Nippers 2025-26 Program AND ENROLMENT
Register before 19 December
Nippers! Serious Fun!
If you have a child between 5 and 14 who loves the beach and you'd like them to learn some skills in the surf, then Cape Paterson Nippers is the perfect program. Nippers is an excellent way to introduce your child to the surf and sand.
Our Nipper program is for members aged 5 (as at 30th September) to 14 and includes surf awareness, surf skills, lifesaving and teamwork skills, as well as optional competition opportunities. Nippers should end up with a good awareness of beach hazards like surf and rips, and a basic knowledge of first aid skills. Events for Nippers involve swimming, board paddling, wading, running, beach flags, and relays.
Under 15 Nippers!
We are now offering U15 nippers. This will have several streams, including lifesaving skill
building, advanced/competitive nipper activities, as well as a social/active option.
The Starfish Nippers program!
Cape Paterson SLSC is very excited to be running our Starfish Nippers program! Starfish Nippers provides kids with disabilities the opportunity to participate, supported 1-on-1 by trained helpers. We would love some volunteers to assist and training will be provided. Contact Charlie or James if you're interested or want to learn more [email protected]
Nipper session times and dates
27 Dec 2025: Cap and vest collection 1-3pm, followed by session #1 from 3-5pm
28, 29, 30, 31 December 2025: 9:30-11:00am
2 & 3 January 2026: 9:30-11am
4 January 2026: Bass Nipper Carnival
6, 7, 9 January 2025: 9:30-11am
10 January 2025: Nipper Club Champs 9am-12pm
If you have a child between 5 and 14 who loves the beach and you'd like them to learn some skills in the surf, then Cape Paterson Nippers is the perfect program. Nippers is an excellent way to introduce your child to the surf and sand.
Our Nipper program is for members aged 5 (as at 30th September) to 14 and includes surf awareness, surf skills, lifesaving and teamwork skills, as well as optional competition opportunities. Nippers should end up with a good awareness of beach hazards like surf and rips, and a basic knowledge of first aid skills. Events for Nippers involve swimming, board paddling, wading, running, beach flags, and relays.
Under 15 Nippers!
We are now offering U15 nippers. This will have several streams, including lifesaving skill
building, advanced/competitive nipper activities, as well as a social/active option.
The Starfish Nippers program!
Cape Paterson SLSC is very excited to be running our Starfish Nippers program! Starfish Nippers provides kids with disabilities the opportunity to participate, supported 1-on-1 by trained helpers. We would love some volunteers to assist and training will be provided. Contact Charlie or James if you're interested or want to learn more [email protected]
Nipper session times and dates
27 Dec 2025: Cap and vest collection 1-3pm, followed by session #1 from 3-5pm
28, 29, 30, 31 December 2025: 9:30-11:00am
2 & 3 January 2026: 9:30-11am
4 January 2026: Bass Nipper Carnival
6, 7, 9 January 2025: 9:30-11am
10 January 2025: Nipper Club Champs 9am-12pm
Register for Nippers HERE
There are 4 steps to sign up a Nipper:
There are 4 steps to sign up a Nipper:
- Apply for a Working with Children’s Check (WWCC) if you don’t already have one
- Join / Renew your membership before December 19
- Complete the Cape Paterson SLSC Nipper Program registration form.
- Email photographic copy of parents/ guardians WWCCC card to [email protected]. This is a requirement for your registration to be approved into the nipper program. More information can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the Nipper sessions be held?
We meet at the Surf Life Saving Club and head down to First Surf Beach for practical activities.
Age group allocation
Nippers age groups are based on a 30th September qualification date. For example, for a child to participate in the Under 6 age group, they must have turned 5 on or before the 30th September in the year of participation, and an age-appropriate program is provided, which includes theory and practical activities.
Can I drop my child off and leave?
Parents/guardians are required to remain on the beach during nippers sessions.
