NIPPERS FAQs
2021/22 SEASON
When does the 2021/22 season start?
Nippers will recommence on 30 Oct 2021 for U6 @ 8:30 (for first week only) and 31th Oct 2021 for U7+.
How do I join or renew my Membership?
Unfortunately we can no longer take new memberships for the 2021/22 season. This is to ensure that we can provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all members.
Please find detailed instructions renewing in the Membership section below.
What times does nippers start?
This year due to Covid-19, we had to split the times into 2 slots, a number of zones are also created at the beach to manage overcrowding and also to comply with Council and Government Covid requirements.
This year Nippers will have 2 different start times (B - Boys, G - Girls):
Under normal circumstances, we start at 9.00 AM and assemble 15 minutes earlier in front of the Club house.
Nippers will sign in ON THE BEACH in their designated activity zones.
We will no longer have the announcements at the club house. Age Managers will deliver information to each group.
Parents will not be allowed into the activity zones. Only parents with an Age Manager award or BM/SRC will be allowed into the activity zones.
NB: As per current Health Orders all Age Managers and Water Safety will need to be double vaccinated.
How will Nippers will run at South Maroubra SLSC this season?
This season, only qualified members will be able to support the delivery of Nippers. Trained Age Managers and Water Safety team members will help us ensure that nippers are kept safe both in the water and on the beach. As always we would love for more people to join the team!
All parents outside the zones will be asked to social distance. If you wish to be close to the action this is a great chance to do the Age Managers course.
We are asking all parents to comply with this NSW Sport Directive, start at your zone, participate in your zone, leave and clear your zone at the end of your activities.
Staying safe
We are asking all parents to support us in meeting the NSW Government requirements and stay COVID-19 safe by:
We are committed to keeping all members of the club safe, and we thank you for your support and understanding in these changing times. As Government restrictions change prior to season start, we will endeavour to update you on information as it becomes available.
We have have one nipper in u7s at 8am and another one at 9:30 in u10s. Does that mean, we’ll have to bring them separately or can we have one parent bring both at 8am?
Slots are for different age groups.
If parents have nippers in both slots, they can bring them to the beach at the one time, but the nipper that is not participating will need to remain away from the activity zones with an adult until his/her time comes up.
Zones have been set for specific age groups so we can manage overcrowding and can comply with Council and Government Covid requirements
When does the 2021/22 season start?
Nippers will recommence on 30 Oct 2021 for U6 @ 8:30 (for first week only) and 31th Oct 2021 for U7+.
How do I join or renew my Membership?
Unfortunately we can no longer take new memberships for the 2021/22 season. This is to ensure that we can provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all members.
Please find detailed instructions renewing in the Membership section below.
What times does nippers start?
This year due to Covid-19, we had to split the times into 2 slots, a number of zones are also created at the beach to manage overcrowding and also to comply with Council and Government Covid requirements.
This year Nippers will have 2 different start times (B - Boys, G - Girls):
- 8.00 AM – Under 14 B/G , 13 B/G , 12 B/G, 11G, 8G and Under 7B/G. Finish at 9.15 AM
- 9.30 AM – Under 10 B/G, 9 B/G, 8B, and Under 6B/G. Finish at 10.45 AM
Under normal circumstances, we start at 9.00 AM and assemble 15 minutes earlier in front of the Club house.
Nippers will sign in ON THE BEACH in their designated activity zones.
We will no longer have the announcements at the club house. Age Managers will deliver information to each group.
Parents will not be allowed into the activity zones. Only parents with an Age Manager award or BM/SRC will be allowed into the activity zones.
NB: As per current Health Orders all Age Managers and Water Safety will need to be double vaccinated.
How will Nippers will run at South Maroubra SLSC this season?
This season, only qualified members will be able to support the delivery of Nippers. Trained Age Managers and Water Safety team members will help us ensure that nippers are kept safe both in the water and on the beach. As always we would love for more people to join the team!
All parents outside the zones will be asked to social distance. If you wish to be close to the action this is a great chance to do the Age Managers course.
We are asking all parents to comply with this NSW Sport Directive, start at your zone, participate in your zone, leave and clear your zone at the end of your activities.
