NIPPERS FAQs
2024/25 SEASON
PLEASE NOTE: UNFORTUNATELY WE ARE FULL FOR ALL AGE GROUPS FOR THE 2024/25 SEASON AND CANNOT ACCEPT ANY MORE NEW REGISTRATIONS
When does the 2024/25 season start?
Nippers will recommence:
- U6 Age Group - Saturday 12th Oct 2024 (first week only and then will be on Sunday's).
- U7 - U14 Age Groups - Sunday 13th Oct 2024.
What times does nippers start?
8:00am - U6, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14
9:30am - U7, U8, U9
What happens at Nippers on Sunday?
The South Maroubra Nippers program includes lessons that are tailored to each of the nipper age groups, ensuring the content is relevant, in line with lifesaving and surf sports most up to date training standards. But most of all, Nippers is all about having FUN!
All children are encouraged to ‘have a go’ at the activities, however no one is forced to participate in any activity that they are not comfortable with. Beginning with the basics of ocean and beach awareness, surf education is gradually introduced to the children each year with the objective that at the age of 13 they can obtain their Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC), enabling them to start patrolling at our beach.
What doesn’t happen at Nippers on a Sunday?
Nippers’ activities are not a child-minding service. At Sunday Nippers, a parent / guardian must be always present on the beach. Nippers is not a learn to swim program. We strongly encourage all nippers to participate in an external professional swimming program. Your child will be safer in the ocean and progress more quickly if they are a confident swimmer.
AGE GROUPS
What age can my child start nippers?
The youngest age group for Nippers is the U6’s. For the 2024/25 season this includes children who are born between 1 October 2018 – 30 September 2019.
A child may join a Surf Life Saving Club as soon as they turn five years of age. No Surf Life Saving Club can accept membership of a child until they have reached the age of five years to comply with insurance requirements. A child who reaches five years of age after 30th September may join nippers at that time for the remainder of the season, however, this child will be required to stay in the U6 nippers age group again the following season. Membership fees remain the same regardless of start time. Note: Proof of age must be sighted for all new children joining a club.
What age can my child start nippers?
The youngest age group for Nippers is the U6’s. For the 2024/25 season this includes children who are born between 1 October 2018 – 30 September 2019.
A child may join a Surf Life Saving Club as soon as they turn five years of age. No Surf Life Saving Club can accept membership of a child until they have reached the age of five years to comply with insurance requirements. A child who reaches five years of age after 30th September may join nippers at that time for the remainder of the season, however, this child will be required to stay in the U6 nippers age group again the following season. Membership fees remain the same regardless of start time. Note: Proof of age must be sighted for all new children joining a club.
Age Group |
Birthday |
U6 |
born between 1 October 2018 - 30 September 2019 |
U7 |
born between 1 October 2017 - 30 September 2018 |
U8 |
born between 1 October 2016 - 30 September 2017 |
U9 |
born between 1 October 2015 - 30 September 2016 |
U10 |
born between 1 October 2014 - 30 September 2015 |
U11 |
born between 1 October 2013 - 30 September 2014 |
U12 |
born between 1 October 2012 - 30 September 2013 |
U13 |
born between 1 October 2011 - 30 September 2012 |
U14 |
born between 1 October 2010 - 30 September 2011 |
UNIFORMS
Is there a uniform for Nippers?
The compulsory uniform items are:
- Nippers cap ($20 single sided or $25 for reversible)
- Pink high visibility rash vest ($25) for all age groups
- Swimming costume
NO CAP AND HIGH VIS RASH VEST = NO WATER - NO EXCEPTIONS
Although not compulsory for Sunday nippers we have a range of swimwear and other items available at the club office. Children who are a part of the competition touring team are required to wear a club competition cap and club swimwear.
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?
Apparel can be purchased at our proficiency day at Des Renford Leisure Centre (Saturday 14th September 1pm-5pm) or on our Nipper Apparel Sale Day at the South Maroubra club house (Saturday 12th October 9am-2pm) or from the club office Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 9am-3pm. It is recommended that children also attend to try sizes on as we do not refund/exchange swimwear or rash vests.
