Portsea Nippers caught up in Working With Children confusion

RUMOUR FILE UPDATE

Life Saving Victoria has moved to clarify a letter telling all Nippers parents they need a Working With Children check just to watch their children in the sea.

Ross and John’s Rumour File was told of the email from the Portsea Surf life Saving club yesterday.

It comes after a major crackdown on the checks in August, which caused significant confusion.

“This season all parents who wish to watch Nippers on the beach require a Working With Children check,” the email read.

Andrew Foran, Lifesaving Victoria’s General Manager of Lifesaving Club Development, confirmed the contents of the letter, but said it required clarifying.

“Talking to the Portsea Life Saving club, I think they’re going to clarify that,” Mr Foran said.

“What they’re trying to say is come down, get involved in the program, but if you’re going to get actively involve — get in direct contact with kids — get a Working With Children check.

“But by any means, not everyone who comes down to a public place like a beach requires a check.”

Adding to the continued confusion around the Working With Children checks, a parent from another branch said they have been told Nippers can’t participate unless both parents have a working with children check.