There are over 52,000 junior surf lifesavers (Nippers) in Australia. Nippers learn about surf awareness and safety through the Surf Life Saving Surf Education Program. They are also able to participate in board paddling, surfing, swimming, running, wading and other fun activities and games.

We do not teach children how to swim, however we will teach them surf skills and educate them about the beach environment. Given the activities are conducted in a marine environment; Nippers are encouraged to undertake regular swim training through a local club or pool.

Practising these skills allow children to compete in Club, Regional and State surf life saving carnivals representing their clubs. HSP Surf Life Saving Club offers a program of surf awareness, skills coaching and competition at various levels, similar to the events that Australia's Surf Life Savers participate in.

While competition is an important element, the surf awareness and education aspect is a primary aim. Children are taught from a young age how to respect the surf read the surf and use the surf to their advantage.

This is done in an environment of fun, healthy lifestyle and camaraderie which is unique to surf life saving.

Who Can Join Nippers?

Any child, boy or girl, may join Nippers once they have turned 5 years old. They do NOT have to be super competitors or super athletes! One of the best features of Nippers is seeing young children overcome their fear of the water. Children who are afraid of the water can develop through encouragement, education and training to be confident in the surf.

Age Groups

Once a child turns 5 years of age, they are able to join the club as a nipper. The club is unable to accept membership of a child less than 5 years of age to comply with insurance requirements.

Listed below are the age groups members will be in for the 2025/26 season. These age groups are determined as at midnight on 30 September 2025.

A child may join as soon as they turn five years of age. Under existing insurance arrangements, no club is to accept membership of a child until they reach five years. Should clubs have a demand to run programs for children under five years of age, they must organise their own insurance to run the program.

A child who reaches five years old after 30th September may join nippers for the rest of the season; however, this child must remain in the U6 nippers age group again the following season.

Children Not Yet 5, Wanting To Register

For families with children turning 5 before November 16, 2025 and wishing to register for this season, they can do so once they turn 5 only (as per current SLS Nipper rules) and only then attend a swim proficiency test.All final registrations will be encouraged to do their swim proficiency together on one date, yet to be set) or they can get their swim proficiency signed off by a qualified swim school instructor.

Parents should understand that their child will then continue in the Under 6 group the following year (thus they will be in under 6’s twice).

Children Wanting To Participate In A Different Age Group

All Nippers from here in, must stay within their actual designated age group and variance from their age group will not be considered as this has flow on effects for point score, administration and later SRC eligibility.

Note: Proof of age is no longer required when joining a club.

 Reference - https://www.manula.com/manuals/slsnsw/junior-activities/1/en/topic/membership-age-groups