WHAT IS NIPPERS?
Nippers is focused on play, participation and fun. It offers an educational pathway which is designed to ensure children have fun at the beach while participating in lessons that will develop them to become a knowledgeable participant in both lifesaving and sport. As they progress through the various age groups, nippers will undergo lessons in wading, running, swimming, board paddling and lifesaving skills including working towards resuscitation and first aid.
It’s a great way to help kids become confident in the water, meet new friends, stay fit and healthy and learn skills that could one day save a life.
HOW TO BECOME A NIPPER
If your child is aged between 5 and 13 and loves spending time at the beach then then Junior Activities (Nippers) is for you. Junior Activities is open to children from age five up to 13 years (age for a season is calculated as of midnight September 30). Before the start of the nippers’ season, each child is required to complete a Preliminary Skills Assessment designed to ensure they can demonstrate a standard of competence in an aquatic environment. All nippers must have completed a pool swim competency before they are able to participate in any nipper activities.
For further information on how to become a Currumbin Beach Vikings Nipper, email nipperregistrar@currumbinslsc.com.au
WHEN AND WHERE IS NIPPERS?
Nippers runs from 8am until 10.30am every Sunday morning, from October through to March and takes place at Currumbin Beachfront
WHAT HAPPENS AT NIPPERS?
Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club Nippers program includes lessons that are tailored to each of the nipper age groups, ensuring the content is relevant, in line with lifesaving and surf sports most up to date training standards. But most of all, Nippers is about FUN!
All children are encouraged to “have a go” at activities, but no one is forced to participate in any activity that they are not comfortable with or don’t want to do.
Beginning with the basics of ocean and beach awareness, surf education is gradually introduced to the children each year with the objective that at the age of 13 they can obtain their Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC), enabling them to start patrolling our beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nippers is held at Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club on Sunday mornings and runs from October through to March.
Each Sunday begins with a short meeting on the beach at 08.00am opposite the front of the club house. All children and parents/ guardians are required to attend these meetings for a brief on the day’s activities. A whistle will be blown to notify any members in the water to exit the water and attend the morning briefing and roll check.
Prior to the 08:15am briefing, all children are to line up in their age groups on the beach behind their specific age group flag. The Age Managers will then record attendance and sign the children in. Parents MUST then check the parent help roster to see what role they have been assigned for the session. Parents who have not been listed as being required for assistance MUST remain at the beach for safety reasons (in accordance with SLSA Policy).
Once signed on, the Nipper must place and secure their Nipper cap on their head and then assemble with their age group manager to their first rotation. Age groups are clearly marked with flags that will get taken with them as they move through their rotations. Each age group has a storage container that also moves with them through rotations. These containers are for members to place their water bottles, hats, long sleeved shirt, towels etc in.
Any child, who arrives to sign on without a Parent/Guardian present, unfortunately will not be able to participate in the morning’s activities. No child should be left on the beach unsupervised by a Parent/Guardian.
Age Managers require assistance in water safety and teaching the children skills. At least one parent is required to be present at all times and MUST hold Blue Card. However, only water safety officers are able to assist with water activities. Assistance is also required with starting races, recording results, finishing races and helping to co-ordinate groups. These helpers do not need to be water safety to help out.
Once the parent/guardian has signed their child out the Nipper can then remove their cap. For U6 & U7 age groups the finishing time is approximately 10.00am. For U8 – U14 age groups the finishing time is approximately 10:30am.
Please check the registration tab below for details on 23/24 registration. Sign On and Pool Swim Assessment Days for new and renewing members will be held at the Laurie Lawrence Swim School (Burleigh) – 6 Flagstone Drive, Burleigh Heads on Sunday 13th and 20th August from 8.00a.m. to 10.00a.m. Bring your togs for pool swim assessment and speak with the Junior Club Officers. Birth certificates are required as proof of age.
For further information email nipperregistrar@currumbinslsc.com.au