WELCOME TO NIPPERS

The Nippers Program is for children aged 5 to 14 to learn about beach safety and recognise potential dangers in an engaging and safe environment. Our Nipper Program is crafted to guide them toward becoming well-rounded participants in both lifesaving and beach sports.

Please note: this is not a learn-to-swim program. It is designed to educate children on beach safety and lifesaving skills, requiring active participation and attentiveness. Parents are required to be active participants and must always remain with their children.

Click here for more information on how to enrol in Nippers

Season dates and session times

The 2024/ 25 season runs on Sundays between 15 September 2024 to 9 March 2025.

Nippers must arrive by 8am and congregate in the grass area behind the surf club, on Woorim Beach.

Age Managers of each group will conduct a rollcall at the beginning and end of each session.

Depending on weather conditions, sessions will conclude around 10:30am.

Age groups and activities

To determine what age group your child can participate in based on the month and year they were born, view the Age Group Quick Reference Guide.

Under 6's and 7's

Also known as ‘green caps’ emphasise fun and games on the beach, teaching children basic skills and awareness about where to swim and the assistance available from lifeguards.

Under 8's to 14's

This group learn learn beach safety and vital lifesaving skills though undertaking structured beach activities such as wades, board paddling, swimming, beach sprints and beach flags.

Children in this age group are also eligible to compete in local carnivals, which are run several times during the season. Children are encouraged to compete at these events to test their skills in a new beach environment and enjoy representing their club.

Carnival participation is not compulsory.

Under 14's and over

This is the last year of nippers, where this group will work towards achieving their surf rescue certificate. This will assist them on their journey to becoming a qualified lifeguard.

On weekends, this group will assist and support Age Managers in addition to mentoring younger children and Water Safety
Please contact the club office for assistance.

What to wear and bring to Nippers

Wearing the proper gear is crucial for maintaining a secure and organised environment, allowing everyone to focus on learning and having fun. To ensure your child’s safety at the beach and during activities, it is essential all enrolled nippers wear:

Pink high-visibility vest (also known as a ‘pinkie’) * - this ensures our Age Managers and water safety crew can keep track of all participants, especially in busy or challenging beach conditions.
Coloured nipper cap * - to ensure visibility on the beach and in the water. The colour of this cap will depend on the age group, and the colour will remain stay with this group until they become qualified lifeguards.
Togs/swimmers under the pinkie.
SPF 50+ sunscreen and zinc – please do not underestimate water reflection and wear suitable sun protection in all weather conditions.
Other items such as hat, googles, water bottle and towel.

*Both pinkie and nipper cap are provided with new registrations.

Pinkie and nipper caps high visible items and are required on all children participating in all nipper activities, and any club competition or training activities. These items reflect Surf Lifesaving Queensland’s High Visibility Clothing Policy to further enhance safety measures and wellbeing of members.