Nippers

Chelsea Longbeach Surf Life Saving Club aims to encourage all children to achieve, 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 6s through to Under 14s. 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 2021/22 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 their children 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 that is 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 performing scenarios.

Starfish Nippers (Ages 5 to Young Adults)

This season, we introduce the Starfish Nippers, which caters for children and young adults ranging 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 2021/2022

Session times will need to be adjusted to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions this season.

Session 1 13.45 - 14.45 Age groups U5, U6, U7, U8, U9

Session 2 15:00 - 16:00 Age groups U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, Starfish nippers

These session times are subject to change depending on the final numbers of participants and the potential easing of restrictions allowing us to run longer session times.

Nipper Calendar Dates 2020/2021

Date	Activity	Notes
Saturday 4th December	Nippers 1	Normal nipper program
Saturday 11th December	Nippers 2	Normal nipper program
Saturday 18th December	Nippers 3	Christmas Party theme
Saturday 22nd January	Nippers 4	Nippers recommences
Saturday 29th January	Nippers 5	Normal nipper program
Saturday 5th February	Nippers 6	Normal nipper program
Saturday 12th February	Nippers 7	Normal nipper program
Saturday 19th February	Nippers 8	Normal nipper program
Saturday 26th February	Nippers 9	Normal nipper program
Saturday 5th March	Nippers 10	Normal nipper program
Saturday 12th March	Nippers 11	Normal nipper program
Saturday 19th March	Nippers 12	Club Championships Day
Saturday 26th March	Nippers 13	Club Championships Reserve Day in case of bad weather
Saturday 13th March	No nippers	Junior State Championships TBC
Saturday 27th March	No nippers	Season break up

Please direct any queries regarding nippers to your age manager or our Junior Coordinator 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.