NIPPERS FAQs
When does the 2020/21 season start?
Our season for all age groups is due to commence on the 11th Oct 2020.
Starting times to be advised
For more information on the season please see the 2020/21 Nipper Calendar (Coming soon)
What times does nippers usually start?
Starting times will be advised ASAP. Please arrive 15 minutes prior so the Age Managers can assemble the nippers. Again, check the calendar for any changes to this.
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.
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!
AGE GROUPS
What age can my child start nippers?
The youngest age group for Nippers is the u6’s. For the 2020/21 season this includes children who are born between 1 October 2014 – 30 September 2015.
Age Group's chart for this season can be found here
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?
Here is the birth date range for each age group for 2020/21 season
Our season for all age groups is due to commence on the 11th Oct 2020.
Starting times to be advised
For more information on the season please see the 2020/21 Nipper Calendar (Coming soon)
What times does nippers usually start?
Starting times will be advised ASAP. Please arrive 15 minutes prior so the Age Managers can assemble the nippers. Again, check the calendar for any changes to this.
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.
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!
AGE GROUPS
What age can my child start nippers?
The youngest age group for Nippers is the u6’s. For the 2020/21 season this includes children who are born between 1 October 2014 – 30 September 2015.
Age Group's chart for this season can be found here
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?
Here is the birth date range for each age group for 2020/21 season
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.
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 Nippers Booklet (Coming soon).
When and where is the proficiency swim/float assessment offered?
Proficiency is assessed at Des Renford Aquatic Centre (DRAC) on the TBC. Please do not arrive before 12 midday as we are not allowed access to the pool before then. Top tip around 2.30pm is usually pretty quiet.
We could not make it to the pool proficiency . When can we do it again?
While it is preferable nippers attend the session at DRAC there will be chances to do the swim on the first two weekends of nippers.
What do I need to bring to the proficiency swim/float assessment?
Bring with you:
- Swimmers
- cap
- goggles and
- towel.
If you are new to the club, please also bring proof of birth date for your child.
MEMBERSHIP TYPES
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)
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
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
How do I join?
- Go to join.sls.com.au and click on the checkbox ‘I would like to join – Surf Life Saving Club’. You can also access this through the South Maroubra website.
- 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 (ie: first name, last name and DOB) of the person wishing to join.
- If you wish to join up a Family (ie: 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.
- At the completion of submitting membership applications proceed to MAKE PAYMENT to pay the annual membership fees. Simple.
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
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:
- 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 may be on sale at the pool proficiency day and then Sunday mornings in the club house's office which is open from 8.30am till 12pm. The office is also open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9am to 3pm. All purchases and membership queries can be done on these days also.
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]