Seacliff Nippers
Nippers: Where Fun Meets Lifesaving Skills
Introduce your child to the joys of the beach with our Nippers program! Designed for kids aged 5-13, Nippers is more than just fun in the sun.
We teach essential water safety skills, build confidence, and foster lifelong friendships. Our Junior Development Program provides a pathway for those interested in pursuing lifesaving, sport, and community involvement.
In a safe and welcoming environment, we instill our core values of Community, Courage, Lifestyle, and Respect. Join us and help your child develop surf awareness, beach skills, sun-smart habits, and a love for healthy activity!
What We Offer:
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Water Safety:
Learn crucial skills to stay safe at the beach.
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Confidence:
Build self-assurance through exciting beach activities.
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Friendships:
Connect with other kids and create lasting bonds.
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Lifesaving Skills:
Our Junior Development Program offers a pathway for those interested in pursuing lifesaving, sport, and community leadership.
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Healthy Habits:
Develop a love for the outdoors and an active lifestyle.
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Development
Progression towards surf awards for relevant age groups
See What Families Have to Say:
Over the seasons, we’ve watched Evelyn develop not just her ocean awareness and fitness, but also a strong sense of teamwork, responsibility, and community spirit. She’s made great friends (as have we!), had plenty of fun, and learned valuable skills that will stay with her for life. Seacliff SLSC has given Evelyn a foundation we’re really proud of, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.
Seacliff Nippers
How it Works?
At SSLSC we conduct a Saturday afternoon Nipper program, commencing in October and running through to March the following year, with a short break over the Christmas and New Year period.
Where We Meet:
We meet on the beach in front of the Seacliff Patrol Tower (opposite the roundabout on the corner of Wheatland Street and the Esplanade).
When We Meet:
Nippers commences at 1.30pm and finishes between 3.15-4pm. Please arrive at 1:15pm to allow time to check-in with your child’s Age Group Leader, and to grab your age groups nipper cap.
First Time Parent Info:
- Nipper caps MUST be worn at all times whilst on the beach.
- It is ESSENTIAL that your child is CHECKED-IN and CHECKED-OUT every week to ensure a responsible
‘Duty Of Care’. - Under 6 and Under 7 nippers MUST have a parent / guardian remain with them and their age group at all times.
- Under 8 – Under 13 nippers MUST have a parent / guardian remain on the beach and be contactable at all times.
Guide to the Age Group Cap Colours:
What to Bring:
Essential Items for Seacliff Nippers:
Swimmers – Nippers are encouraged to wear Seacliff SLSC club or black bathers when representing the club at carnivals.
A Seacliff high-vis (must be in good condition and not faded).
A Seacliff age group cap. This cap must be worn at all times once Nippers are signed on. (supplied for each session)
Recommended Items:
Swimming goggles for comfort in the water.
A wide brimmed hat to wear between activities for sun protection.
A long-sleeved shirt for extra sun protection when not in the water.
A towel to dry off between sessions.
A water bottle and some snacks to keep energy levels up.
A wetsuit top or wind jacket for cooler or windy days.
SPF 50+ sunscreen and waterproof zinc for added sun protection
Please ensure all personal belongings, especially high-vis, long sleeve T’s and caps, are clearly labelled.
Common Questions & Their Answers:
Each age group has specific swimming requirements. All children will complete a swim evaluation, including a swim and float assessment, which the club conducts at Nipper training. This evaluation ensures their swimming and self-survival abilities are adequate for water-based activities.
For children who wish to compete in carnivals, an additional ocean swim evaluation is required to participate in inter-club events. Only those interested in competing need to complete this assessment.
This is not a learn to swim program. While Nippers improves confidence and water skills, it is not a learn-to-swim program. We highly encourage children to participate in external swim training. There are many local swim schools, and Seacliff SLSC offers a swim squad with experienced coaches at affordable rates.
For standard nippers you will need to bring your child to every the beach every Sunday throughout the Nipper Season.
At Seacliff, we offer additional sessions which include; training every Saturday afternoon. We also offer specialised training such as swim squad, board training, and run training on other days throughout the week, which your child is welcome to attend. These sessions are advertised on our Facebook page *may include an additional charge.
If your child is eligible to compete in carnivals, they are usually held on Sundays. There are typically 4–5 carnivals per season, including the State Titles event, which all children from U8s and up can participate in.
No, a parent or designated guardian must remain at the beach for the duration of training. We encourage parents to get involved each week, as the success of our club relies on volunteers. Helping out is also a great way to meet new people and engage with the club. The kids thrive when parents are actively involved. Speak a Junior Committee Members or to an Age Group Leader about how you can contribute!
The Nipper season runs from October to March.
Nippers does not run over the Christmas period, but it is important to note that we need lifesavers available for patrols during this time.
No, Nippers is primarily focused on developing water safety skills and training future lifesavers. While competition is encouraged as part of this process, it is not mandatory.
The age group your child is placed in is determined by their age at midnight on 30 September. Since your child was 11 on 30 September (and turned 12 on 5 October), they are classed as being in the U12 age group, even though they are now 12. A child who turns 12 on 30 July would be placed in the U13 age group.
