The WSLSC Nipper Program teaches kids aged 5 to 12 the essentials of life saving and water safety in a fun, safe, and friendly environment. For kids who dream of becoming a patroller someday, Nippers offers the fundamentals towards that pathway.

Programming is set out by Surf Life Saving Australia, and is structured specifically to Nippers’ ages and abilities. Over time, Nippers learn basic lifesaving skills, how to be safe around an ocean aquatic environment, and develop their skills towards competing in surf sports.

The program includes swimming, running, board paddling, wading, and other activities and games. Nippers also learn about waves, different beach types, how to identify a rip, and how to catch a wave. CPR and basic first aid are also part of the program.

Registration for 2025/2026 season closes on 14 October.

Membership must include receipt of Working With Children Checks (WWCC) from Services Victoria.

The program starts 9 November, running every Sunday until 14 December. There’s a break over Christmas/NY, before we return on 18 January 2026, with the final session on 22 February.

Please sign in by 8:45. The program runs 9:00 to 10:00 am. 

All Nippers must be signed in and signed out to adhere to safety requirements.

What to Wear and Bring
• A parent/carer (you must remain on the beach at all times and sign kids in and out)
• Bathers
• Club rashie - to be worn at all times
• Wetsuit – optional but recommended on colder days
• Sun block - applied prior to session
• Goggles
• Towel
• Water bottle

Nippers cannot be registered before their 5th birthday (the Under 6 group). Each nipper is appointed to an age group based on their age on 30th September for the upcoming season. There are no exceptions.

U6: 01/10/2019 - 30/09/2020

U7: 01/10/2018 - 30/09/2019

U8: 01/10/2017 - 30/09/2018

U9: 01/10/2016 - 30/09/2017

U10: 01/10/2015 - 30/09/2016

U11: 01/10/2014 - 30/09/2015

U12: 01/10/2013 - 30/09/2014

U13: 01/10/2012 - 30/09/2013

Please be aware that Nippers is not a learn-to-swim program. It is expected that all participants can meet the required swim proficiency before participating, to ensure minimum safety requirements are met and risk is appropriately managed.

Each Nipper is required to complete a Preliminary Swim Evaluation each season prior to commencing. These can be completed either by:

• A swim teacher prior to the season.

• Club run sessions for U8-U13, at Bayfit Leisure Centre, Altona, 11 and 19 October, from 3:30pm

Nippers who have not completed their prelim swim assessments are not permitted to participate in water activities.

Please forward forms signed off by swimming instructors to nippers@williamstownslsc.org.au

Many hands make like work! The success of the Nipper and Starfish Nippers program depends on the volunteers and sponsors from the community. Without your help, we would not be able to train our Nippers to become lifesavers of the future and keep our beaches safe.

Every family is required to volunteer. Choose how you volunteer each week by putting your name down on the sign in sheets. (Due to the 1:1 educator to Nipper ratio of the Starfish Nippers program, these families are not required to volunteer.)

Sign in sheets will be available at the Nipper rashie collection sessions or email juniors@williamstownslsc.org.au to sign up earlier. Roles include:

• Age Manager
• Age Manager Mentor
• Water Safety Personnel
• Nipper Safety Assistant
• Starfish Mentor
• Board Supervisor
• Set Up and Pack Down Supervisor
• Set Up and Pack Down Assistant
• Parent Helper 

Not sure how to do certain roles? Don’t worry! Training is provided from the club, with ongoing support from experienced Age Managers.