Nippers

Chelsea Longbeach Surf Life Saving Club encourages all children to do their best and develop to their full potential while learning new skills and having fun. The ocean is a big part of our way of life here in Chelsea, and our Nippers Program is a great way for children to make friends, be active and enjoy the beach in a safe environment.

Our club offers a highly social physical activity and education program that aims to develop a basic knowledge of water safety and surf awareness and skills to compete in surf sports and a pathway to becoming a qualified surf lifesaver. The program is structured specifically for children's ages and abilities.

Nippers are divided into age groups, ranging from Under 5s to Under 14s, and StarFish. The child's age determines the age group at midnight on the 30th of September each year. The club must sight birth certificates or equivalents at the time of registration. An accredited Age Manager instructs each group.

Read the 'Nippers Program Season 2023/24 Handbook' for full details

Junior Nippers (U6-U14)

The national program provides a series of associated learning outcomes used to assess the acquired level of skills and knowledge on beach safety and practical activities in the beach and water environment designed to progressively build on skills that lead to competence in the ocean, competition and surf lifesaving. Games are often used as part of a warm-up to each session and to add an element of fun and teamwork to the program.

Little nippers (Under 5s)

This program introduces and educates children about water safety and having fun safely in and around the water. Parents wanting to include their child(ren) in the Under 5s program must stay with them and participate in the program with their children at ALL times. To register your Under 5s, you must complete a hard copy membership form for your child and provide this to any of the membership team.

Download your paper member registration here

Under 14 SRC (U14)

During their last year of the program, U14 Nippers undertake their Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) training. This award teaches basic first aid, resuscitation and surf rescue skills enabling candidates to become training cadet lifesavers who can participate in beach patrols and water safety. The SRC is a 20-hour course run in conjunction with the Nippers sessions. The course covers surf awareness, rescue techniques (boards/rescue tubes), resuscitation (CPR), first aid, communications, radio operations, standard patrol practices, teamwork and improved fitness. Assessment includes completing activities that may include role-plays, oral and written questioning, practical demonstrations, and scenarios.

Starfish Nippers (Ages 5 to Young Adults)

Last season, we introduced the Starfish Nippers, which caters to children and young adults from 6 years and above with a disability - including autism, attention deficit disorder, Down's syndrome, Asperger's Syndrome, physical and intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties. We believe everyone deserves access to Nippers. Activities include traditional beach games and activities, beach running, beach flags, swimming, board skills, water familiarisation, beach, water and surf safety.

Download the Starfish Medical Form

Pre-requisite

Nipper Registration cannot be completed until ALL membership requirements (including membership payment) and swim proficiency have been met.

Able to swim the distance required for the appropriate age group. Each year, all Nippers (except for U5 and Starfish) must complete an age-specific swim before commencing Nippers. The Preliminary Swim is conducted at a local swimming pool in late November.
Starfish Nippers must complete a Starfish Medical Form to scan and upload into the online Nippers Registration.

Clothing
Children must have a high visibility rash vest (pink or green) to engage in the program. If you do not yet have one, please see our merchandise team any Saturday before your session.

Session times for 2022/2023

Session 1 2:00pm (meet 1:50pm) - 3.00pm Age groups U5, U6, U7, U8, U9

Session 2 3:05pm - 4:10pm Age groups U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, Starfish nippers

These session times are subject to change depending on the final number of participants.

Nipper Calendar Dates 2023/2024

Date	Activity	Notes
Tuesday 17th October	Club Information Session (ZOOM)
Sunday 29th October	Club Open Day
Saturday 18th November	Preliminary Swim Assessment 1
Saturday 25th November	Preliminary Swim Assessment 2
Thursday 30th November	Starfish Meet & Greet
Saturday 2nd December	Nippers 1	Normal nipper program
Saturday 9th December	Nippers 2	Normal nipper program
Saturday 16th December	Nippers 3	Christmas Party theme
Saturday 20th January	Nippers 4	Nippers recommences
Saturday 27th January	Nippers 5	Normal nipper program
Saturday 3rd February	Nippers 6	Normal nipper program
Saturday 10th February	Nippers 7	Normal nipper program
Saturday 17th February	Nippers 8	Normal nipper program
Saturday 24th February	Nippers 9	Local Friendly nippers
Saturday 2nd March	Nippers 10	Normal nipper program
Saturday 9th March	Nippers 11	Normal nipper program
Saturday 16th March	Club Competition	Club Championships
Saturday 23rd March	Season Breakup	Club Championships Day (Backup)
Saturday 30th March		Season Breakup (Backup)

Please direct any queries regarding nippers to your age manager or our Vice President Darren Lawson This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You can join nippers as a family simply by following the links under the membership tab.