How old does my child need to be to start Nippers?

Nippers must be 7 years of age on or before 30 September in the year of application for their membership to be accepted. 

Which age group will my child be in?

For the 25/26 nippers season, age groups are as follows:

Under 8 – DOB 30/9/2017 – 1/10/2018

Under 9 – DOB 30/9/2016 – 1/10/2017

Under 10 – DOB 30/9/2015 – 1/10/2016 

Under 11 – DOB 30/9/2014 – 1/10/2015 

Under 12 – DOB 30/9/2013 – 1/10/2014 

Under 13 – DOB 30/9/2012 – 1/10/2013 

My child wants to be in a different age group with their friends. Can we swap into another age group?

Unfortunately not. We need to be firm on the age groups according to the date of birth cut offs to ensure we can administer the program effectively. We understand some children may initially be a little apprehensive, but one of the great things about nippers is the new friendships and connections they make.

How do I choose which stream to register my child in?

For a summary of the three streams offered at OGSLSC please visit the Nippers programs page.

Do I need a WWCC to register my nipper? 

Yes. It is a requirement of Lifesaving Victoria for all adult members to obtain a valid WWCC before joining a surf lifesaving club. This means both Nipper parents (except for genuine one parent families) must hold a current WWCC and OGSLSC must be listed on the card as an organisation to comply with these requirements. For more information please visit the WWCC page. 

Are there additional fees on top of the membership fee?

For Core Sunday Nippers and Surf Sport streams, there is a $50 levy for the season in addition to your family membership. There is not an additional levy for the Summer Intensive Program.

For nippers who wish to compete in carnivals, there are additional competition fees. Details of these and how to register are provided nearer the time.

What is the Preliminary Skills Evaluation?

To ensure the safety of our nippers, it is a requirement of Lifesaving Victoria that every nipper completes a Preliminary Skills Evaluation before they can participate in any Nipper programs. There are different distances and requirements required by age group and the Preliminary Skills Evaluation form needs to be signed off by an accredited coach or swimming instructor.

If your child is participating in the Summer Intensive, a completed Preliminary Skills Evaluations should be returned to nippers@oceangroveslsc.asn.au by 1 December.

How does my child complete a Preliminary Skills Assessment?

If you have been unable to make the OGSLSC evaluations, you will need to arrange an evaluation with your own swim school by a qualified swimming instructor.  Once the evaluation form is completed please email a copy of it to nippers@oceangroveslsc.asn.au prior to your nipper participating in any water-based sessions. 

Geelong Swim Club have been offering nipper evaluations. Just email info@geelongsclts.org.au, and they’ll get back to you with an available time. Note they will charge a fee of $15 per assessment.

Note these evaluations need to be completed and recorded by the club before nippers can participate in water activities.

What is the Surf Education Certificate?

The Surf Education Certificate teaches nippers important beach safety skills, like spotting dangers, understanding the surf, and learning basic lifesaving.

This is built into the Sunday Core Nippers program, where around 10–15 minutes is spent on this over 10 sessions. To earn the certificate, nippers need to attend at least five of these sessions and complete a short online quiz.

For nippers wanting to compete in the State Championships, or place at the OGSLSC Club Championships, the Surf Education Certificate is a mandatory requirement of entry.

Where and how do I buy club merchandise?

There is some great new club gear available – OGSLSC have partnered with different suppliers to ensure we have a full range of high-quality gear. A pre-order window applies to the merchandise through Indigo Wolf and Engine, for more information please visit the merchandise page. Note this gear is optional – purely for club spirit!

For the nipper program, the only mandatory item to be purchased is the club high visibility rash vest that identifies the nippers in the water. If your nipper chooses to participate in carnivals down the track, they will also need a competition cap. Both these essential items, along with some other basic club gear, are available from OGSLSC’s admin office in person during office hours.

What can my child expect in a nippers session?

Nippers sessions are fun, active and educational. Your child will take part in a variety of beach and water-based activities designed to build confidence, fitness, surf awareness and lifesaving skills. 

It’s a good idea to arrive 10-15 minutes before the session start time so they can collect a board and be down on the beach at their age group flag, signed in and ready to go. Sessions typically include a warm-up, skill-based rotations (such as board paddling, wading, beach sprints or relays). Activities are age-appropriate, inclusive, and delivered in a safe, supportive environment under the supervision of qualified Coaches and Age Managers.

What does my child need to bring to a nippers session?

Nippers need to be ready for a variety of training opportunities and for each session they should bring:

• OGSLSC high visibility rash vest, available from the Merchandise Shop
• Wetsuit and silicone swim cap (recommended)
• Bathers, towel & goggles
• Sunscreen (applied before and during the session)
• Bottle of water
• Foam nipper boards are provided for all age groups. From U11s nippers can use fibreglass boards and are welcome to bring their own if they wish. If they do not have a fibreglass board they are welcome to continue using the club foam boards.

While not mandatory, there is some OGSLSC clothing available from the merchandise store.

Do I need to purchase a board?

No, you don’t need to purchase a board for your child to participate in Nippers. Foam boards are provided by the club for training sessions and carnivals. 

From Under 11s, it is optional for nippers to use fibreglass boards. As your child progresses and becomes more involved in competition, some families choose to purchase a personal board, but this is entirely optional. They are welcome to continue using the club foam boards for the duration of their time at nippers.

If you are considering buying a board, it’s best to speak with your Coach or Age Manager first to ensure you select the right type and size for your child.

Who do I speak with if my child has additional needs?

We are committed to making the Nippers program inclusive and supportive for all children. If your child has additional needs, please contact your Coach or Age Manager ahead of time. They’ll work with you to understand your child’s needs and explore how best to support them throughout the program. We aim to create a safe, inclusive environment where every child can participate and thrive.