Staying safe
We are asking all parents to support us in meeting the NSW Government requirements and stay COVID-19 safe by:
- Registering online
- Staying at home if you or your child have any COVID-19 symptoms, or are unwell
- Ensuring that only one parent/B/G per nipper attends
- Ensuring that you sign in when attending Nippers to assist with contact tracing
- Maintaining social distancing while spectating, both in and around the clubhouse and on the beach
- Bringing your own sunscreen, water bottles and towels to avoid sharing
- Where possible, showering and getting dressed at home
- Check-in using the QR code with the NSW Services app
We are committed to keeping all members of the club safe, and we thank you for your support and understanding in these changing times. As Government restrictions change prior to season start, we will endeavour to update you on information as it becomes available.
We have have one nipper in u7s at 8am and another one at 9:30 in u10s. Does that mean, we’ll have to bring them separately or can we have one parent bring both at 8am?
Slots are for different age groups.
If parents have nippers in both slots, they can bring them to the beach at the one time, but the nipper that is not participating will need to remain away from the activity zones with an adult until his/her time comes up.
Zones have been set for specific age groups so we can manage overcrowding and can comply with Council and Government Covid requirements
AGE GROUPS
What age can my child start nippers?
The youngest age group for Nippers is the u6’s. For the 2021/22 season this includes children who are born between 1 October 2015 – 30 September 2016.
A slightly younger child may take part – however they must have turned 5 years of age beforehand (eg. your child may turn 5 in November, they can start Nippers after their birthday). Note that your child will “repeat” the u6 age group the following year – ie. they will be in u6 for the following season as well.
What age group is my child in?
Age Group's chart for this season can be found here
Can my child go up or down an age group to be with their friends?
No. All children must participate in their correct age group. Age groups are defined by Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA).
Are there any exceptions?
Exceptions may be granted by the Club's Board of Management for certain medical reasons. This must be accompanied with a medical certificate from a doctor.
What age can my child start nippers?
The youngest age group for Nippers is the u6’s. For the 2021/22 season this includes children who are born between 1 October 2015 – 30 September 2016.
A slightly younger child may take part – however they must have turned 5 years of age beforehand (eg. your child may turn 5 in November, they can start Nippers after their birthday). Note that your child will “repeat” the u6 age group the following year – ie. they will be in u6 for the following season as well.
What age group is my child in?
Age Group's chart for this season can be found here
Can my child go up or down an age group to be with their friends?
No. All children must participate in their correct age group. Age groups are defined by Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA).
Are there any exceptions?
Exceptions may be granted by the Club's Board of Management for certain medical reasons. This must be accompanied with a medical certificate from a doctor.
UNIFORMS
Is there a uniform for Nippers?
Although not compulsory we have a range of swimwear and other items are available at the club office.
The compulsory uniform items are:
Do I need a new cap each year?
No, it’s like the baggy green, you keep the same colour cap right through nippers. The colour cap that is allocated to your age group will stay with them until they graduate.
Where and when can I buy uniforms?
South Maroubra nipper uniforms can be bought from the club house's office which is open Tuesday, Thursday & Fridays 9am - 3pm, Sunday 8am - 12pm (during Nipper season only). All purchases and membership queries can be done on these days also.
Is there a uniform for Nippers?
Although not compulsory we have a range of swimwear and other items are available at the club office.
The compulsory uniform items are:
- Nippers cap ($20)
- Pink high visibility rash vest ($20) for U8’s and up age groups
Do I need a new cap each year?
No, it’s like the baggy green, you keep the same colour cap right through nippers. The colour cap that is allocated to your age group will stay with them until they graduate.
Where and when can I buy uniforms?
South Maroubra nipper uniforms can be bought from the club house's office which is open Tuesday, Thursday & Fridays 9am - 3pm, Sunday 8am - 12pm (during Nipper season only). All purchases and membership queries can be done on these days also.
PROFICIENCY
What is the proficiency swim and float?
All nippers must complete the annual proficiency swim and float as part of their Nippers registration. This ensures a minimum and safe standard of swimming and survival ability for water activities at Nippers and is a pre – requisite for nippers to be part of the program.
Does my child need to complete proficiency?
All children need to complete proficiency each year - to read what is required of each age group please have a look at the Nipper Booklet.
When and where is the proficiency swim/float assessment offered?
Usually, proficiency is assessed at Des Renford Aquatic Centre (DRAC). This year proficiency will be conducted at the beach.
What do I need to bring to the proficiency swim/float assessment?
