‘OUR 2024/2025 SEASON WILL START ON SUNDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2024
We strive to teach children to have a healthy respect for the sea. Nippers are taught about rips and currents, treating bluebottle stings and understanding flag signals, the fastest way in and the safest way out, when to swim, and when not to. In short, this is an introduction to lifesaving, and most importantly, it’s all about how to look after yourself in the surf.
The ultimate goal is for Nippers to become LIFEGUARDS!
“Nippers” is a life skill; as such, we work with children in various age groups according to their abilities.
All children must do a swim test before participating in the sea training. This involves:
Under 8: Pool Swim: 100m in 5 minutes
Under 10: Pool Swim: 300 metres in 8 minutes
Under 12: Pool Swim: 400 metres in 10 minutes
Under 14: Pool Swim: 400 metres in 9 minutes
Apply for Nippers membership
TRAINING TIMES
The Nipper season runs from the first week in October to the last week in March. Training takes place at the following times during government school terms:
Fridays – 17:00 – 18:30 (Optional)
Saturdays – 09:00 – 10:30 (Optional)
Sundays – 09:30-11:30 (Regular)
Nipper parents are required to spend this time on the beach. We are not a babysitting organisation, and all eyes on the water help keep kids safe – both yours and others – we are a family in this regard! We all work voluntarily, so any additional parents on the beach on Sundays are always appreciated!
COMPETING
Our club competes against various clubs in and around the country.
Qualifying is done all through the season under the auspices of Lifesaving South Africa. (See qualifying criteria below) We discourage children from attempting to qualify until they are really ready. What looks easy on paper can be tough in rough surf conditions, especially when rip currents are not obvious on a glorious day.
There are 5 Competitions over the season, and they take place on Sundays, culminating at the National Championships, which is open to all qualified Nippers who have entered two competitions in the season, one of which is the WP Champs, not just those who may make a provincial team. There are various disciplines available depending on the age group.
REQUIRED UNIFORM FOR NIPPERS
1 x Skull Cap
1 x Costume for girls
1 x Costume or Lycra Shorts for boys
For competitions: 1 x Pink Comp Vest (new safety requirement for all water events)
Interested in finding out more? Contact us on strandslc@gmail.com
1. THE NIPPER CHECKLIST
A hard copy of this checklist is to be printed and brought along with the other required documents.
Introduction to the Nippers
1. Download the Nipper Checklist
2. NIPPER AGREEMENT
The attached Nipper Agreement Form must be loaded with the Nipper registration documents. All members are to download, print and sign the form please (by nipper & parent) and return it to the nipper officer.
2. Download the Nipper Agreement
3. HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE
This is a Lifesaving South Africa requirement so that each nipper has been signed off as healthy to partake in physical activities.
3. Download the Health Questionnaire
4. INDEMNITY FORM
This form needs to be filled in and emailed to strandslc@gmail.com or handed in at the Club before any nipper can become a member.
4. Download the Indemnity Form
5. Download the Pool Test
Interested in finding out more?
Contact us on strandslc@gmail.com
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