Nippers 2024/25

Nippers is a fun and educational program designed for children aged 5 to 14 years old. It’s a fantastic way for your kids to enjoy the beach, learn about surf safety, and make new friends in an inclusive and friendly club environment. At Port Macquarie Surf Lifesaving Club, we focus on teaching surf awareness, developing skills, and fostering a love for the ocean and surf lifesaving.

Photos by Lindsay Moller Productions

QUICK INFO

2024/25 CALENDAR

Who Can Join?

Our Nippers program is open to all children between the ages of 5 and 14. Whether your family is new to Port Macquarie or you’re just discovering surf education for the first time, everyone is welcome! Here’s a breakdown of the age requirements based on the cut-off date of September 30th:

What Age Group Will My Child Be In?

  • U6 Nippers: Children must be 5 by September 30th 2024
  • U7 Nippers: Children must be 6 by September 30th 2024
  • U8 Nippers: Children must be 7 by September 30th 2024
  • U9 Nippers: Children must be 8 by September 30th 2024
  • U10 Nippers: Children must be 9 by September 30th 2024
  • U11 Nippers: Children must be 10 by September 30th 2024
  • U12 Nippers: Children must be 11 by September 30th 2024
  • U13 Nippers: Children must be 12 by September 30th 2024
  • U14 Nippers: Children must be 13 by September 30th 2024

Swimming Requirements

While our Nippers program is designed to be enjoyable and inclusive, it is important to note that we do not teach children how to swim. Your child needs to have a basic level of swimming ability to ensure their safety and enjoyment during activities. Each age group has specific swimming requirements that must be met before participating in water-based activities. These requirements are in place to make sure all children can safely participate and gain the most from their Nippers experience.

Pool and Ocean Assessments

To ensure the safety and confidence of our Nippers, all children must undergo both pool and ocean Evaluations before the season starts. This will assess their swimming skills and ability to handle all surf conditions.

  • Pool Pre Lim Skills Evaluation This is usually conducted at the beginning of the season. It involves a set distance swim appropriate for each age group, ensuring that each child can swim a basic distance comfortably within a set time by NSWSLS.

    Book your preliminary assessment via links provided in Age Group WhatsApp group info.

  • Ocean Competition Evaluation After passing the pool Evaluation, children participate in an Ocean Evaluation. This includes a swim in open water, under the supervision of our experienced lifesavers, to ensure they are comfortable and capable in surf conditions. 

These evaluations are essential for safety and help tailor the program to the abilities of each child, allowing them to build their skills progressively.

 

Pool Preliminary Skills Evaluation and Assessments by Age Group

Ensuring the safety of our Nippers is our top priority. Each age group has specific Evaluation requirements that children must meet before participating in water-based activities. These requirements ensure that all children are confident and capable in the water.

 

Age

Swim Length

Time to complete

Float/Tread

Dive

Under 6

Front glide, recovery, dive to retrieve, float

   

Under 7

Front glide, recovery, dive to retrieve, float

   

Under 8

25m

7 minutes

1 minute

 

Under 9

200m

7 minutes

1 minute

Retrieve object from bottom

Under 10

200m

6 minutes

1 minute

Retrieve object from bottom

Under 11

200m

6 minutes

2 minute

Retrieve object from bottom

Under 12

200m

5 minutes

3 minute

Retrieve object from bottom

Under 13

200m

5 minutes

3 minute

Retrieve object from bottom

Under 14

200m

5 minutes

3 minute

Retrieve object from bottom
 

Additional Training

Ocean Swim & Board

Belinda and Ben Johnson from SMART Coaching are offering ocean swimming and board training for under 9s to 14s. 

MONDAY: Swim 4:15pm at Flynn’s Beach
TUESDAY: Board/Swim 4:15pm at the Marine Rescue Shed
WEDNESDAY: Board/Swim 4:15pm at Flynn’s Beach
THURSDAY: Board 4:15pm at the Marine Rescue Shed
SATURDAY: Board 7am at Flynn’s Beach

NOTE: Times and locations are subject to change, pending conditions. Notice of any changes will be given ASAP via communication channels.

Beginners will only be in the river until deemed proficient enough to move on to surf training.

Please register your contact details here so further information can be sent out. 

Register for additional training

Flags

During the season, Club legend David Plews runs weekly Flags sessions at no additional cost for members.

No need to book.

Please check the whatsapp groups for updates.

Surf Squad Swimming

A Saturday swim session run by Port Macquarie Swimming Club Head Coach Billy Nicholson. Starting 31st August 2024

– 8:00-9:00am Saturdays

– 8 years and above

– $15.00 per session payable to The Y.

– Must pass swim assessment on arrival*

*Please note this is a squad training session and not a replacement for learn to swim. We will only allow swimmers who are deemed competent to participate in these sessions.

Parental Involvement

We believe that Nippers is a family activity, and parental involvement is highly encouraged and appreciated.

Parents play a crucial role in the success of the program by helping out with activities, providing support, and cheering on their children.

Whether it’s assisting with beach setup, barbeques, marking the roll, participating in water safety, or simply being there to encourage your child, your involvement helps create a supportive and fun environment for everyone.

How Can Parents and Guardians Get Involved?

  • Barbecue
  • Uniform Shop
  • Administration
  • Organising Events
  • Official duties at Carnivals
  • Water Safety at Nippers training days and at Competitions (you can undertake the Bronze Medallion course first)
  • Gear Steward – organising, maintaining and transporting equipment to carnivals

Education Pathways (Learn to be an Age Manager, Official, Obtain a Bronze Medallion or Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC)

Having a Bronze Medallion means that you are able to assist with Water Safety for our nippers days. Undertaking an Officials course means that you can help out at Carnivals.

