Juniors
Why Nippers?
The involvement of children in Surf Lifesaving is geared towards learning surf safety and surf skills and, at a later stage, increasing senior membership and Patrol involvement.
Did you know that 86% of elite Iron Persons have come from the Nipper ranks, and that 83% of children join Nippers because of the involvement of family and/or friends or because they live close by. Children like making friends, catching waves and swimming.
So why do parents encourage kids to be in Nippers?
- To learn important skills, resuscitation, and surf safety;
- To have fun with other kids;
- To benefit and enjoy surf competitions, teamwork and sportsmanship, and;
- To enjoy a fit and healthy lifestyle.
Nippers can be a rewarding experience for the whole family. Not only do kids learn important beach
and water skills and enjoy friendships that come with belonging to the Club but their parents can also gain valuable knowledge and discover personal satisfaction by participating.
For more details, download the Nippers Handbook Nippers handbook 2011-12 and Induction booklet Induction booklet 2011-12
Surf Life Saving Australia has evolved into an organisation known throughout the world for its voluntary humanitarian service. It is a tradition today maintained by members who are justly proud of, and recognise the importance of Surf Life Saving Australia’s motto ‘Vigilance and Service’.
| Age group | Date of Birth |
| Under 8 | 01 October 2004 to 30 September 2005 |
| Under 9 | 01 October 2003 to 30 September 2004 |
| Under 10 | 01 October 2002 to 30 September 2003 |
| Under 11 | 01 October 2001 to 30 September 2002 |
| Under 12 | 01 October 2000 to 30 September 2001 |
| Under 13 | 01 October 1999 to 30 September 2000 |
| Under 14 | 01 October 1998 to 30 September 1999 |
Please note: Proof of age/Birth Certificate must be shown for all new children joining a Surf Club. Participation outside your own age group is not possible as this is against SLSA regulations and makes point scoring difficult for both your child and the Age Manager involved.
Age Managers are usually qualified, volunteer parents with children in Nippers and are allocated to each age group with responsibility for organising and conducting the various Nipper activities.
The main responsibilities of the Age Managers are as follows:
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Encourage the children of their age group to participate, enjoy, co-operate and compete in all activities of the Club.
- Keep weekly records of each child’s attendance and proficiency achievements.
- Instruct the children in their age group of the necessary requirements for the National Awards
- Organise the children in their age group at carnivals.
- Assist in the development of surf awareness and surf safety for the children in their age group.
- Assist in the instruction of the correct techniques and point-scoring systems of the events the children may participate in at carnivals.
- Keep children and parents informed of the requirements of the age group and of Club activities, carnivals, competition dates, etc.
- Ensure the children of the age group are aware of and encourage sun protection.
Parents are encouraged to make themselves known to their child’s Age Manager and to offer assistance when required. If you have any questions or concerns, or if your child has any medical condition that may restrict him or her in any way, please speak with your Age Manager.
Parents are reminded that this is not a child minding service. Parents are encouraged to be on the beach while their child participates in the Nipper Program at Denmark. Parents MUST be present to resume responsibility of their child at the conclusion of the day’s events.
Children MUST obtain their parents’ permission prior to re-entering the water upon completion of the day’s events and swim between the flags. Nipper caps must be removed at the completion of the day’s formal activities.
If you have to leave before events are finished, please inform your child’s Age Manager BEFORE taking your child from the beach so that their name may be marked off the roll.
DSLSC's Age Managers are
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Under 8, 9 & 10's: Kara Atkinson
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Under 10, 11 & 12's: Mark Chamberlain
Sunday Events
Activities will commence at 9.30am sharp and finish around 11.00 am – but sometimes later for the older age groups or on special days. All activities are organised in age groups, each of which has its own Age Manager.
- The objectives are to ensure all children who are registered with the Club are provided with:
- The best possible facilities to enjoy their activities
- The best possible opportunity to participate in Club activities.
- The best possible tuition and coaching to achieve the Age Group National Awards.
- The best possible opportunity for competition.
- The best possible opportunity to learn and understand the surf and the beach.
- No child will be able to participate in water events without first competing an evaluation swim and being certified Proficient.
- Nippers commences at 9.30 am sharp. Could children please assemble on the grassed area adjacent to the Patrol Area by 9.15am so that Age Managers can mark the roll and the session can commence on time.
- Announcements and important information for Nippers and parents is communicated at the start of the day. Please be on time and listen to announcements so that you are aware and up-to date with all matters concerning your children.
- Children must wear a coloured Nippers Cap whilst they are involved in Nipper activities and it is recommended that they also wear a rashie clearly marked with the child’s name. Please make sure they have a hat and rashie which are available from the clothing co-ordinator as well as a water bottle.
- Children must have sunscreen cream applied prior to commencement of Nippers and reapplied after water events.
