Nippers

About the program

The Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club is a pioneer of Victorian Surf Life Saving. In 1967 the Club Captain, John Turner commenced a program for junior surf lifesavers after seeing a similar program in the United States. The program trained children in surf awareness, surf lifesaving competitions, basic first aid and resuscitation, as well as being an avenue to membership recruitment. Over time, this area has developed to become a major focus of Surf Life Saving across Australia.

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.

New membership applications & renewals must be completed prior to nipper registration (refer to Membership page)

Nipper registrations open 1 september 2025 and close 31 october 2025

Steps to Complete Before You Register for the Nipper Program:

Step 1 - Hold a Working With Children Check (WWCC)

Ensure your WWCC lists Point Lonsdale SLSC and Life Saving Victoria and is current.
See WWCC Guide

Step 2 - Renew/Apply and Pay Membership Fees

Join | Renew

When renewing, if you have a Family Group set up, follow these steps
If you are unsure, contact the club office.

Please note that a Nipper Levy of $35 is payable for each child participating in the program.

Join/renewal video

Step 3 - Receive Membership Confirmation

You will always be contacted if you have any outstanding membership requirements.

Once successfully processed, the club will send you a confirmation email containing your seasonal membership card.

Step 4 - Register for programs if applicable

After membership confirmation, you are eligible to register for the Nipper Program, SRC Course, or Bronze Medallion Course.

More about the Working With Children Check (WWCC) Requirement

All members aged 17 and over (excluding Social members) must hold a current Working With Children Check (WWCC) listing Point Lonsdale SLSC and Life Saving Victoria. This requirement includes nipper parents and guardians. The WWCC is free for volunteers and valid for five years.

Already Have a WWCC?
If you already hold a WWCC through another organisation or as an employee, you only need to add Point Lonsdale SLSC and Life Saving Victoria to your list of organisations. Click here to update your WWCC

Renewing an Expiring WWCC
If your WWCC is set to expire during the season, you can renew it up to six months before or three months after it expires. After three months, you will need to reapply. Click here to renew your WWCC

Processing Time for WWCC Verification
The Club receives a WWCC verification letter from the Department of Justice by post. Early in the year, processing is quick, but from November, it can take up to four weeks due to increased demand. Please ensure you have nominated Point Lonsdale SLSC (correct address PO Box 120, Point Lonsdale 3225) to prevent delays.

IMPORTANT: Membership applications WILL NOT be processed until the Club has received verification of your WWCC from the Department of Justice. Note that teachers and police officers are not exempt (teachers: refer to the WWCC Guide for steps on linking your VIT to WWCC).

Download WWCC Guide

Nippers Calendar

Nipper Parent Handbook

Junior Preliminary Swim Evaluation Form (must be submitted at time of registration)

Junior Preliminary Swim Evaluation

Many activities in the Nipper Program take place in open water. To ensure all children have the necessary swimming ability to participate safely, Life Saving Victoria (LSV), in conjunction with Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), has developed the Junior Preliminary Swim Evaluation for each age group.

All Nippers must complete the swim evaluation relevant to their age group before participating in any water-based activities. We ask these to be completed before Nipper registration so water safety personnel can be arranged.
Children who do not meet the required standard can still take part but will require closer supervision during water activities to ensure their safety. You may be required to step up and assist.
A new Swim Evaluation must be completed each year, as swimming abilities can change over time.

This evaluation helps ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all Nippers while supporting their development of water confidence and skills.

The Junior Preliminary Swim Evaluation is an important and key part of your Nippers registration process.

The form can be downloaded from the above link. If you have any issues regarding the swim test form or issues in being able to get one signed, please email the Nipper coordinators at nippers@plslsc.com.au once you have completed and paid for your club membership.

Powercor Summer Nippers 2025-2026

Registration opens: 1 September 2025

Registration closes: 31 October 2025

Location

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

The Nippers Committee for season 2025/26:

Lauren Callahan
Matthew Hopper
Daisy Ristevski
James Whatley

Contact: nippers@plslsc.com.au

Call for volunteers

Nipper Volunteer Position Descriptions

Age group managers required

We really need more Age Group Managers this year! This role does not require a big commitment, as our instructors do most of the heavy lifting. It largely involves general assistance to the instructors, including by taking the attendance role, ensuring Nippers are safe and providing encouragement and support. It’s easy to become qualified – just complete two short online courses and then the Club will sign you off after a short practical session on the beach during Nippers next season. Please complete the Age Managers Application via this link.

Co-ordinators required

Nippers is run entirely by volunteers and we need a range of “special helper” co-ordinators for this season. There are lots of ways you can contribute: water safety co-ordinator, gear collection, Nippers disco, Door Knock and back beach day. The Club is also on the lookout for qualified IRB drivers and crew and can provide further information on the process if this is of interest to you. Complete the Nipper Coordinator Application via this link.

Nipper Instructors

Instructors are an essential part of our Nipper Program. Our instructors are responsible for leading the Nippers and educating them in the skills and knowledge to progress in surf lifesaving.

If you are interested in advancing your leadership skills and experience and would like to help the Clubs Nipper Program, the please complete this Instructor expression of interest.

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.

Further Information

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 program 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 Junior Preliminary Swim Evaluation form. See more information about this topic in the How To Apply section.

Participating in Nippers at Multiple Clubs

Some families enjoy participating in Nippers at Point Lonsdale during their stay here while also attending another Nipper Program elsewhere.

If this applies to you, please note: