Our Nippers
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The Woodside Nippers program is an important part of
Surf Life Saving throughout Australia, and represents our
future surf life savers. Nippers meet at Cable Beach
each Sunday morning from May through to September, and
are split into age groups to develop their Surf Safety and
Surf Skills through activities such as:
Theoretical Surf Safety
Sprints and Relays
Flags
Swims and Wades
Board Paddling (from Under 9s)
Team Games
Broome SLSC uses the SLSWA Nippers Program Curriculum and recognises this through awards. Proficiency evaluations and competition proficiencies are applied as per the requirements of both SLSWA and the Lifesaving NT.
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To help fundraise for our Nipper equipment each year, there is a sausage sizzle on each Sunday morning straight after Nippers.
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Assessments
The Woodside Nippers program for 2024 kicks off on Sunday 5 May. This first day will consist of a short assessment to check your child’s swimming ability. It is mandatory for age groups starting from Under 8s to complete an ocean swim to show they are 'proficient'. The required Swim Proficiency is:
Under 8s 25 metres (any stroke) 1 minute Survival Float
Under 9s 25 metres (any stroke) 1 minute Survival Float
Under 10s 25 metres (freestyle) 1 ½ minute Survival Float
Under 11s 50 metres (freestyle) 2 minute Survival Float
Under 12s 100 metres (freestyle) 2 minute Survival Float
Under 13s 150 metres (freestyle) 3 minute Survival Float
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Sundays
We meet on the beach, south of the stairs in front of the clubhouse. Nippers starts at 8:30am sharp and finishes at 10:00am, however the Under 6 and Under 7 age groups finish at 9:40am. Check the club calendar for dates.
Whilst club bathers are not essential, they are required in competition. Board shorts are discouraged for safety reasons (stingers, rash) and because they restrict leg movement. Lycra swimming shorts/jammers are acceptable during regular club days. Woodside Nippers Packs including high visibility vests and skullcaps (colour coded for each age group) will be handed out at the start of the season and must be worn each week.
On Sundays, please bring a labelled drink bottle filled with water, towel and goggles and wear sunscreen. Parents are required to be present on the beach at all times or have an appointed guardian.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Parental involvement is important at any club. We require parental assistance at all times to safely manage our fun on the beach. It is a national requirement that we have one Water Safety person for every five juniors in the water, with a ratio of 1:1 for Under 6s and Under 7s. This means you as a parent are required at all times, with bathers underneath should you need to get wet!
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If you’re interested in the Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion course, email our club at admin@broomeslsc.org.au.
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