If you’re keen to learn, please find out more info and fill in this form below to let us know where you’re at, so that we can plan accordingly. It’s a great way to meet other families and find out about the Nippers competition and surf conditions.

  • I’d like to find out more about Bronze Medallion, Age Management and Officials courses: https://forms.gle/aHP2xJg4bdhh64kL9
  • I’d like to find out more about helping with equipment role, barbeque, uniforms, events, and more: email jac@pmslsc.com.au

Junior Nippers Program (Under 6 and 7)

Our Junior Nippers program for U6 and U7 is all about having fun and building confidence in the surf. At these age levels, there is no competition. The focus is on introducing young children to the beach environment, teaching basic surf safety, and enjoying a range of beach games and activities. It’s a wonderful way to start their journey in surf lifesaving. Read more from the attachment from NSW Surf Life Saving website. 

U6 and U7 Members – Factsheet for Clubs – Surf Life Saving NSW

Nippers Competition (Under 8 and Above)

From U8 onwards, children have the opportunity to participate in friendly competitions. These include beach sprints, flags, wades, and swims, as well as board races. Competitions are a great way to build skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship, and they take place at both local and regional levels. While competition is encouraged, the primary goal remains enjoyment and personal development.

A Typical Nippers Sunday

A typical Nippers Sunday is filled with fun, learning, and plenty of beach activities! Here’s what you can expect:

  • Morning Assembly: We start with a group assembly where children are briefed on the day’s activities and safety information.

  • Warm-Up: A fun and energetic warm-up to get everyone ready for the day.

  • Activity Rotations: Children rotate through various activities including beach sprints, surf swimming, board paddling, and beach games. Each activity is designed to build confidence and skills in a safe and supportive environment.

  • Break Time: A short break to rest and hydrate.

  • Group Activities: More fun and educational activities tailored to each age group, focusing on surf safety and lifesaving skills.

  • Wrap-Up: We finish with a debrief and celebration of the day’s achievements.

Uniform Requirements

Our Nippers are required to wear specific uniforms during training and competitions for safety and identification purposes.

The Required uniform items include:

  • Nippers Rash Vest: For visibility and protection.

  • Nippers Cap: To identify age groups and ensure safety during activities.

  • Swimwear: Suitable for surf conditions.

  • Wetsuits (Optional): Wetsuits are optional but recommended, especially during cooler months, to keep your child warm and comfortable.

How to Order Uniforms

Uniforms can be pre-ordered online and picked up either at the Registration & Info Day or on the first Sunday training day. Visit our Uniform Shop to place your order.

Communication Channels

To keep up with all the latest information and updates about your child’s age group throughout the season, we have dedicated communication channels:

Age Group WhatsApp Chats: Each age group has a WhatsApp chat where parents and caregivers can receive timely updates, ask questions, and stay connected with the group. We encourage you to join these chats at our Registration and Information Day.

Closed Facebook Group: We also have a general closed Facebook group for all Nippers’ families. This is a great place to share experiences, see photos, and keep up to date with club events and announcements.

Since no public information is available, joining these groups ensures you don’t miss out on important updates and can stay engaged with the Nippers community.

Note that you will have to be a registered member in order to be accepted to the closed groups (both WhatsApp and Facebook)

Who Can I Speak To?

   
Junior Activities Coordinator (JAC)Ben McEntyrejac@pmslsc.com.au
Vice Junior Activities CoordinatorChris Jecsjac@pmslsc.com.au
Beach Superintendent/
Water Supervisors

Ben Johnson

Jasper Pengelly

Chris (CJ) Walker

 

Junior Competition Managers

(under 8 – 14)

Miranda Morgan

Michelle Brook

competition@pmslsc.com.au

Senior Competition Manager

(under 15 – Masters)

Richard Hewenscompetition@pmslsc.com.au
RegistrarSandy Menziesregistrar@pmslsc.com.au
 
Under 14 Sharon Maher  Jasmine Pengelly Steve Foye
Under 13 Laura Granfield
 
Under 12 James Merritt Laurence Barlow Samantha Barlow
Under 11 Clint Ranse Luke Morris Ryan Moore
Under 10 Paula Stone Luke Hough Andrew Gallo
Under 09 Emma Schuch    
Under 08 Heath Pett Drew Wilson  
Under 07 Maddison McGrath  Cadets  
Under 06 Club Legend Parent helpers  
 

Registration: Ready to Join?

If you’re ready to enrol your child in our Nippers program or if you have any questions, we’re here to help. Feel free to reach out to us for more information or to get started with the enrolment process.

At least one Nipper parent must be a registered Club member before Nipper registration can be approved.

For more information on membership types, visit our club website’s Membership page.

Let’s make the beach a safer and more enjoyable place for everyone, one Nipper at a time!

Enrol here: https://members.sls.com.au/members/join/member-join

Need help?! If you get stuck, please email our lovely Registrar, Sandy on registrar@pmslsc.com.au 

Pre Season Checklist for Parents/Carers

 

✔️ Complete registration and or renewal which includes club payment

✔️ Pay competition fee (all competing members require a competition payment of $30)

✔️ Make contact and introduce yourself to your Age Manager. Check they have your correct contact details and that you are included in your age group WhatsApp communication page. 

✔️ Ask to join our closed club Facebook page Port Macquarie SLSC Nippers

✔️ All new members for 24-25 season will receive a new club hat and new club pink rashie

✔️ Check you have a club competition hat which is compulsory for U8 – U14 nippers

✔️ Check you have a pink rashie for each child which is compulsory for U6-U14 nippers 

✔️ If you have a question – ask any of our committee members or your Age Manager

Membership

Nippers

Cadets

Hall Hire

History

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