At Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club nippers participate in a structured program throughout the season consisting of:
- Beach sprints / beach relay
- Beach flags
- Ocean swimming
- Boarding
- Surf safety and knowledge
- Sun safety
- First aid and
- A variety of fun learning activities throughout the season
Children can become a nipper from the age of 5 and then are placed into age groups from Tiny Tots (U6-U7), up to Under 13’s. As they develop their skills and confidence the activities and training become more involved and they are able to participate in competitive carnivals if they wish to from U8 up. Whilst it’s all about having fun and making friends the focus is also on learning about surf awareness and safety through our surf education program. Parents are encouraged to participate and join in the program.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT: To provide a safe, caring environment where children can develop their surf life saving and competitive skills whilst enjoying the experience.
Safeguarding Children Officer – Lilian Fowles
Nippers and junior beach training for the 2023/24 season begins on Saturday 21st October from 2pm-4pm with the first session held at the Surf Club with a second session likely held at the pool to do proficiencies. All other sessions unless advised will be held at the club. Training days are the foundation of all Junior activity. Whether it is award training, the learning of basic surf skills or training for competition, training days are a time of great activity. Pool training is in school terms on Thursday nights from 6:00pm to 7:00pm at Noarlunga Aquatic Centre. Swim training is conducted under the tutelage of accredited Level 1 coaches and is designed to improve the swimming skills of proficient swimmers. There are also weekly water and beach session on Tuesday nights during the nipper season, times will be advised at nipper Saturday training.
Costs involved in being a nipper
| 2023/24 Season Junior Membership | 1 child and 1 parent: $280 Family (2 adults + 2 children, living at same address): $345 Additional children to family membership: $10 each |
| HiVis Vests* | $27 |
| Club Skull Cap* | $15 |
| Surf education material | provided by club |
| Competition | cost borne by member |
| Other training items | that are not mandatory |
| Club Bathers* | Girls $50 |
| Club Rash Vest* | $50 (long sleeve) |
| Broad rimmed hat* | $22 |
| Jammers | $35 |
* Clothing prices are subject to change per supplier cost
Other club clothing including bathers, hoodies, towels will be advertised for sale at the start of the season.
Nipper Water Safety Award
SLSSA has introduced a new Award. The Nipper Water Safety Certificate is a water safety and rescue award for the provision of water safety for SLS Nipper Activities. It is designed to enable a large range of parents/guardians to be engaged by Clubs to formally assist in improving the delivery of Nipper water-based activities and create potential pathways to life saving operations such as beach patrols or carnival water safety.
Further information as well as info about how to obtain this award.
Safeguarding Children & Young People
Surf Life Saving Australia have rolled out a Safeguarding Children and Young People Program as part of their national commitment to the protection of children from abuse, harm and exploitation.
The program builds the capacity of SLS to protect our children and young people by providing resources and education to support all clubs to provide a safe environment for all members. Our club has a signed statement of commitment to child safety which involves the following key strategies:
- Implementation of the code of conduct that establishes clear expectations for appropriate behaviour when dealing with children;
- Screening, supervision, training and other human resources practices that reduce the risk of child abuse by new and existing personnel;
- Educate and inform members of the signs and indicators of child abuse;
- Processes for responding to and reporting suspected child abuse;
- Regular communication, awareness and promotion of the Safeguarding Children and Young People Program;
- Strategies to identify and remove risks to children and young people; and
- Strategies to communicate and promote the participation and empowerment of children within the club.
Resources, webinars and an online training course have been developed to assist all Clubs to achieve these standards via SLSSA
The Safeguarding Children and Young People Program is underwritten by the Surf Life Saving Australia Member Protection Policy (MPP) and can be accessed by any member via the Members Portal eLearning page.
Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club is committed to the Safeguarding of Children and Young People, under the age of 18, and acknowledges that a child-safe organisation doesn’t just happen; it requires conscious action from all club members to prevent children from harm.
Our club’s Board of Management signed off on our commitment to Safeguarding Children and Young People at a Board of Management meeting on the 13th September 2022.You can see a signed copy of this in the club shed.
For further information please see: https://sls.com.au/safeguarding/ or contact Lilian Fowles (Youth Development Officer/Safeguarding Children Officer)
Information Sheet