Bring with you:
What is the proficiency swim and float?
All nippers must complete the annual proficiency swim and float as part of their Nippers registration. This ensures a minimum and safe standard of swimming and survival ability for water activities at Nippers and is a pre – requisite for nippers to be part of the program.
Does my child need to complete proficiency?
All children need to complete proficiency each year - to read what is required of each age group please have a look at the Nipper Booklet.
When and where is the proficiency swim/float assessment offered?
Usually, proficiency is assessed at Des Renford Aquatic Centre (DRAC). This year proficiency will be conducted at the beach.
What do I need to bring to the proficiency swim/float assessment?
Bring with you:
- Swimmers
- cap
- goggles and
- towel
RENEWING MEMBERSHIP
Unfortunately, we can no longer take new memberships for the 2021/22 Season.
What type of membership will my child (nipper) require?
When completing your Nippers registration the correct membership type is:
Membership category: JUNIOR
Sub-Membership category: Junior Activity Member (5 to 13 yrs)
Nippers (Registration Fee ONLY*)
First Child - $125.00
2nd Nipper - $105.00
3rd or more Nipper - $85.00
General Member - $40.00
*Other fees that may be incurred include (Pink hi-viz vest, coloured age cap, competition cap, club simmers)
Please note South Maroubra SLSC will accept the NSW Active Kids Voucher
To Join as an individual
Go to join.sls.com.au and click on the checkbox ‘I would like to join – Surf Life Saving Club’.
JOIN as a family group
If you wish to join up a family (i.e. one person is over the age of 18 and a child/ren), then select the Family option.
If you have any problems with the SLSA Join system then kindly lodge a support ticket via https://help.sls.com.au or ring the helpdesk on 1300 724 006.
Once you have completed the renewal online, our registration team will then reconcile Membership requests and payments, and once reconciled, the membership is approved. Unfortunately, the system doesn't automatically issue a confirmation
If for any reason, your membership is incorrect or missing something, then the team will contact you.
CLICK HERE to apply for an Active Kids Vouchers with Service NSW
CLICK HERE to view information on how to redeem your Active Kids vouchers
If for any reason, your membership is incorrect or missing something, then the team will contact you.
What type of membership do parents/carers need?
It is strongly encouraged that at least one parent/carer from each family become a member of South Maroubra SLSC. You can choose from:
If you have any questions please contact [email protected] or call (02) 9314 0070. Office hours are Tuesday & Fridays 9am - 3pm, Thursday 9am-3pm & Sunday 8am-12pm (nipper season only)
Why do parents have to join as a member?
It is beneficial for at least one parent/carer to join as a member of South Maroubra SLSC. It ensures you are covered by insurance when helping out at Nippers and is a great way to be involved.
Do all Age Managers need to become a South Maroubra SLSC member?
Yes, all age managers must be full financial members of our club, at a minimum they should be ‘general members’ . They must also have a WWCC (Working With Children Check) number. These are available free from Office of the Children’s Guardian
If you have any problems with the SLS A Join system then kindly lodge a support ticket via https://help.sls.com.au or ring the helpdesk on 1300 724 006
Unfortunately, we can no longer take new memberships for the 2021/22 Season.
What type of membership will my child (nipper) require?
When completing your Nippers registration the correct membership type is:
Membership category: JUNIOR
Sub-Membership category: Junior Activity Member (5 to 13 yrs)
Nippers (Registration Fee ONLY*)
First Child - $125.00
2nd Nipper - $105.00
3rd or more Nipper - $85.00
General Member - $40.00
*Other fees that may be incurred include (Pink hi-viz vest, coloured age cap, competition cap, club simmers)
Please note South Maroubra SLSC will accept the NSW Active Kids Voucher
To Join as an individual
Go to join.sls.com.au and click on the checkbox ‘I would like to join – Surf Life Saving Club’.
- Type in the name ‘South Maroubra’ into the club field box. If you are joining up one person then select ‘An Individual’ from the “I want to join’ drop down box.
- Fill in the membership application form using the details of the person wishing to join i.e. first name, last name and DOB. Follow the prompts all the way through to the payment gateway where you can use your active kids voucher if you have one and pay the balance of fees. You must submit the voucher at this point, if you leave this page you will not able to go back to redeem your voucher.
JOIN as a family group
If you wish to join up a family (i.e. one person is over the age of 18 and a child/ren), then select the Family option.
