GIVING KIDS CONFIDENCE IN AND OUT THE WATER

The iconic Revo Nippers program 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.

Nippers is all about serious fun! Kids join a friendly, active community where they learn vital lifesaving and surf sport skills while enjoying the beach in a safe environment. From wading, swimming and board paddling to first aid and resuscitation basics, Nippers gain confidence, make friends and stay active.

Every Surf Life Saving Club in South Australia offers a Nippers program, which varies in style and size, and runs from October to March under the guidance of specially trained volunteers. As children progress, they can work toward their Surf Rescue Certificate, opening the pathway to becoming a qualified lifesaver and serve the community, as well as compete at club, regional and state carnivals.

It’s a great way for the whole family to get involved. Start your surf lifesaving journey today - contact your local club to enrol.

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fact sheet
age guide resource

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.

ADAPTIVE NIPPERS

Adaptive Nippers brings the fun of Nippers to children with additional needs, helping them build water confidence, make friends and enjoy the beach in an inclusive, supportive environment.

Traditional Nippers activities are adapted to individual needs, giving children the chance to learn surf safety, water awareness and beach skills at their own pace. Specially trained volunteers guide each session, with one-on-one support available where needed.

For children who wish to progress, Adaptive Nippers can provide a gradual pathway into mainstream Nippers, as well as opportunities to participate in the statewide Inclusive Beaches Carnival, introduced in 2026 at Semaphore Surf Life Saving Club, and Adaptive Events at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships (The Aussies).

Every child’s achievements are celebrated, with a focus on enjoying the beach, having a go and feeling part of the surf lifesaving community.

Over half of our clubs across South Australia offer inclusive programs. To find out more, get involved and contact a participating club, please visit the Club Directory and use the filter ‘inclusive programs’.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • No.

  • 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.

  • Running and flags, swimming, board paddling, wading, basic first aid skills, Surf Education and lots of FUN activities.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.