PRELIMINARY SKILLS EVALUATION/PROFICIENCY SWIM
What is the preliminary skills evaluation?
All nippers must complete the annual age appropriate proficiency skills evaluation 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 the preliminary skills evaluation?
ALL children need to complete preliminary skills evaluation each year. Below are the prerequisites required to pass the preliminary skills evaluation:
What is the preliminary skills evaluation?
All nippers must complete the annual age appropriate proficiency skills evaluation 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 the preliminary skills evaluation?
ALL children need to complete preliminary skills evaluation each year. Below are the prerequisites required to pass the preliminary skills evaluation:
For nippers in the U9-U14 age group, if your child is interested in competition and representing South Maroubra Surf Club at surf carnivals, they must also complete a competition evaluation (untimed ocean swim). A schedule time for when these proficiencies will be held are to be advised. Below are the competition evaluation prerequisites:
When and where is the preliminary skills evaluation assessment offered?
The preliminary skills evaluation this year will be assessed at Des Renford Aquatic Centre (DRAC). They will be held on Saturday 14th September between 1pm-5pm. You can come anytime between these times. If you cannot make the assessment on this day, don’t worry, your age managers will offer another opportunity to catch up on any evaluations at the beach during the first week of nippers.
NIPPERS MUST BE REGISTERED TO ATTEND THE PRELIMINARY SKILLS EVALUATION at DES RENFORD LEISURE CENTRE
What do I need to bring to the proficiency swim/float assessment?
Bring with you:
- Swimmers
- cap
- goggles and
- towel
What happens if my child doesn’t pass the preliminary skills evaluation assessment?
If you are concerned that your child may not pass the evaluation, we suggest a practice run at swimming lessons or at the pool. We understand that kids get nervous and may not always do their best - they are welcome to have another go at it if they don’t make it on the first attempt.
How do I register?
All registrations and renewals are online and are done via a centralised SLSA system.
If you are brand new to Nippers, you can join via this link: https://sls.com.au/join/
If you are renewing your membership or transferring your membership from another surf club, you’ll need to do this via your ‘SLS Members Area Account’ (established when you first joined South Maroubra or any SLSA club) here: https://members.sls.com.au/
RENEWING MEMBERSHIP
Nippers (Registration Fee ONLY*) 2024/2025 Season
*Other fees that may be incurred include (Pink hi-vis vest, coloured age cap, competition cap, club simmers)
Any parent who volunteers as an Age Manager, Beach assistant, water safety or official needs to be a club member.
The Club has provision to support the membership of Nippers whose families are experiencing financial hardship. Please don’t hesitate to email the Director of Youth, Peter Kondilios ([email protected]) if you wish to be considered.
Active Kids vouchers
We are pleased to advise that we are still accepting Active Kids vouchers. It should be noted that significant changes have been made to the Active Kids program, with Service NSW announcing a move to a new online platform this year. The availability of Active Kids vouchers is now means-tested and reduced to $50 per child.
Unfortunately the systems are no longer integrated. If you wish to redeem your AK Voucher for membership fees please select the relevant option on the membership portal and email your voucher details to [email protected] to redeem against the balance of your fees.
Active Kids vouchers are non-refunable and non-transferable.
What type of membership do parents/carers need?
At least one parent/carer from each family must become a member of South Maroubra SLSC - this nominal fee is to cover the costs of insurance and other training costs. You can choose from:
How can I help?
Nippers is entirely run by volunteers, offering numerous opportunities for parents to get involved. No prior surf lifesaving experience is necessary. One thing is for sure: the more you participate, the more enjoyable the experience will be for both you and your child. At South Maroubra we strongly encourage all families to have one parent with either their Age Manager Award (to qualify as an Age Assistant) or Bronze Medallion. Note that in doing the Age Manager course, we do not expect you to become age leaders. It is simply Surf Life Saving Australia’s prerequisite to assisting at Nippers.
