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SLST Club of the Year for 2022/23

Nippers

Click here
to explore our Junior activities handbook.

Looking to join your child up for 2024/25 season? 
Please email our team here so we can send you a welcome pack.   Registrations open on September 6th 2024.  

 Nippers is a junior program that introduces children aged 6 to 13 to surf lifesaving. It is a fun outdoors activity that grows a child’s confidence, teaches valuable life skills and knowledge.

The youth of today are the future of Surf Life Saving, and the Nippers pathway teaches lessons and skills allowing them to continue in lifesaving and sport as they grow older.

But it’s not hard work. We like to call it serious fun! Nippers is a great way for children to make friends, be active and enjoy the beach in a safe environment.

At Kingston Beach SLSC Nippers is held on Sunday morning, 9.30am-12.00 between November and March, in the middle of the beach.

Our Nipper Program aims to help children:

  • Have fun with a Surf Lifesaving Club,
  • Learn new skills,
  • Meet other young people,
  • Improve your fitness,
  • Develop surf lifesaving techniques,
  • Become a leader,
  • Make decisions,
  • Educate people about beach and water safety,
  • Support your community and belong to a team.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE NIPPER PROGRAM?

The Nipper Program is open to any registered member of the Club who is aged 6 to 13.

PROFICIENCY – Each Nipper member must be proficient in swimming to a level appropriate for their age. The Club does not teach children to swim.

The Junior Activities Program is split into Nippers (7-13), and Seahorses (6 yr olds).

Age groups are determined by the Nipper’s age on the 30th September.  This means that if a child is 12 on this day they are considered to be an U13 competitor. If a child turns 12 on the 1st Oct, they are considered as an U12 competitor.

Seahorses (6 yr olds) can participate as soon as they turn 6 years of age. Water activities usually involve wading and gaining water confidence. They do not compete in competitions. Note that Seahorses is for 1 hour only from 9.45am-11.00.

STATEWIDE CARNIVALS
During the year there are several statewide carnivals. It is not compulsory to participate in these events, but it does enable our Nippers to put into practice what they have learnt on the beach each Sunday.  It is not just for the super competitive Nippers, it is very much about participation and involvement.  It creates a great sense of team spirit and is an activity the family can do together. 

EDUCATION
Nippers undertake a Surf Life Saving Australia’s surf education program during the course of the season. Through these sessions they learn beach & surf skills, surf theory and first aid skills. At the end of the season, if they have completed all the requirements, they will receive a certificate from Surf Life Saving Australia which is transferable to other States.

TRAINING
During these sessions we will work on skills which will help them on the beach, in the surf and developing team work. Some of the activities include sprints, relays, beach flags, swimming, board paddling, rescue techniques (with a board or a rescue tube) and having lots of fun.

COMPETITION
Surf sports are the competitive part of Surf Life Saving, starting for children aged 7 through to Masters. There are usually 4 or 5 surf carnivals for Nippers each year in different parts of Tasmania. Nippers don’t have to go to surf lifesaving carnivals. We find that going to carnivals helps our Nippers to put their training into practice. They are fun and a great team and family activity, but if you only want to come to weekly trainings – that’s fine. Our focus is on participation – not competition!

COST
The cost for a Nipper is $150, a Seahorse $100 and for a family $360.  It is also a requirement for at least one parent to join the club when registering a child ($60).  For more information on membership fees, click here

 

VOLUNTEERS
Everyone in the club is a volunteer! Nipper parents are an important part of our club. Some may choose to get their Bronze Medallion and patrol or help with training. Others assist in many ways off the beach. We appreciate and encourage assistance and support from all our Nipper parents, grandparents and friends. Get on the sand and get involved!   All parents who join our club MUST have a Working with Vulnerable People Registration. This is really easy to do!  Head to justice.tas.gov.au and fill out the online application form. Submit and then record your reference number.  More information on the Working with Vulnerable People Registration  can be viewed on our website here.  

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© Kingston Beach Surf Life Saving Club 2023