Program Overview
The Tide Breakers Adaptive Nippers Program at West Beach Surf Life Saving Club is an inclusive initiative designed for children aged 5-13 with disabilities. The program provides a safe, supportive, and fun environment where participants can learn essential surf safety, water awareness, and beach skills at their own pace.
With the guidance of trained volunteers and one-on-one support where needed, Tide Breakers adapts traditional Nippers activities to meet individual abilities. The program uses a strengths-based approach, ensuring that every child feels valued, empowered, and connected to the beach and lifesaving community.
The program name and octopus logo was chosen to represent adaptability, resilience, and belonging, qualities we hope to foster in every participant.
The Tide Breakers Program also provides a pathway for gradual integration into the mainstream Nippers program for those who wish to, while celebrating diversity in all forms of participation.
PROGRAM DATES & TIMES: 2026–27 SEASON
Our new season kicks off on Saturday 5 December 2026. All sessions are held at West Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
December 2026
-
Saturday 5 December | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
-
Saturday 12 December | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
January 2027
-
Saturday 2 January | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
-
Saturday 9 January | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
-
Saturday 16 January | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
-
Saturday 23 January | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
-
Saturday 30 January | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
February 2027
-
Saturday 6 February | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
-
Saturday 13 February | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
-
Saturday 20 February | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
-
Saturday 27 February | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
PARENT INFORMATION SESSIONS
We’re hosting two Parent Information Sessions before the season begins, a relaxed and welcoming opportunity to meet the team, find out how the program works, and ask any questions you might have.
-
Session 1: Sunday 18 October 2026 – 10:00 AM | West Beach SLSC
-
Session 2: Thursday 5 November 2026 – 5:30 PM | West Beach SLSC
Returning families are also very welcome, we’d love to see you there!
Register for a Parent Information Session: https://forms.gle/
REGISTER FOR 2026–27
Ready to join us this season? Complete our online registration form below. We’d love to welcome your child to the Tide Breakers community.
Registration is open to children aged 5-13 with a disability or additional needs. If you have any questions before registering, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Our Purpose
Inclusivity
To create inclusive opportunities for children with disabilities to participate in surf lifesaving.
Confidence
To promote confidence, skill development, and water safety awareness in a supportive setting.
Belonging
To build social connections and community belonging for families and participants.
Alignment with WBSLSC Vision
The Tidebreakers Adaptive Nippers Program directly supports West Beach Surf Life Saving Club’s vision of being an inclusive, community-driven club that values participation, education, and safety for all.
- Community Engagement: Tidebreakers strengthens the club’s role as a hub for the wider community, welcoming families who may not have previously seen surf lifesaving as accessible.
- Education and Safety: The program equips participants with vital beach and water safety knowledge, reinforcing the club’s commitment to saving lives and preventing drownings.
- Diversity and Inclusion: By ensuring people of all abilities can be part of surf lifesaving, Tidebreakers aligns with Surf Life Saving Australia’s Inclusive Beaches initiative and demonstrates WBSLSC’s leadership in embracing diversity.
- Sustainability and Growth: The program contributes to the club’s future by building lifelong connections with participants and families who may go on to be volunteers, members, and advocates for surf lifesaving.
For further information, please contact Matilda via email adaptive@westbeachslsc.com.au, by clicking the button below, or by phone on 0488 731 110
