Season starts 15th November
The Nipper program is a great way for children and youth to make friends, stay active and enjoy the beach in a safe environment. Our program includes a combination of beach and water activities, as well as valuable surf safety education and life saving skills tailored to each age group.
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From age 5 through 13, Nippers are awarded a Surf Life Saving Australia Surf Education Award at the end of the season if they attend at least 75% of the sessions. As they get older, kids earn their resuscitation certificates through the program, and by age 13, they can earn a Surf Rescue Certificate, which enables them to participate as patrol members, provide water safety and become junior leaders and coaches.
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Session Dates and Times
The program runs Saturdays from 3:00 to 4:30. Please sign in by 2:45.
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We start 15th November, with a break after Christmas Nippers on 20th December. We'll return 17th January, take Australia Day Weekend off, then continue through the end of February.
All Nippers must be signed out. If we don't know they've left, we have to launch a search on the beach.
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Club Communications
All communications (including last-minute weather-related updates) are communicated via Stack Team App. Please download the app or create an account online, join Hampton Life Saving Club and select access groups, including General Club Communications and your child's nipper age groups.
Age Group
Swimming Proficiency (High-Level Description)
Under 6 (age 5 on 30th Sept)
Front glide 1-2 meters and recover in waist-deep water; back or front float for 5 seconds; submerge to touch sand at the bottom with hands
Under 7 (age 6 on 30th Sept)
Front glide 2-3 meters and recover in waist-deep water; back or front float for 10 seconds; submerge to touch sand at the bottom with hands
Under 8 (age 7 on 30th Sept)
20 meter swim (any stroke); 2-3 meter underwater swim; back or front float for 15 seconds; submerge to touch sand at the bottom with hands
Under 9 (age 8 on 30th Sept)
25 meter swim on front (any stroke); breast/side/back stroke for 10 meters; tread water 1 minute; front-to-back or back-to-front float for 5 seconds on each side; submerge to touch sand at the bottom with hands
Under 10 (age 9 on 30th Sept)
25 meter swim on front (any stroke); breast/side/back stroke for 25 meters; tread water 1 minute; front-to-back or back-to-front float for 5 seconds on each side; submerge to touch sand at the bottom with hands
Under 11 (age 10 on 30th Sept)
25 meter swim on front (any stroke); breast/side/back stroke for 50 meters; tread water 2 minutes; front-to-back or back-to-front float for 5 seconds on each side; submerge to perform front or back roll; submerge to touch sand at the bottom with hands
Under 12 (age 11 on 30th Sept)
75 meter swim on front (any stroke); breast/side/back stroke for 50 meters; tread water 3 minutes; front-to-back or back-to-front float for 5 seconds on each side; submerge to perform front or back roll; submerge to touch sand at the bottom with hands
Under 13 (age 12 on 30th Sept)
100 meter swim on front (any stroke); breast/side/back stroke for 50 meters; tread water 3 minutes; front-to-back or back-to-front float for 5 seconds on each side; submerge to perform front or back roll; submerge to touch sand at the bottom with hands
What to Wear and Bring
Nippers should arrive at the beach with:
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A parent or other adult (you must remain on the beach at all times, and sign them in and out)
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Sunscreen already applied
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Long-sleeve, high-vis green rashie (you can purchase these through HLSC or wear your own)
Easiest: Buy via Team App and pick up on the first day -
Broad-brim hat
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Wetsuit (optional, but great for chilly or windy days)
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Goggles
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Towel
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Water bottle
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​How To Determine Your Child's Age Group
Nippers cannot registered before their 5th birthday (the Under 6 or U6 group). Each participant is appointed to an age group based on their age on 30th September for the upcoming season.
Swimming Proficiency Requirements
Please be aware that Nippers is not a learn-to-swim program. All participants are expected to be engaged in regular swimming lessons to ensure that they can meet the required proficiency.
For kids and teens with additional needs, find out about our all-abilities Starfish Nippers program.