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Nippers Program General Information & FAQ

The Woodside Nippers Program is a national Surf Life Saving initiative and an important part of Surf Life Saving throughout Australia. It represents the future of our surf lifesavers and introduces young Australians to the beach in a safe, fun and educational way.

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Who?

Broome SLSC welcomes children aged 5–13 years into the Woodside Nippers Program.

When?

Sundays from May through to September starting at 8.30am. Please see our club calendar here for specific dates. 

Where?

Cable Beach – south of the stairs in front of the Broome SLSC clubhouse. Look our for our gazebos.

What is Woodside Nippers?

Broome Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) is proud to deliver the Woodside Nippers Program at Cable Beach. The program combines education, fitness and surf sport activities, helping children build confidence, resilience, teamwork and community spirit as they begin their journey toward becoming lifesavers.
 

Each week, Nippers develop skills across four key areas:

  • Individual Safety – Recognising risks and making safe choices at the beach and in everyday life.

  • Surf Awareness – Learning to read the surf, identify hazards and understand ocean conditions.

  • Lifesaving Skills – Building foundations in rescue techniques, first aid and teamwork.

  • Surf Sport Skills – Developing swimming, running, board and beach event skills in a supportive environment.
     

Sessions are inclusive and fun, with a healthy mix of participation and friendly competition. For those interested in racing, Nippers provides pathways into local, regional and state surf sport competitions.

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Who can join and what do they need?

Broome SLSC welcomes children aged 5–13 years into the Woodside Nippers Program.

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Age groups are determined by the child’s age as at 1 October of the current season. For example: a child who turns 10 in December is 9 on 1 October and therefore competes as an Under 10.

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Swim proficiency & assessments

It is not the aim of Broome SLSC to teach children how to swim. We strongly recommend all children participate in regular swimming lessons. At the beginning of the season, a short swim assessment is conducted.

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From Under 8s and above, children must complete a swim proficiency to participate in water activities. Required Swim Proficiency:

  • Under 8 – 25m (any stroke) + 1 minute survival float

  • Under 9 – 25m (any stroke) + 1 minute survival float

  • Under 10 – 25m (freestyle) + 1½ minute survival float

  • Under 11 – 50m (freestyle) + 2 minute survival float

  • Under 12 – 100m (freestyle) + 2 minute survival float

  • Under 13 – 150m (freestyle) + 3 minute survival float

These assessments ensure children can participate safely in the ocean environment.

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On Sundays, please bring a labelled drink bottle filled with water, towel and goggles. Sunscreen should be pre-applied. ​Woodside Nippers packs (including high visibility vest and colour-coded skull cap) are issued at the start of the season and must be worn each week. Club bathers are not essential for regular sessions but are required for competition. Board shorts are discouraged due to safety (stingers, rash) and restricted leg movement. Lycra swim shorts/jammers are acceptable for club days.

What does Nippers involve?

Nippers are split into age groups and participate in activities such as:

  • Theoretical Surf Safety

  • Sprints and Relays

  • Beach Flags

  • Swims and Wades

  • Board Paddling (from Under 9s)

  • Team Games

  • Introductory rescue and teamwork activities

​Broome SLSC follows the SLSWA Nippers Program Curriculum, with proficiency evaluations and competition proficiencies conducted in accordance with the requirements of SLSWA. Achievement awards are recognised throughout the program.​

Parental involvement

Parental involvement is essential to the safe and successful running of the program.

  • Parents/carers are required to remain on the beach during all Nipper activities or nominate an appointed guardian.

  • National Water Safety requirements mandate:

    • 1 water safety person per 5 juniors in the water

    • 1:1 ratio for Under 6 and Under 7

This means parents may be required to assist in the water — please come prepared with bathers if needed.

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If you are interested in gaining your Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) or Bronze Medallion, we encourage you to get involved. Please contact the club at: admin@broomeslsc.org.au or via the contact us page. 

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