SLSC Nippers
Dive into Adventure
Join Our Nippers Program and Ride the Waves of Confidence and Skill
Join our vibrant Nippers Program at Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Club and immerse your children in the world of surf rescue and life-saving. Our goal is to instil confidence and understanding of the surf in all our young members. As a close-knit club in the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens area, we provide personalised attention and service, ensuring a supportive and enriching experience for every Nipper.
Nippers is a fantastic way for children aged 5 to Under 14 to enjoy the beach in a safe environment. The Junior Development Program ensures that kids have fun while participating in lessons that prepare them for both lifesaving and surf sport.
For Nippers enquiries contact the Nippers Coordinator on Nippers@tghnslsc.au
We encourage parents to actively participate, not only on Sundays but also by joining us for patrol duties. Your involvement enhances the sense of community and support for our Nippers.
We eagerly anticipate the return of our seasoned members and warmly welcome new faces to our club. Stay informed with the latest updates by following our Facebook page and attending our registration help days for assistance and answers to your queries.
Nippers is for children 5-13 years. Provided during each Sunday morning during school term from September until April.
Our Junior Activities aim to
- Provide a fun and engaging experience for children.
- Teach and enhance basic surf safety skills, preparing our Nippers for various levels of competition, from club to state.
- Foster a sense of belonging and club spirit, encouraging children to advance through the ranks and become active, lifelong members of our surf life-saving community.
Nippers Handbook
Here are some key points about Nippers:
AGE ELIGIBILITY
- Children can join Nippers as soon as they turn five years old.
- If a child turns five after 30 September, they can still join Nippers, but they’ll be in the U6 age group for the following season.
PROGRAM FOCUS
- Nippers emphasises participation and enjoyment rather than just competition.
- Clubs tailor their programs to suit their members and beach conditions.
- The goal is to increase confidence and skill levels in the water and on the sand.
PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS
- To compete in carnivals, Nipper members must achieve a minimum level of proficiency.
- Proficiency includes swim tests and other skills relevant to lifesaving. (See tables below)
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
- One parent must join as a club member for their child to join Nippers.
- Your support is valuable in ensuring a positive experience for your child.
WATER SAFETY MEASURES
- Clubs prioritise safety, with age-appropriate supervision and water safety protocols.
WHAT TO WEAR/BRING
- Children should wear appropriate swimwear and bring sunscreen, a hat, and water.
Remember, Nippers isn’t just about competition—it’s about building confidence, skills, and friendships by the beach! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask our club’s Junior Activities organizer!
Preliminary Skills Assessment
To be completed by all Nippers
Under 6 and 7 Years Floatation - 5 seconds front or back, recover to stand. Submersion - retrieve object from bottom of water with hands. Propulsion - push and glide from wall and recover to stand. Wade through water for at least 5 metres. Under 8 Years Floatation - 5 seconds, recover to stand. Submersion - retrieve object from bottom of water with hands. Swim using any stroke for 25 metres in pool. Under 9 and 10 Years Floatation - 5 seconds front or back, recover to stand. Tread water for a minimum of 1 minute. Submersion - retrieve object from bottom of water with hands. Swim on front through water any stroke for 25 metres. Under 11 Years Floatation - 5 seconds front and back (each side), recover to stand. Tread water for a minimum of 2 minutes. Submersion - retrieve object from bottom of water with hands. Swim on front through water any stroke for 50 metres. Under 12 and 13 Years Floatation - 5 seconds front and back (each side), recover to stand. Tread water for a minimum of 3 minutes. Submersion - retrieve object from bottom of water with hands. Swim on front through water any stroke for 100 metres.
Competition Skills Assessment
To be completed by Nippers wishing to compete
Under 6 and 7 Years | Nil |
Under 8 Years | Nil (no water competition, except for wade which takes place in waist-deep water. |
Under 9 and 10 Years | Minimum 150m open water swim (any stroke) |
Under 11, 12 and 13 Years | Minimum 200m open water swim (any stroke) |
Join our Community
Join us in our commitment to safeguarding our youth, promoting a healthy and safe club culture, and upholding the highest standards of surf life-saving.
Nippers FAQ
How do I enrol my child?
If you are an existing member click here
Do I need to register as a parent?
Yes at least 1 parent/guardian needs to join with a Nipper registration.
Are you an Active Kids Provider?
Does my child need to be a good swimmer?
Do I need to stay at the beach?
Get Involved
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SLSC Nippers
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Sponsor Our Club
We are always seeking interested businesses to come on board as sponsors. This sponsorship will raise the profile of your organisation in the community and give you an invaluable association with one of this country's largest and most identifiable volunteer organisations. Whether you're seeking increased patronage or an improved profile as a good corporate citizen, a relationship with TGHNSLSC has plenty to offer.