Bush Nippers make a splash

By Owen Sinclair

Jan 24, 2025

With a flash of neon orange and yellow, another successful year of Bush Nippers at Thompson’s Beach has come to an end.

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While there was much for its youthful participants to learn about water safety, there was also space for laughter and fun.

Barooga Active and Recreation Centre’s Kristal Bourke led the two-week program at Thompson’s Beach this year, and said it could not have gone better.

Tyler Bourke, 5, couldn’t help but flash a big grin, while participating in his second week of Bush Nippers at Thompson’s Beach. Photo by Owen Sinclair

“It’s been really good. The parents are happy, and the kids really enjoyed it,” Mrs Bourke said.

“We’ve also had people from last year, even holidaymakers who came up in the school holidays and who attended the program last year.”

The program, run annually by Life Saving Victoria, aims to improve young peoples’ confidence around, and in, the water.

Jack Hughes shows just how at home he is in the water. Photo by Owen Sinclair

Among other things, participants are taught how to look out for water hazards, speak to emergency services over the phone, and conduct safe water rescues.

“Rather than just having a rescue tube, the kids learn to throw something to somebody if they are in trouble, such as an esky, a bike helmet, or anything they’ve got available,” Mrs Bourke said.

“But the main message we put out to them is that they are the most important person.”

The kids taking a break from the water action to cover the fundamentals of CPR. Photo by Owen Sinclair

This year’s program was supported by the Moira Shire Council, Cobram Barooga Canoe Club, Speedo, Life Saving Victoria and Mon Natural Foods.

The program could not come at a more crucial time, with Royal Life Saving Australia reporting a 16 per cent spike in drownings across the country last year.

At least a quarter of those fatalities occurred in rivers and creeks.