PLSLSC Nipper Registration 2021-22

The PLSLSC Nippers program is a long-established part of summer holidays in Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff. The Club is committed to running a program this year, using COVIDSafe arrangements similar to last season:

• Nippers will need to turn up, participate, and leave immediately after their session. 
• Nipper activities will be run in a modified form.
• Age groups may divide into sub-groups, with limited interaction between groups.
• There will be COVID hygiene protocols and check-in requirements.

We hope to run some of our much-loved Nipper social events this year in our new Clubhouse, but this will depend on COVID restrictions in place at the time. 

See here for more detail on How to Apply for Nippers.

Location

The Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club bases the Nipper program at Santa Casa Beach, at the end of Henry Street in Queenscliff.

Activities

Nippers start learning about surf awareness and safety through the program. They are also able to participate in board paddling, surfing, swimming, running, wading and other fun activities and games. Practising these skills allows children to compete in Club, Regional and State Surf Life Saving Carnivals representing their Club. Surf Life Saving Australia also conducts development camps in every state. During the season we will offer specialised Aquatic Sports training opportunities to Nippers. 

Age Groups 

Children can join PLSLSC Nippers at any age from U/8 (7yrs) to U/13 (12yrs). All clubs affiliated with Surf Life Saving Australia use 30 September as their age calculation date.

Our Club does not offer an Under 6 or Under 7 programme so all our nippers must be a minimum age of 7 years, as of 30 September to join PLSLSC Nippers.

The Nipper program is not a learn to swim program. Nippers must be confident swimming in ocean conditions and have completed a Swim Test form. See more information about this topic in the How To Apply section.

Special Needs

We welcome participation by children with special needs. See the Starfish Nippers section for more information.

Parent Helper Roster

We rely solely on volunteers to run the Nipper program. To spread the load across the whole Nipper Community, it is a requirement of all Nipper families to sign up to help on at least two occasions. This is a great way to get to know people and really get involved! More details will be provided on confirmation of nipper registration.