Youth

Youth Beach Activities Start SUN 2 Nov, check the calendar link for more dates!

Challenge Yourself. Step Up. Find Your Crew.

At Swanny, we’re all about giving every young person aged U14 to U19 a place to grow, connect, and thrive. Whether you're into education, lifesaving, surf sports, or just want to be part of a fun and supportive community, there’s something here for you. Through training, teamwork and plenty of laughs, Swanny Youth helps you build confidence, make friends and be part of something bigger. Dive in and discover what makes Swanny more than just a surf club. Swanny thrives in catering for everyone, we are an inclusive club that provides all members with opportunities that match their interest and desires in the club.

EDUCATION

Swanny Youth follows a strong education foundation, equipping members with essential lifesaving awards to prepare them for patrol. These include:

Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC):The entry level award to becoming a volunteer surf lifesaver. This SRC is typically taken by youth who are 13+ and moving out of the Woodside Nippers program, or are new to surf lifesaving. SRC candidates learn resuscitation, surf awareness, rescue techniques, how to respond to emergency situations and more.
Bronze Medallion: The core award for becoming a volunteer surf lifesaver. The bronze is for our youths 15+ teaching the same skills and knowledge learnt in SRC in more detail with the addition of first aid and additional rescue techniques. This award builds a base to achieve more awards such as Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) crew/drivers, Recreational Water Craft (RWC) and many more.
Radio Operators (13+), First Aid (14+), Advanced Resuscitation Techniques (ART) (15+) and more are also offered as an alternative if you don't wish to go in water or require more time to build confidence.

Earning these qualifications not only builds skills but also enables you to actively patrol and serve the community. To make it easy to work out at which age you can do a course, and what the prerequisites are, we've made this easy guide to help! Check out the Swanny Youth Pathways.

Lifesaving

Youths who have obtained one or more of the above qualifications are equipped to patrol Swanbourne Beach. Assigned to a patrol group you are rostered on to a minimum of 16 hours of patrol between October to March. Those hours aren’t just a commitment, they’re an opportunity. Patrols are a chance to step up, work as a team and build friendships with both fellow Youth and experienced Swanny members.

You’ll learn leadership, resilience and lifesaving skills in real scenarios all while giving back to the community in a meaningful way. There’s a real sense of pride in wearing the red and yellow and knowing you’re making the beach safer for everyone. Plus, with plenty of laughs, learning and skill development opportunities, you will always receive plenty of support from your patrol team, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of being in Swanny Youth.

SOCIAL

Swanny Youth is all about connection, forming genuine friendships through every part of the club. Our social events are where these bonds really grow, with something for everyone throughout the season. From Youth Movie Nights filled with beach games, pizza and films, to afternoon hangouts and our end of season celebration dinner, there are plenty of chances to relax and have fun with your crew.

One of the highlights is the Swanny Youth Camp, a weekend of adventure, leadership and connection. It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone, building confidence and working together through exciting outdoor challenges and team building workshops.

Youth also get the chance to attend SLSWA Youth Camps through Swanny, an amazing opportunity to meet like minded surf lifesavers from other clubs, learn from each other and create lasting memories.

At Swanny, social life is more than just events, it’s about belonging, bonding and being part of something bigger.

SURF SPORTS

Swanny is more than a surf club, it’s a place for youth to build confidence, boost fitness, learn surf skills and have fun with mates, all while being part of something bigger. With plenty of chances to train and compete, both at club level and opportunities at State or National level, there’s something for everyone.

Youth Activities (Every Sunday, 9–10am) - Held weekly during the summer, each Sunday session focuses on a different surf sport skill such as swimming, boards, beach sprints and more. Led by a different experienced club member each week, these sessions are a great way to learn from the best, meet new faces and discover what else Swanny has to offer. Whether you're new or experienced, there's always something to learn and enjoy.
Club Training Sessions - Included in your membership, Swanny's training schedule has something for everyone including swim, board, ski, run, SurfFit & gym sessions. Builds fitness, improve technique and train alongside clubmates in a fun and supportive environment.
Intra Club Competitions
Points Races (Every Sunday) - Open to all levels, these fun races are about participation, personal bests and the occasional glory, thanks to our mysterious handicap system! Just turn up and give it a go. Your effort goes toward season points and eligibility for cup events.
Swanny Cups - From classic endurance events to the chaotic and crowd favourite Mixed Board Rescue, these legendary events are what memories are made of. Complete three Points Races and you’re in!
Youth/Open Club Championships - Our season finale and ultimate celebration! Whether you compete in one event or all, Club Champs is where fitness meets fun, with the whole Swanny community cheering you on. State Competition & Carnivals - This is where everything comes together, good vibes, exciting races and the thrill of representing Swanny in our red and white cap. From sprints and relays to First Aid and Patrol comps, there’s a spot for everyone, regardless of experience. Swanny youth are known for stepping up at States and Aussies, not always taking gold, but always giving it their best and being part of something bigger.

Club Administrator

Membership and club queries to our Club Administrator.

9384 0020 (Tues, Wed 9am – 5pm)

Junior Development Manager

Woodside Nipper and general club queries to our Junior Development Manager.

Youth Officers

Cadet and youth enquiries to our Youth Officers.