Tamarama Nippers is the Junior Surf Life Saving part of Tamarama SLSC. Our Nipper program for U6’s to U14’s has been running for over 50 years and thousands of children have enjoyed the benefits of this amazing program.
The aim of the Tamarama Nipper program is first and foremost to train our “Young Lifesavers of the Future”. Training to become a lifesaver from a young age is a wonderful way to learn an array of new skills and make many great and lasting friendships.
While with us, Nippers will learn a respect of the ocean, a mindset of being safe in the water and physical skills to allow them to enjoy the aquatic environment. Additionally, Nippers will gain an understanding of serving the community through the Surf Lifesaving movement.
The program is designed to progress knowledge and skills associated with being a Surf Life Saver and to “graduate” in the U14’s with the Surf Life Saving Rescue Certificate (SRC). Through the age groups, skills such as surf awareness, board paddling, surf swimming, rescues with tubes and boards, CPR and First Aid combine with leadership and teamwork to develop Nippers.
For all of us, fun and friendship is a major component of our Nipper training and one which we focus on at Tamarama. Some Nippers also develop their skills to a point where they can compete for the club in outside competitions and proudly wear the Tamarama club colours.
Our program is run on Sunday mornings from 9.00am and are open, on a space available basis, to children between the ages of five and 13 as at midnight 30th September.
Tamarama Nippers maintains a membership of approximately 100-120 members and is supported by an enthusiastic group of parents and the senior club. Being a smaller Nipper group the experience of parents and Nippers alike will vary compared to that of other nearby clubs. We encourage active parent involvement and attention to their child's progress while we pursue the development of their skills during the time that they are in the program.
Thanks to Club Med, who are proud supporters and sponsor of our Tamarama Nippers.
Registrations for the 2023-24 season
Registrations for the 2023-24 season are now closed.
Registrations for the 2024-25 season
Registration for the 2024-25 season will open around August 2024. Please revisit this page around then for further details.
Registration fees for 2024-25 season will be determined closer to registrations opening. A high visibility singlet, as well as a club shirt and a club cap (for new Nippers only), are included in the registration price.
Similar to other clubs in the Waverley and Randwick areas, we require that at least one parent/carer/guardian per family join as a Nipper Parent.
Swimming Proficiencies
Swimming proficiencies are held prior to commencement of the season. Proficiency requirements for the 2024-25 season can be found here.
Please note that subject to conditions, surf swimming skills are included as part of the program however, Nippers is not a place where children learn to swim. Children who have not completed the proficiencies are unable to fully participate in water activities.
Please note that a child's age group is defined by their age as at midnight 30th September (e.g. if your child is 10 years old they will be in the U11’s age group).
Additional open water proficiency will be held during the season (subject to conditions) for children wishing to participate in inter club competition, such as the Waverley Shield and Branch Championships.
Age Managers
Age Managers for each age group need to be identified prior to commencement of the season. Anyone who has done this role will tell you that it is a rewarding activity, so we encourage parents to step up and benefit from the experience.
You do not have to be a Bronze Medallion holder to be an Age Manager. Training will be provided.
We need at least one Age Manager and one Assistant Age Manager per age group (and we are sure they will in turn welcome some help from other parents - so don't be shy!). We can’t run an Age Group without people taking on these important roles.
Please email us at [email protected] if there is an age group that you wish to support.
Age Group guides can be found here:
Parent Help
As a small club run by volunteers, we would appreciate any help that parents can offer. This season we are looking for parents who would like to step up and help with.
- Water Safety (Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion required)
- Administration assistance.
- Committee assistance.
- Carnival officials
- BBQs & Social events.
And if you have any particular skills that may benefit the training of our Nippers to make their experience more fun and exciting, please let us know, e.g. Doctors, Trainers, Marine Experts, etc.
Please email us at [email protected] if you can help in any of these areas.
2023-24 Calendar
Please click on the below link for the current 2023-24 calendar. Please note that this may change from time to time.
Tamarama Nippers Calendar 2023-24
Questions?
If you have any question on Tamarama Nippers, please email us at [email protected] or come and see us on the beach on Sunday mornings from 9.00am.
Thanks,
The Tamarama Nipper Team