Volunteer checklist:
We really welcome all offers of help, and most importantly it is a great way of meeting new people. Some others ways you can help:
Refunds
We understand that circumstances change and you may not be able to attend Nippers having registered. The club has a refund policy available here. Please note, refunds are only available up to 30 November and incur an fee of $30 per membership as the Club is charged insurance for all accepted members.
Nippers (Registration Fee ONLY*) 2024/2025 Season
*Other fees that may be incurred include (Pink hi-vis vest, coloured age cap, competition cap, club simmers)
Any parent who volunteers as an Age Manager, Beach assistant, water safety or official needs to be a club member.
The Club has provision to support the membership of Nippers whose families are experiencing financial hardship. Please don’t hesitate to email the Director of Youth, Peter Kondilios ([email protected]) if you wish to be considered.
Active Kids vouchers
We are pleased to advise that we are still accepting Active Kids vouchers. It should be noted that significant changes have been made to the Active Kids program, with Service NSW announcing a move to a new online platform this year. The availability of Active Kids vouchers is now means-tested and reduced to $50 per child.
Unfortunately the systems are no longer integrated. If you wish to redeem your AK Voucher for membership fees please select the relevant option on the membership portal and email your voucher details to [email protected] to redeem against the balance of your fees.
Active Kids vouchers are non-refunable and non-transferable.
What type of membership do parents/carers need?
At least one parent/carer from each family must become a member of South Maroubra SLSC - this nominal fee is to cover the costs of insurance and other training costs. You can choose from:
- Nipper Parent for $50 – which is suitable for most Nipper parents. It provides insurance coverage for helping on the beach.
- Active 18+ member for $70 - for those involved in Water Safety or are interested in patrolling. You will also need to hold the Bronze Medallion award in order to take part in Water Safety. Learn more about becoming a lifesaver!
How can I help?
Nippers is entirely run by volunteers, offering numerous opportunities for parents to get involved. No prior surf lifesaving experience is necessary. One thing is for sure: the more you participate, the more enjoyable the experience will be for both you and your child. At South Maroubra we strongly encourage all families to have one parent with either their Age Manager Award (to qualify as an Age Assistant) or Bronze Medallion. Note that in doing the Age Manager course, we do not expect you to become age leaders. It is simply Surf Life Saving Australia’s prerequisite to assisting at Nippers.
Volunteer checklist:
- bring a positive and enthusiastic attitude to nippers! Your energy sets the tone for the day and helps create a fun and encouraging environment for the nippers; and
- be a current member of South Maroubra SLSC; and
- become an Age Manager/Assistant (short online course); or
- hold a current Bronze Medallion; and
- provide us with your Working With Children Check (WWCC). These are available free from Service NSW
We really welcome all offers of help, and most importantly it is a great way of meeting new people. Some others ways you can help:
- Help set up the beach or pack away
- Help on the BBQ (when we have BBQ days)
- Learn to be an official
- Help at Club Champs and Carnivals
- Help organise Nippers social events
- Become an Age Assistant or Age Manager
- Fundraising
- Any other help and ideas welcome
Refunds
We understand that circumstances change and you may not be able to attend Nippers having registered. The club has a refund policy available here. Please note, refunds are only available up to 30 November and incur an fee of $30 per membership as the Club is charged insurance for all accepted members.
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 the middle of Maroubra 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.
To reduce the pressure from traffic at the beach, we encourage you to consider catching the bus to Nippers on a Sunday morning. The 396 comes every 10 minutes via Anzac Parade and Maroubra Rd, the 350 comes every 10 minutes from Coogee down Torrington Rd and then up Fitzgerald Ave towards Maroubra Junction and Mascot.
You can check out bus routes and timetables at the Transport NSW website: https://transportnsw.info/routes/bus. For tracking the buses in real time so you know when to head to the bus stop you can use https://anytrip.com.au/region/nsw or popular apps such as https://moovitapp.com/. Step straight off the bus, no need to find a park!
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 this website
Help and questions
If you have any questions please contact our Nipper registrar [email protected] or the club office [email protected]
NOTE: club office hours are Mon - Friday 9am-3pm and Sundays during the nipper season 7:30am-11.30am - (02) 9314 0070.
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