No. The age group for children is determined by their age as of midnight on 30 September. For example, if a child turns 8 on 30 September, they will be in U9s for that season. If they turn 8 on 1 October, they will be in U8s for that season.
Unfortunately, children must be placed in the correct age group based on their birthdate. While it may seem disappointing at first, being in separate age groups gives them the chance to make new friends while still being able to socialise before and after training sessions.
Depending on their age group, children take part in a variety of activities, including beach sprints, flags, swimming, board paddling, and wading. They also learn basic CPR, first aid skills, surf lifesaving techniques, and surf awareness. Nippers is designed to train the future lifesavers of our community while providing a fun and engaging environment.
Each age group has specific awards that involve attending and participating in training sessions to develop relevant skills and knowledge. Children must attend all compulsory sessions to earn their award.
The Junior Nippers Program is designed to transition children into becoming qualified surf lifesavers. As they progress, they can join our Youth program, gain their SRC and assist in patrols, compete at state and national levels, and explore specialised areas of surf lifesaving.
Seacliff offers various membership levels. If your child is joining from U6 to U14, a club associate membership for a guardian is included. Additional parents are welcome to join also.
Family membership includes:
- Participation in approximately 16 Nipper Saturday sessions
- Optional participation in additional training sessions during the week (e.g. run and board training)
- Access to subsidised swim squad sessions
- Discounted purchases at the Seacliff SLSC bar and restaurant
Nipper Communication
Most communication from Seacliff SLSC to Nipper parents is done via Team App. This includes important updates on camps, carnivals, changes to the Nippers program, and special events. Click the link below to go to the Seacliff SLSC Team App.
Get Involved as a Parent and Make a Difference!
Parents play a vital role in the success of Seacliff SLSC, and getting involved is a fantastic way to support your child, meet new people, and be part of the surf lifesaving community. There are plenty of ways to contribute, including:
✔ Assisting with junior training
✔ Helping with set up and pack down on Nipper days
✔ Coaching and mentoring young athletes
✔ Taking on a team management role
✔ Officiating at events and carnivals
✔ Supporting fundraising initiatives to help the club grow
✔ Providing water safety (with a Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion)
✔ Lending a hand at the club BBQ
The more you get involved, the richer the experience will be for both you and your child. Join in, have fun, and help us keep Seacliff SLSC thriving!
How Parents Can Get Involved in Water Safety
Parents play a vital role in ensuring the safety and success of our Nippers program by volunteering as water safety personnel. For Nippers to participate in surf activities, we need at least one water safety volunteer per five Nippers in the water.
As a water safety volunteer, you’ll help supervise water activities, provide support and encouragement, and assist Nippers who may need extra help in the surf. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your own surf lifesaving skills while being actively involved in your child’s experience at Seacliff SLSC.
During carnivals, Seacliff SLSC is required to provide a certain number of water safety volunteers for our Nippers to compete. Without enough volunteers, our competitors won’t be able to participate.
How to Become a Water Safety Volunteer
Becoming a water safety volunteer is a great way to support your child and the club while building confidence in the surf. To get involved, you must:
☑ Be at least 14 years old
☑ Obtain your Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) or Bronze Medallion (BM)
We encourage all parents to consider completing their SRC or BM so they can assist with Nippers water safety. If you’re interested in getting qualified, click here for more details on upcoming courses and how to get started!
What Is an Age Manager?
Age Managers play a crucial role in the Seacliff SLSC Nippers program, helping to guide, mentor, and support children as they develop surf lifesaving skills. Each age group typically has at least two Age Managers who lead activities, teach new skills, and support Nippers at training sessions, carnivals, and camps.
Beyond teaching surf skills, Age Managers help foster a positive, family-like environment within their group, encouraging teamwork, confidence, and a love for the ocean over multiple seasons.
How to Become an Age Manager
Becoming an Age Manager is a rewarding way to get involved in your child’s Nippers journey while supporting the club. To take on this role, you must:
☑ Be at least 18 years old to manage U6 & U7 Nippers
☑ Be at least 15 years old to manage U8 and above
☑ Hold a Working with Children Check (WWCC) if over 18
☑ Complete the Age Manager Course (or have already completed it)
If you’re interested in becoming an Age Manager, reach out to the Seacliff SLSC team for details on upcoming courses and how to get started!
What Is a Surf Sports Official?
Officials play a critical role in ensuring the smooth and fair running of surf lifesaving competitions. They help oversee events, monitor fair play, and ensure that carnivals run efficiently.
At Seacliff SLSC, new officials typically start as general officials, assisting with tasks such as:
Counting placings at the finish line
Marshalling competitors before races
Monitoring race fairness
Assisting with course setup and coordination
From here, there are opportunities to specialize in specific surf sports, become a race starter, or take on higher-level officiating roles. Officials are essential, as our Nippers cannot compete in carnivals unless we provide the required number of officials per competitor.
How to Become an Official
Becoming an official is a great way to support your child and the club while gaining valuable insight into surf sports. To get started, you need to:
☑ Complete a Surf Sports Official Course (no prerequisites required)
If you’re interested in becoming an official, contact Seacliff SLSC for details on the online course and how to get involved!
Join Today
Click below for registration instructions, or if you still have questions about our nipper program, contact us today!