- Enter in the details for the parent (person over the age of 18 yrs.) in the membership application form.
- Follow the prompts and then you will be asked to fill in the name and DOB details for the children of your family group.
- If you have any problems with the SLS A Join system then kindly lodge a support ticket via https://help.sls.com.au or ring the helpdesk on 1300724006
- Follow the prompts all the way through to the payment gateway where you can use your active kids voucher if you have one and pay the balance of fees. You must submit the voucher at this point, if you leave this page you will not able to go back to redeem your voucher. If vouchers are being used, balance of fees to be paid at the same time.
If you have any problems with the SLSA Join system then kindly lodge a support ticket via https://help.sls.com.au or ring the helpdesk on 1300 724 006.
Once you have completed the renewal online, our registration team will then reconcile Membership requests and payments, and once reconciled, the membership is approved. Unfortunately, the system doesn't automatically issue a confirmation
If for any reason, your membership is incorrect or missing something, then the team will contact you.
CLICK HERE to apply for an Active Kids Vouchers with Service NSW
CLICK HERE to view information on how to redeem your Active Kids vouchers
If for any reason, your membership is incorrect or missing something, then the team will contact you.
What type of membership do parents/carers need?
It is strongly encouraged that at least one parent/carer from each family become a member of South Maroubra SLSC. You can choose from:
- General member for $40 – which is suitable for most Nipper parents. It provides insurance coverage for helping on the beach.
- For those involved in Water Safety or are interested in patrolling please sign up as an ‘Active member’ for $65. You will also need to hold the Bronze Medallion award in order to take part in Water Safety. Learn more about becoming a lifesaver!
If you have any questions please contact [email protected] or call (02) 9314 0070. Office hours are Tuesday & Fridays 9am - 3pm, Thursday 9am-3pm & Sunday 8am-12pm (nipper season only)
Why do parents have to join as a member?
It is beneficial for at least one parent/carer to join as a member of South Maroubra SLSC. It ensures you are covered by insurance when helping out at Nippers and is a great way to be involved.
Do all Age Managers need to become a South Maroubra SLSC member?
Yes, all age managers must be full financial members of our club, at a minimum they should be ‘general members’ . They must also have a WWCC (Working With Children Check) number. These are available free from Office of the Children’s Guardian
If you have any problems with the SLS A Join system then kindly lodge a support ticket via https://help.sls.com.au or ring the helpdesk on 1300 724 006
FACILITIES
What is the parking situation like?
Parking around the club is free however limited. There are approximately 250 legal parking spots which are available to ALL beach goers. Additional parking is available on Broome Street which is the street located directly west of the club on the hill, with a simple walk down the hill. Other parking areas include middle of beach parking area and walk along the path on the dunes to our club. Remember Council Rangers patrol the area and will book cars parked illegally. We also have a ‘drop off and go’ facility which reduces car parking pressures.
It's Sunday morning. Can I get a coffee?
Luke the Coffee Man will be on the lawn from just after sun up so you can get your caffeine fix.
Now I’m hungry?
Mick in the Kiosk will be ready to go with a fully stocked kiosk. The Chicken Schnitty’s are something else!
What is the parking situation like?
Parking around the club is free however limited. There are approximately 250 legal parking spots which are available to ALL beach goers. Additional parking is available on Broome Street which is the street located directly west of the club on the hill, with a simple walk down the hill. Other parking areas include middle of beach parking area and walk along the path on the dunes to our club. Remember Council Rangers patrol the area and will book cars parked illegally. We also have a ‘drop off and go’ facility which reduces car parking pressures.
It's Sunday morning. Can I get a coffee?
Luke the Coffee Man will be on the lawn from just after sun up so you can get your caffeine fix.
Now I’m hungry?
Mick in the Kiosk will be ready to go with a fully stocked kiosk. The Chicken Schnitty’s are something else!
KEEPING IN TOUCH
You can keep up to date on Nippers from our South Maroubra Nippers Facebook page or
http://www.southmaroubrasurfclub.com.au/nippers.html
Help and questions
Surf Life Saving Australia – online rego helpdesk (if you have issues with portal account set up, passwords, family accounts etc.) Email: https://help.sls.com.au/ phone 1300 724 006
South Maroubra club Office [email protected]
Phone (02) 9314 0070
Nippers Registrar [email protected]