Nippers
Nippers is our junior activities program specially designed for children aged five to thirteen. It is a great way to help kids learn essential water safety skills, grow their confidence and make lifelong friendships.
Not only is Nippers a fun way for children to enjoy the beach in a safe environment, but it also offers children an educational pathway through the Junior Development Program. This program sets them on the path to becoming a fully rounded participant in both lifesaving and sport - we like to call it 'Serious Fun'.
Surf Awareness
Knowledge of where the dangers are and how to read the surf are essential ingredients in keeping yourself and your mates safe at the beach.
Lifesaving Skills
We introduce Nippers to the skills they will need to become a lifesaver in the future.
Surf Sport Skills
We help our Nippers to develop confidence through participation in a variety of surf sports.
Watch your child have fun, meet new friends and develop skills for life! Enrol Today.
Click here to download a Fact Sheet, or contact your local club to ask about Nippers and sign up.
Want your child to be part of a fun and active community?
Our Nippers program is an excellent opportunity for children aged 5 to 13 to be part of an active and friendly community and learn valuable life skills. Not only will your child have fun and make new friends, but they will also develop skills in lifesaving beach patrols as well as a wide range of surf sports.
Every club in South Australia offers a Nippers program, all with various styles and sizes. Junior activities are delivered on local beaches between October and March by specially trained volunteers from our Surf Life Saving Clubs. Lifesaving is something for the whole family to get involved in, and there are many supporting roles that you can play as a parent of a child involved in Junior Activities.
The Nippers program focuses on play, participation and fun. As they progress through the various age groups, Nippers undergo lessons in wading, running, ocean swimming, board paddling and lifesaving skills, and learning the basics of resuscitation and first aid.
After they complete the program, your child will be ready to undertake their Surf Rescue Certificate and become a qualified Surf Lifesaver who can patrol our beaches and serve the community. Practising these skills allows children to compete in club, regional and state surf lifesaving carnivals representing their clubs.
Click here to download a Fact Sheet, click here to download the Age Guide resource (parents), or contact your local club to ask about Nippers and sign up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I bring my child to the beach?
Each club has a designated training session each week. Check with your club for details. Some clubs have specialised training, i.e. swimming, boards, march past on other days. Surf Sports carnivals (not compulsory to attend) are usually on Sundays.
What equipment does my child need?
Swimwear, club cap which has the age group that they are in on it, long sleeve t-shirt or rash top (club if available), a sun hat, towel and sunscreen. Most clubs have stocks of their apparel – speak to the relevant person for prices.
My child is aged 12 today (born 5th October). What age group will they be in?
The age your child is on the 30th of September determines which age group they will be in. In this case, they will be in the Under 12 group.
Does my child change age groups if their birthday is during a season?
No.
My child and their friend are in different age groups, and they want to be together. Can they go in the same group?
Sorry, the rules are that the children are placed in the age groups where their birthday falls. It may be good for them to be in different age groups, they can make new friends and still socialise before and after the training sessions.
What do they do in surf lifesaving?
Running and flags, swimming, board paddling, wading, basic first aid skills, Surf Education and lots of FUN activities.
What are Junior Awards?
Each age level has compulsory sessions they must participate in to attain the award for that age group. This ensures they have acquired the relevant skills and knowledge before moving on to the next group.
Is this a “Learn to Swim” program?
Although your child will benefit enormously and increase their confidence from exposure to water-based activities, including swimming and board paddling, we do not provide specific learn to swim training or stroke correction.
So does my child have to be able to swim to join?
It certainly helps. However, all participants complete a preliminary skills assessment, including a swim and a float. This is to assess whether they can progress to the water-based junior activities under normal water safety supervision or require closer supervision. The club may assess your child at the beach or in a pool environment, particularly if beach conditions are not desirable.
What and who are Age Managers?
An Age Manager is a member of the club who takes responsibility for the instruction of a particular age group throughout the season. All Age Managers have completed the Age Managers Course and Member Screening – Criminal History Assessment and National Police Certificate check.
What happens when my child finishes all the various junior age groups?
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 continue to be involved in a variety of competition events if desired. They will undertake various other awards and learn many facets of community service involvement. They can be taught specialist areas of competition and compete at both a state and a national level.
What can I do to help?
Parents can become involved in many areas of club activity. You can do lots of things to help, including assisting with training, coaching, officiating, fundraising, providing water cover, or cooking the Club BBQ.
