What is Nippers?

Swanny's Woodside Nippers program introduces children aged 5 to 13 years to surf lifesaving. It consists of fun outdoor activities for kids that grow confidence, teaches valuable lifesaving skills and surf knowledge.

Nippers are the future of Surf Life Saving and the program pathway teaches lessons and skills allowing them to continue in lifesaving and sport as they grow older. Woodside Nippers is a great way for children to make friends, be active and enjoy the beach in a safe environment. It is also a great summer activity all the family can be involved in.

Our Woodside Nippers program relies heavily on parent/carer help and there is a role for everyone regardless of swimming ability and surf experience. Parents and carers are required also be members of the Club to participate in the Nippers Program.

What's the Minimum Age?

Children must be 5 years old as at 30 September to join Swanny's Woodside Nipper program. Sorry, no exceptions can be made.

Nipper age groups run from Under 6 to Under 13, with a dedicated and enthusiastic Age Group Manager responsible for each age group.

When Is Nippers?

Woodside Nippers at Swanny Surf Club runs every Sunday morning 8:45 am to 10:00 am from late October until the end of March with a break over the Christmas period and public holiday weekends.

Important Dates

Sunday 20 Oct, 4:30pm: Nipper Sundowner - at SNSLSC
Sunday 27 Oct, 8:45am: Pool proficiency session (for all Nippers) - Claremont Pool
Sunday 3 Nov, 8:45am: Nippers begins (first beach session) - Swanbourne Beach

WhaT Happens On The Day?

8:30 AM - Set Up

Many hands make light work. Whilst we advertise our Woodside Nipper sessions as starting at 9:00 am, we always appreciate having extra hands at the boatshed by 8:30 am to assist with getting the equipment down to the beach.

8:45 AM - Water safety briefing

All parents assisting with water safety need to attend a Water Safety Briefing prior to each session. Our Water Safety Officer will run through the conditions on the day and highlight any potential risks and how these will be managed. This briefing ensures everyone is on the same page when it comes to keeping our kids safe in the water.

9:00 AM - Session Begins

All our Woodside Nippers must be signed in and out by a parent or guardian. Please do not put caps on until your child has been signed in.

The type of activities your child will be involved in include water activities such as swimming or board paddling, beach activities such as sprints and flags, lifesaving education and fun water/beach games. A typical schedule for a session is outlined below.

10:00 AM - Session Ends

All our Woodside Nippers must be signed in and out by a parent or guardian. Once your child has been signed out, their cap must be removed and the children become your responsibility. If we can’t see you at the end of the session your child will not be able to leave.

If your Nipper has paddled a board please make sure they carry it back to the boatshed, wash it and place it back in the correct location. Our Age Group Managers are not the ones paddling, so it’s not fair that they are left to carry all the boards back.

Join As a family

Renew Family Membership

NIPPER SEASON CALENDAR

All Membership and Club queries should be directed to our Club Administrator.

Phone 9384 0020

(Wed, Thurs, Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm)

Registrations for Nippers are now open for the 2024/25 season!

Swanny Woodside Nippers

Do I have to do a Bronze Medallion?

If you’re 15+ and wanting to join as an ‘Active’ (patrolling) member the most common way to do this is by completing a Bronze Medallion. Please also contact our Club Administrator so that we can get you on the contact list for the next Bronze Medallion course
Do I (and my child) need to be a member to participate in Nippers?

At least one parent / caregiver must also join Swanny to be present and assist during the Nipper program as required. It is preferable that both parents join because firstly, it’d be great to have the whole family involved but secondly it also provides the parents / caregivers with attendance flexibility and ensures you are all covered by our insurance when on the beach. For those parents with no SLSA award, you can elect to join as an Associate Member or even better sign up to complete your Bronze Medallion and become a lifesaver! Generally, new families will register in the Junior Activity Member (Nippers) and Associate Member (Nipper parents) categories.