Nippers & Youth

Junior Activities (Nippers) Program

The Arcadian Surf Life Saving Club's Junior Activities (Nippers) program introduces children aged 5 to 14 years to surf life saving. It's a great way for children to make new friends, be active and learn how to enjoy the beach safely, all while having lots of fun.  The Nippers season runs from August to February.

 

Our Under 8 to Under 14 Nippers participate in weekly training sessions where they learn surf safety, surf sports and are introduced to lifesaving skills and techniques. Our Green Cap Nippers, Under 6 and Under 7, enjoy a program designed to educate and build a skills base through fun activities. Under 6's and Under 7's are non competitive and cannot participate in Carnivals. To join Nippers children must turn 5 years old by the 30th September.

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To ensure the safety of all children in an aquatic environment there is a pre-requisites associated with the Junior Activities program which is the ability for children to be able to swim a certain length and/or float in the water, as determined by their age group. To this end children must complete a Pool Proficiency Test prior to the start of the Juniors Activities season. Please see below for information on the Proficiency Test applicable for each age group.  In addition to this, to compete at North Barrier Branch Surf Carnivals there is a requirement that all Nippers in Under 8's to Under 14's also be able to complete a Competition Competency Test. This test is carried during the first few weeks of regular Nippers sessions.  Please see below for the Competition Competency Test applicable for each age group.

 

It is also a pre-requisite that at least one parent join the club as an Associate Nipper Parent. This assists us in recruiting and developing suitable parents to run Nipper days and carnivals (eg. water safety, age managers, etc). 

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Although competition forms a part of surf life saving we at Arcadian SLSC are aware that not all Juniors join surf life saving for this reason. Our Junior Activities program therefore incorporates a variety of practical elements designed to foster co-operation, team work and build confidence, self awareness and life skills. These include;

• Instruction in surf safety and surf awareness

• Lifesaving and first aid skill development

• Environmental studies

• Competitive sport activities

• Overview and introduction to senior beach patrolling duties

• Social activities for children and parents

 

Mainland Nippers sessions are held on Saturday afternoons from 2.30pm onwards, and Magnetic Island Nipper sessions are held on Saturday mornings from 8.30am. There are also additional weekly training opportunities for older Nippers who would like to attend throughout the season. All training is undertaken under the supervision of qualified coaches.

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For more information on our Junior Activities program download our 2023-2024 Nippers Season Information Booklet or email Amy at admin@arcadiansurfclub.com.au.

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Youth Program

Our Youth program is open to teens aged 14 to 18 years and consists of lifesaving and surf sports training, events and excursions that are fun, engaging and educational.  Youth members are given the opportunity to complete their Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion (depending on age and ability) and will then be qualified volunteer lifesavers, patrolling our beautiful Alma Bay, Magnetic Island on weekends and public holidays during the season.  For more information on our Youth program please email our Cadets & Youth Development Officer on cadets@arcadiansurfclub.com.au.