Junior Surf Program - Nippers (Ages 5 - 15)
Here at Bicheno SLSC we are proud of our Junior program which enables kids, aged from five to fifteen, to gain valuable surf experience and lifesaving knowledge.
Our program aims for your child to have fun while learning new skills to help keep themselves and others safe on our beaches. It is a fun and engaging outdoors activity that builds a child’s confidence and also teaches valuable life skills and knowledge.
The youth of today are the future of Surf Life Saving, and the Nippers pathway teaches lessons and skills allowing them to continue in lifesaving and sport as they grow older.
But it’s not hard work. We like to call it serious fun! It is a great way for children to make friends, be active and enjoy the beach in a safe environment.
It aims to help children:
Have fun with a Surf Lifesaving Club!
Learn new skills
Meet other young people
Improve their fitness
Develop surf life saving techniques
Become a leader
Make decisions
Educate people about beach and water safety
Support their community
Belong to a team
The Program is split into:
Seahorses 5-6 yr old Age Group U6 & U7
Seahorses (5-6 yr olds) can participate as soon as they turn 5 years of age. Water activities usually involve wading and gaining water confidence.
*Note that Seahorse sessions are for 1 hour only.
Nippers 7-11 yr old Age Group U8-U12
The Nipper Program (7-11 yr olds) aims for your child to have fun while learning new skills to help keep themselves and others safe on our beaches.
Cadets 12-15 yr old Age Group U13 to U16
The Cadet years (12-15 yr olds) are focused around development of the individual and the up skilling of these young adults in both awards and life skills such as commitment, teamwork, initiative and reliability.
The Cadet Program is targeted to those wishing to attain the Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC). The SRC is the minimum requirement to become a patrolling surf lifesaver. It gives the holder the ability to perform patrols and water safety duties, essentially working as an apprentice to Bronze Medallion holders. This allows cadets to receive on the job training from experienced patrolling members.
You can check dates for Nippers here
Nipper Pathways
13 years of age
15 years of age
(After Bronze) —> Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Crew Certificate
Advanced Resuscitation Techniques (ART) Certificate
16 years of age
Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue
17 years of age
Silver Medallion (Inflatable Rescue Boat Driver) Certificate
Silver Medallion Beach Management
How to Sign Up
To register to become a member click here
For more information contact our Membership Coordinator - Jenna Collins memberships@bichenoslsc.com.au
Surf Sports
Bicheno SLSC is committed to providing our nippers with the skills and training to be able to compete in Surf Life Saving Surf Sport Carnivals.
Nippers and Seniors will have the opportunity to compete in:
- Bicheno SLSC Championship Day Carnival
- East Coast Regional Carnivals – with Scamander and Raspin’s Beach (Orford)
- Statewide Carnivals and Ocean Swims
See the SLST Surf Sports Calendar for more information
As part of our Junior Surf Program (Nippers) we offer our nippers the opportunity to gain the relevant Surf Award for their age group that enables them to compete in any Junior SLST Carnival held around the state.