Nippers
Make friends, be active and learn about beach safety
Nippers is a fun and active way for children to make friends, build confidence, and enjoy the beach in a safe and supportive environment. Designed for 7–13 year olds (as of 1 October), the program gently introduces surf awareness and basic lifesaving skills to help kids stay safe around the water.
By the end of the program, children will understand common beach hazards like waves and rips and will have learned simple first aid and resuscitation skills.
If your child is still building their swimming ability, we encourage enrolling them in swimming lessons before Nippers. All participants complete a swim assessment in their first session each season.
We offer 200 Nipper places each summer, and they fill quickly. The program relies on the help of our wonderful volunteers, and parent/guardian involvement is essential to keeping Nippers running smoothly and affordably. If you're keen to get involved, we’d love to have you.
For more information, please contact the Junior Association Director at nippers@apollobayslsc.com.au.
​
The below linked handbook contains detailed information about this summers nippers program.
Nipper Registration
​
To participate in Apollo Bay Nippers:
-
Parents/guardians must be current members of the Apollo Bay SLSC (membership renews 1 July each year).
-
Parents/guardians must hold a current Working With Children Check (WWCC).
WWCC Information
-
WWCC is free for volunteers.
-
You must list both:
-
Apollo Bay Surf Lifesaving Club
PO Box 11, Apollo Bay 3233
Phone: 5237 6765 -
Life Saving Victoria
200 The Boulevard, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
Phone: 03 9676 6900
-
-
Apply, renew, or update details at: www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au
-
To view Life Saving Victoria’s safeguarding policy: Safeguarding Children and Young People | Life Saving Victoria (lsv.com.au)
Before Registering Your Nipper(s) - Do NOT proceed with registration until:
-
This year’s membership fees have been paid, AND
-
Your WWCC is current.
Registration Steps
-
Email evidence of your WWCC
-
Send a screenshot or photo from the WWCC site showing you are linked to LSV and ABSLSC
-
Email to: secretary@apollobayslsc.com.au
-
-
Complete the Nippers registration form
-
This finalises your child’s registration.
-
Additional Information
-
Details on membership fees, how to join/renew, and WWCC requirements can be found on the Membership page.
-
If you need help registering, contact: secretary@apollobayslsc.com.au
-
Membership will not be accepted without a current WWCC.
Intensive Nipper Program 2025-2026
Parent Participation / Assistance
-
Parents/guardians must sign their Nipper in and out each session.
-
Parent help is encouraged, including getting in the water to support your child.
Preliminary Swim Assessments (U9–U13)
-
Nippers is not a learn-to-swim program; children must already be confident in the water (see handbook for guidelines).
-
Assessments will take place on Uniform Collection Day, Friday 26 December, between 3–6pm.
Please arrive in wetsuit, pink rashie and goggles, ready to head to the beach after collecting your bag. -
Water safety and buoys will be ready to support all swimmers.
-
If you can’t attend on the 26th, an alternative time will be arranged—please let your Age Manager know on Day 1.
-
Under 8s will complete their swim assessment during the program, so they do not need to go to the beach after collection.
Club Competition
-
Held on Saturday 3 January (Session 6).
-
A fun, informal day where Nippers compete within their age group in beach and water events.
-
All Nippers are encouraged to participate and have a go.
-
The session will have staggered start times (older age groups first) and may finish slightly later.
-
If water conditions are unsafe, beach events will run and water events will move to the next day.
-
Social events are optional but highly recommended—many lifelong friendships start here.
Presentations
-
Held at the end of Lesson 7 on Sunday 4 January, from 12pm–1pm on the lawn in front of the Surf Club.
-
Age Group Champions and Encouragement Awards will be presented, followed by certificates with each Age Manager.
Program Update
Swim Assessments
This season, swim assessments for Under 9 to Under 13 Nippers will take place straight after uniform collection. Please have your child arrive in their bathers, with their wetsuit, and head directly to the beach for the swim.
If you can’t attend on collection day, the club will open early on the 27th, before the first session, so we can complete any outstanding assessments.
Under 8 swim assessments will be held on Day 3 after water-familiarisation activities. This slower introduction helps build confidence, especially for children who are new to open-water swimming. Under 8s do not need to go to the beach after uniform collection.
Skills Sessions – Great News!
We’re excited to announce that the club has purchased 25 brand-new Nipper Boards for the 2025/26 season! A huge thank-you to our Nipper families and our sponsor, The Apollo Bay Carnival, for making this possible.
To help our Nippers make the most of the new boards, we’ll be running extra Skills Sessions before the season begins. These sessions are a fun way for kids to get comfortable on the boards, grow their water confidence, and enjoy some extra time at the beach.
Session Dates:
-
Sunday, 2nd November
-
Sunday, 7th December
-
Sunday, 21st December
Please note: Additional sessions may be added depending on demand. Keep an eye on our socials for updates and further details.
​
Water Safety
Our Nippers program simply couldn’t run without our amazing Water Safety team. Their presence and vigilance keep our kids safe and allow every water activity to run smoothly. We are incredibly grateful for the time and care they give each season.
If you’re interested in joining the Water Safety team again this year, we’d love to hear from you. Please email nippers@apollobayslsc.com.au to register your interest.
More information about the Water Safety program will be shared in the lead-up to the season.