Registration FAQs

Age groups

Proficiency

Membership types

Uniforms

Help and questions

Age groups

What age can my child start nippers?

The youngest age group for Nippers is the u6’s.  For the 2024/25 season this includes children who are born between  1 October 2018 – 30 September 2019.

A slightly younger child may take part – however they must have turned 5 years of age beforehand (eg. your child may turn 5 in November 2019, they can start Nippers after their birthday). Note that your child will “repeat” the u6 age group the following year – ie. they will be in u6 for the 2025/26 season as well.

What age group is my child in?

Here is the birth date range for each age group for 2024/25 season:

  • U6 - born between 1 October 2018 - 30 September 2019
  • U7 - 1 October 2017 - 30 September 2018
  • U8 -  1 October 2016 - 30 September 2017
  • U9 - 1 October 2015 - 30 September 2016
  • U10 - 1 October 2014 – 30 September 2015
  • U11 - 1 October 2013 – 30 September 2014
  • U12 - 1 October 2012 – 30 September 2013
  • U13 - 1 October 2011 – 30 September 2012
  • U14 - 1 October 2010 – 30 September 2011
 

Can my child go up an age group?

No. All children must participate in their correct age group.

Proficiency

What is the proficiency swim and float?

All nippers need to complete an annual proficiency swim and float as part of their Nippers registration. This ensures a minimum and safe standard of swimming and survival ability for water activities at Nippers. Click here to read what is required of each age group>>

Does my child need to complete proficiency?

All children need to complete proficiency each year - to read what is required of each age group, click here>>

When and where is the proficiency swim/float assessment offered?

Proficiency is assessed at the two main days held at the Cronulla Swim Complex, Cronulla SLSC (Sth Cronulla Beach) - August 31 and September 8, 2014. The u6 and u7 proficiency, along with the u8-u14 pool swim is conducted in the indoor pool. The u9-u14 ocean swim is held at Wanda Beach on September 15, under the supervision of Wanda water safety volunteers. While there are other chances to complete proficiency once the season starts, it is preferable nippers attend the sessions at Cronulla Swim Complex.

What do I need to bring to the proficiency swim/float assessment?

Bring with you:

  • Swimmers, cap, goggles and towel
  • Pink high vis rash vest (u9-u14 doing ocean swim only) - compulsory
  • Wetsuit - (ocean swim only) - optional

What happens if my child doesn’t meet the proficiency swim/float requirements?

For u6 and u7 - there will be other opportunities to complete the proficiency once nippers starts.

For u8-u14

  • If your child does not meet the pool swim requirements, they will not be able to take part in any water activities at Nippers. They may take part in beach activities only for now.
  • If your child does not meet the ocean swim requirements (u9+ only), they cannot take part in any water activities at Nippers, aside from the wade, for now.
  • There will be other opportunities to complete their proficiency in the first month of nippers.

My child is worried about the ocean proficiency swim. What should I do?

Many children feel nervous about the ocean proficiency swim. Bring your child to the registration day. The ocean proficiency swim is held at Wanda Beach. There are plenty of other kids doing the swim, as well as lots of water safety and older kids on hand to help calm their nerves. Children must do the swim unaided, but support will be nearby.

Please don't push your child to do the ocean proficiency if they are hesitant, scared or upset. Let them do the pool swim for now. Then come along to the first weeks of nippers, where they can be encourgaed and supported to become fully proficient.
 

Membership types

What type of membership will my child (nipper) require?

When completing your Nippers registration your child will be a “junior activity member”.

What type of membership do parents/carers need?

At  least one parent/carer from each family must become a member of Wanda SLSC. You can choose from:

  • ‘General member’ or 'Supervisory member' $50 – suitable for most Nipper parents. It provides insurance coverage for helping on the beach.
  • For those involved in water safety, SLS bronze or if you would like to be a full member of Wanda, please contact the Wanda SLSC office clubhouse@wandassurfclub.com.au or phone (02) 9523-4343

Why do parents have to join as a member?

It is compulsory for at least one parent/carer to join as a member of Wanda SLSC. It ensures you are covered by insurance when helping out at Nippers (eg. setting up the beach, helping run an activity etc).

Do all Age Managers need to become a Wanda SLSC member?

Yes, all age managers must join as a ‘general member’ as a minimum.

Uniforms

Is there a uniform for Wanda Nippers?

A range of Wanda swimwear and other items are available - view uniforms>>

The compulsory uniform items are:

  • Nippers cap ($25) (included in registration fee for U6s)
  • Pink high visibility rash vest (u8-u14 age groups) – 1 high vis rash vest is included in each u8+ nippers registration fee

Where and when can I buy uniforms?

All Wanda nipper uniforms are on sale at proficiency days, and most Sunday mornings from the Voodoo Van (before Nippers starts at 9am).
 

Help and questions

Surf Life Saving Australia – online rego helpdesk (if you have issues with portal account set up, passwords, family accounts etc.) Email: ithelp@slsa.asn.au or phone 1300 724 006
 
Wanda Nippers:
Wanda office - phone 9523 4343

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