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Our amazing volunteers make a life saving difference in so many different ways – no matter how much time you have to spare, we’re ready to welcome you to your local club.
Surf lifesaving is a great activity for growing a child’s confidence, knowledge and skills in the beach environment. Not only will your child have fun and meet new friends, they will become part of an iconic organisation that has served the Australian community for over 100 years.
Nippers is a fun beach program for children aged 5 to Under 14, offering a safe environment to learn, build confidence, have fun and enjoy the beach. Through the Junior Development Program, participants develop surf safety and lifesaving skills while following a pathway to becoming qualified surf lifesavers. They may even decide to be a junior competitor (surf sports). Surf Life Saving competition can help strengthen and develop the skills of surf lifesavers
Surf Life Saving Clubs create and tailor a program to suit the needs of their members and their beach conditions. The program will be focused on participation and enjoyment and will not just be built around competition. The goal is to increase the confidence and skill base of the nippers in the water and the sand.
FAQs
How old does my child have to be to join nippers?
A child may join nippers as soon as they turn five years of age.
A child who reaches five years of age after 30 September may join nippers at that time; however, this child will be required to stay in the U6 nippers age group again the following season.
What age group will my child be in?
The age group that your child will be in is determined by the age they are as at the 30th September the year you are joining.
For example, if your child was 11 on the 30th September (turning 12 on the 5th Oct) they will be in the Under 12 age group (even though they are 12).
For date ranges/age groups for this season, see here.
Does my child change age groups if their birthday is during a season?
No. The age group that your child will be in for the whole season is determined by the age they are as at the 30th September the year you are joining.
What happens when my child finishes all the various junior age groups?
Nippers goes from ages 5-13, but involvement in Surf Life Saving, doesn’t need to end there.
The Junior Development Program is designed to gradually introduce your child into the role of a qualified surf lifesaver and assist in patrolling the beaches. They can undertake various other awards and learn many facets of community service involvement. They can continue to be involved in a variety of competition events if desired and can be taught specialist areas of competition and compete at both a state and a national level.
What club should I join?
Each club runs its own Nippers program, so start dates, times, prices and program details can vary. Most members choose to join a Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) nearest to their home or a beach they visit often, one they like the look/sound of, or a club their friends and family are a part of.
There are a number of SLSCs located in NSW. You can find a full list of all our SLSCs, including contact details here.
For my child to join, does a parent/caregiver need to be a member?
This varies at each club, yet the majority do ask that a parent join and remain a member for the duration of nippers.
Contact your local club for more information and requirements.
What can I do to help?
There are lots of ways you can get involved at the club.
If becoming an Age Manager or surf lifesaver is not for you, there are plenty of other tasks that will need completing at your club! You don’t need to go in the water!
Perhaps you could help with training, coaching, officiating, fundraising, administration or cooking the Club BBQ? All parents who get involved must become a member of their club.
Does my child have to be able to swim to join?
It certainly helps but it doesn’t stop them from participating.
Your child will need to complete a Preliminary Skills Assessment including a swim and a float which clubs will conduct either at the beach or in a pool environment.
This is carried out before participating in any junior activity to assess their swimming and self-survival ability in the water.
This will determine whether they can progress to the water based junior activities under normal water safety supervision or they will require closer supervision.
Is this a “Learn to swim” program?
Surf Life Saving does not provide specific learn to swim training or stroke correction. It is strongly encouraged that this is taken up externally.
Some clubs may be better placed to assist with the provision of this coaching and links to these programs. However, your child will benefit enormously and increase their confidence through exposure to water-based activities including swimming and board paddling.
What water safety measures are in place for nippers?
A Water Safety Supervisor (WSS) is appointed for all water-based activities.
The WSS conducts a risk assessment at the start of each session, and monitors conditions throughout – activities are adapted and can be cancelled in hazardous situations.
Water Safety Personnel (WSP) are qualified and proficient lifesavers who provide surveillance and assistance in the water if required with lifesaving equipment.
You will see them on the beach in their orange high-visibility cap and rash shirt stating ‘Water Safety’ on the front and back for easy identification.
What do U6 and U7 members do during nippers?
The U6 and U7 Surf Play program is all about fun, participation and building confidence.
The lesson plans consist of surf education, personal safety, running and flags, swimming, wading, and lots of other fun games and activities!
What does my child need to wear/bring to nippers?
Swimmers, club cap, long sleeve t-shirt or rash vest, a sun hat, towel, water, snack and sunscreen.
Most clubs have stocks of their branded apparel – speak to your club for prices and availability.
What are Junior Awards?
Each age group has an award which is achieved by participation throughout the season.
The award celebrates the new skills and knowledge which have been learnt.
Your child will need to attend and participate in all the compulsory sessions to attain the award.
Award certificates may be emailed to you by your club or printed and presented at the end of season.
What and who are Age Managers?
An Age Manager is a member of the club who takes responsibility for the instruction of an age group throughout the season.
All Age Managers are trained and hold a current Working with Children Checks (WWCC) as required in line with state legislation.
If you are interested in helping with the delivery of Nippers and becoming an Age Manager or (or maybe even becoming a surf lifesaver yourself!), speak to your club – we love our parents getting involved!