I would like to be a Nipper Age Manager. How can I help?
Parents/guardians are asked to consider assisting the program by volunteering to be an Age Group Manager or parent /guardian helper for one of the age groups. Each age group needs a few adult helpers at each session. Nipper Age Group Managers are volunteers who run one of the age levels – they are given training and the resources required to run each session. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested.
What does the Nipper program cost?
Membership for Nippers for one child and a minimum of one parent/guardian starts at $135 for more pricing information, click here.
Nippers caps and hi-vis competition rash vests (pink rash singlet) are required for participation and safety reasons. These are available for purchase at the club on the 27th of December between 1-3pm. If you already have these items from last year, please bring them along to avoid paying for a second set.
Fees must be paid before 19 December and before your Nipper can commence training. Payment ensures your child is insured by Life Saving Victoria. The nipper program is provided as part of the membership fee.
Is this a learn to swim program?
Nippers is not a 'learn to swim' program. However, we do recognise that swimming in the ocean is a new experience for many children and that even competent pool swimmers can find this challenging at first. Our aim is to encourage children and to help develop their confidence and skills in swimming in the ocean, as well as provide surf and water education.
A swimming assessment will be conducted at the beginning of the program.
A child should have the following age-related swimming ability;
Where will the Nipper sessions be held?
We meet at the Surf Life Saving Club and head down to First Surf Beach for practical activities.
Age group allocation
Nippers age groups are based on a 30th September qualification date. For example, for a child to participate in the Under 6 age group, they must have turned 5 on or before the 30th September in the year of participation, and an age-appropriate program is provided, which includes theory and practical activities.
Can I drop my child off and leave?
Parents/guardians are required to remain on the beach during nippers sessions.
I would like to be a Nipper Age Manager. How can I help?
Parents/guardians are asked to consider assisting the program by volunteering to be an Age Group Manager or parent /guardian helper for one of the age groups. Each age group needs a few adult helpers at each session. Nipper Age Group Managers are volunteers who run one of the age levels – they are given training and the resources required to run each session. Please contact [email protected] if you are interested.
What does the Nipper program cost?
Membership for Nippers for one child and a minimum of one parent/guardian starts at $135 for more pricing information, click here.
Nippers caps and hi-vis competition rash vests (pink rash singlet) are required for participation and safety reasons. These are available for purchase at the club on the 27th of December between 1-3pm. If you already have these items from last year, please bring them along to avoid paying for a second set.
Fees must be paid before 19 December and before your Nipper can commence training. Payment ensures your child is insured by Life Saving Victoria. The nipper program is provided as part of the membership fee.
Is this a learn to swim program?
Nippers is not a 'learn to swim' program. However, we do recognise that swimming in the ocean is a new experience for many children and that even competent pool swimmers can find this challenging at first. Our aim is to encourage children and to help develop their confidence and skills in swimming in the ocean, as well as provide surf and water education.
A swimming assessment will be conducted at the beginning of the program.
A child should have the following age-related swimming ability;
- Under 6 – From a standing position in waist-deep water, perform a front glide for 1-2m and recover to a secure position; perform a back or front float for a minimum of 5 seconds and recover to a secure position
- Under 7 – From a standing position in waist-deep water, perform a front glide, kick for 3m and recover to a secure position; perform a back float for 15 seconds whilst holding a buoyant aid and recover to a secure position
- Under 8 – 25m swim (any stroke); 1-minute survival float (on back)
- Under 9 – 25m swim (any stroke); 1-minute survival float (on back)
- Under 10 – 25m swim (freestyle/front crawl); 1 1/2-minute survival float (on back)
- Under 11 – 50m swim (freestyle/front crawl); 2-minute survival float (on back)
- Under 12 – 100m swim (freestyle/front crawl); 3-minute survival float (on back)
- Under 13 – 150m swim (freestyle/front crawl); 3-minute survival float (on back)
For more information please contact James at [email protected]
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