Junior surf lifesaving (also known as ‘nippers’) is a program for 5 – 13-year olds.

Children can commence Nippers from their 5th birthday (including mid-season).

Surf Life Saving SA conducts Surf Babies sessions for 1-4 year olds.

This year’s age group reference can be found in our Nippers Quick Reference Guide In addition to weekly training sessions, juniors in the Under 8 – Under 13 age groups are welcome & encouraged to participate in inter-club competitions (known as Junior Carnivals) throughout the season.

Carnivals details and event dates can be found in our Nippers Handbook and Nippers Quick Reference Guide

Each age group has specific swimming requirements. All children will complete a swim evaluation, including a swim and float assessment, which the club conducts at Nipper training. This evaluation ensures their swimming and self-survival abilities are adequate for water-based activities.

For children who wish to compete in carnivals, an additional ocean swim evaluation is required to participate in inter-club events. Only those interested in competing need to complete this assessment.

No, a parent or designated guardian must remain at the beach/venue for the duration of training. We encourage parents to get involved each week, as the success of our club relies on volunteers. Helping out is also a great way to meet new people and engage with the club. The kids thrive when parents are actively involved. Speak a Junior Committee Member, your Parent Liaison Officer or your Age Group Leader about how you can contribute!

Our Saturday Junior Training is conducted completely by volunteers – most are parents just like you who give up their time for the development of our kids. To ensure our Age Group leaders can fulfill their role within the legal scope, we require all parents/guardians to please:

• Arrive with your child/ren 10 minutes prior to session start time and meet your Age Group Leader at your age group beach banner
• Be on the beach for the duration of the training session to assist the leaders (eg general activity helping, behaviour management, toilet stops etc), unless you are rostered on BBQ/Uniform Shop duty etc
• Sign your child/ren out from your Age Group Leader at the designated finish time – this will be at their coloured age group beach banner
• If you are unable to fulfil the above duties, please arrange someone to act as your child/rens carer for the afternoon who will carry these responsibilities on your behalf. If not, your child/ren will not be permitted to undertake junior activities. Thanks for your understanding and compliance with this requirement

Our team of Age Group Leaders (AGLs) use their experience and passion for youth development to mentor Nippers and facilitate fun learning programs that encourage and develop young surf lifesavers. Their goal is to enrich the lives of Nippers through the delivery of surf lifesaving knowledge and skills in a fun and safe aquatic environment.

All our Age Group Leaders must be:

• Current registered members of WBSLSC
• Hold a current Working With Children Check and ;
• Have completed the Surf Life Saving SA Age Group leader course.
• Details on how to become an Age Group Leader are available on the Surf Life Saving SA site.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s ability or if your child has any medical condition that may restrict them in any way, please speak with your Age Group Leader.

Nippers are placed in an age group that is determined by the child’s age as at 30 September each year.

All children are required to participate in their relevant age group – unless there is a recognized disability that would be better supported in another age group. In this instance an exemption should be requested from the Director of Juniors.

Children can commence Nippers from their 5th birthday (including mid-season).

Surf Life Saving SA conducts Surf Babies sessions for 1-4 year olds.

This year’s age group reference can be found in our Nippers Quick Reference Guide.

Depending on their age group, children take part in a variety of activities, including beach sprints, flags, swimming, board paddling, and wading. They also learn basic CPR, first aid skills, surf lifesaving techniques, and surf awareness. Nippers is designed to train the future lifesavers of our community while providing a fun and engaging environment.

• Nippers are to wear their age group colour cap
• A fluoro, hi-viz lycra vest during water activities is compulsory
• Bathers & rash vest (or suitable attire to wear in the water)
• Broad brimmed hat (or legionnaires style)
• Sunscreen (applied before getting to the beach), towel and water bottle are essential
• Long sleeved t-shirt
• Goggles (optional but recommended)
• Bring any medication (if required)

Parent/carer should also be sunsmart (ie hat, sunscreen, clothing). Please label all items.
For Carnival Uniform requirements, please refer to Nipper Quick Referenced Guide

Nipper Quick Referenced Guide

Westies Crew is for all Under 14 – Under 18 club members

You can find out more information on the Westies Crew page.

West Beach SLSC offers various membership levels. If your child is joining from U6 to U14, a club associate membership for a guardian is included. Additional parents are welcome to join also.

We understand that families are busy so the program doesn’t require 100% participation but your nipper will benefit from regular attendance and if they intend to participate in carnivals, they will need to meet a minimum competency to compete.

The Tidebreakers Adaptive Nippers Program at West Beach Surf Life Saving Club is an inclusive initiative designed for children aged 5-13 living with disabilities. The program provides a safe, supportive, and fun environment where participants can learn essential surf safety, water awareness, and beach skills at their own pace.

Our Nipper program is run entirely by volunteers – and we need you!

Please consider putting your hand forward – we have important roles on and off the beach for all skillsets, including in the areas of administration, marketing and events, Age Group Leaders, Saturday nipper sessions, Junior sport and equipment.

Please contact your Parent Liaison Officer (PLO), Age Group Leader (AGL) any Nipper committee member or the Director, Junior and Youth Development for more details.

Or email nipperadmin@westbeachslsc.com.au.