based on the task that is incorrect NOT the child;
- FUN and enjoyment are our primary goals.
