Getting Kids Active
Nippers is a program tailored for 5–14-year-olds and their families which fosters a dynamic environment for families to have fun and friendship and gain invaluable life skills.
Through engaging activities centered around surf safety, lifesaving techniques, and ocean skills, Nippers not only builds essential survival skills but also develops a level of camaraderie and teamwork.
These future lifesavers embark on a journey of personal development, instilling qualities of leadership that extend beyond the shoreline.
Nippers is more than a program; it is a community where lifelong friendships are formed, and the thrill of the surf is matched only by the joy of shared experiences.
Requirements
Nippers need to be a minimum of five years of age as at 30 September. Before the start of the Nipper season each participant is required to complete a Preliminary Skills evaluation designed to ensure that each child demonstrates a standard of competence in an aquatic environment. This evaluation may include a pool swim and run-swim-run, where the lengths depend on the different age categories.
Children who wish to compete will also be required to complete a competition evaluation swim in the ocean environment to ensure that they are able to make the distance required during competition.
Please note, while Nippers provides participants with valuable water safety skills, it is not a ‘learn to swim’ program, and there is an expectation that your child has basic swimming skills before commencing the program.
benefits
- Builds foundational skills for days on the beach, whether that is relaxing, patrolling or surf sports.
- Provides a sense of being integrated into a broader community.
- Delivers a source of friends and learning how to interact with others.
- Teaches a diverse range of skills, not just beach and water safety, but teamwork and other foundational skills which help later in life.
- Helps spark an interest in Surf Life Saving and provides an access point into the movement.
- Nippers makes you more confident and comfortable in the water.
- After being a Nipper, patrolling seems more accessible and easier to achieve.
Join Whitsunday SLSC – Nippers 2026
Location
Rose Bay, 4 Pandanus St, Bowen QLD 4805
Fees
$100 per person
PlayOn Vouchers accepted
Nippers Program
In our first year, we're starting with Nippers only (no patrol yet).
Nippers runs every Saturday afternoon.
Come & Try Day
Sunday 12th July 2026 – bring the family down and give it a go!
Get in Touch
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Phone: 0456 645 452