Wooli Nippers

“Surf Life Saving is a great activity for growing a child's confidence, knowledge and skills in the beach environment. Not only will your child have fun and meet new friends, they will become part of an iconic organisation that has served the Australian community for over 100 years”

Wooli Nippers

Nippers at Woolamai Beach SLSC is a seven-day intensive program, held over the Christmas/New Year period, that introduces children to surf life saving. The program is delivered at two iconic beaches on Victoria’s Phillip Island - Cleeland Bight Beach and Smiths Beach.

Children are taught how to respect and read the surf and use it to their advantage. Learning occurs in an environment that promotes fun, healthy living, and camaraderie—values that are integral to lifesaving.

Program Overview

The Nippers Education Program is the primary initiative for children aged 6–13 years at Life Saving Clubs across Victoria. Specifically tailored to the junior age group, this program progressively equips children with essential water safety and lifesaving skills, preparing them to be safe in aquatic environments while fostering teamwork and developing their potential to become future lifesavers.

Through the Nippers Education Program, children are introduced to beach and surf awareness and safety and participate in activities such as board paddling, swimming, running, wading, and various games. Activities are designed to progressively enhance the essential skills of Nippers as they advance through the different age groups.

Children are taught how to respect and read the surf and use it to their advantage. Learning occurs in an environment that promotes fun, healthy living, and camaraderie—values that are integral to lifesaving.

Entry Requirements

Nippers is not a “learn to swim” program. However, we do recognise that swimming in the ocean is a new experience for many children and that even competent pool swimmers can find this challenging at first. Our aim is to encourage children and to help develop their confidence and skills swimming in the ocean as well as provide surf and inland waterway education.

To enter the Nippers program, your child must have the following age-related swimming ability:

  • Under 6 – From a standing position in waist-deep water perform a front glide for 1-2m and recover to a secure position; perform a back or front float for a minimum of 5 seconds and recover to a secure position

  • Under 7 – From a standing position in waist-deep water perform a front glide, kick for 3m and recover to a secure position; perform a back float for 15 seconds whilst holding a buoyant aid and recover to a secure position

  • Under 8 – 25m swim (any stroke); 1-minute survival float (on back)

  • Under 9 – 25m swim (any stroke); 1-minute survival float (on back)

  • Under 10 – 25m swim (freestyle/front crawl); 1 1/2-minute survival float (on back)

  • Under 11 – 50m swim (freestyle/front crawl); 2-minute survival float (on back)

  • Under 12 – 100m swim (freestyle/front crawl); 3-minute survival float (on back)

  • Under 13 – 150m swim (freestyle/front crawl); 3-minute survival float (on back)

The Nippers Interactive Story

For families, the Nippers Interactive Story is a valuable resource. Developed by Woolamai Beach SLSC for Life Saving Victoria, this story provides a comprehensive overview of what to expect at Nippers and serves as a helpful guide for both Nippers and their families.

After Nippers

What happens when my child finishes all the various junior age groups? The Junior Development Program is designed to gradually introduce your child into the role of a qualified surf lifesaver and assist in patrolling the beaches. They can continue to be involved in a variety of competition events if desired. They will undertake various other awards and learn many facets of community service involvement. They can be taught specialist areas of competition and compete both at a state and a national level.