NCSLSC Woodside Nippers Program

Any child who is 5 years old by 30 September 2026 and a maximum of 12 years old by 30 September 2026 may register for the North Cottesloe Nippers Program.

All ages for surf lifesaving are determined as of 1 October each year, please click here for the age group schedule.

Each nipper must have a parent/guardian join as a member, who is willing to take part or volunteer in some capacity throughout the Nipper Season. If you do not wish to be an Active Member, you can join as a Nipper Parent.

Parent Members may have access to changerooms and general Club facilities but may not have access to the gymnasium or any Club Equipment.

Every Nipper family must have at least one parent actively helping and supervising on a Sunday morning. Age Group Managers are there to coach and guide children, and our Lifesavers and Water Safety volunteers are trained to respond to emergencies and enforce safety rules. Our volunteers are not a substitute for parental supervision - and you’ll want to be there to see your child having fun and learning important skills in the surf!

While we do not teach children how to swim, we will teach them surf skills. We encourage our Nippers to undertake regular swim training to complement their developing surf skills, ensuring they’re getting the most out of the program.

All participants will be required to complete a preliminary swim evaluation before the season commences. If your child is unable to meet these requirements, it does not mean they will not be able to participate, but it does mean you will need to provide one on one water supervision at all times.

For further information, please consult our Information Guide.

Please bring a water bottle, towel, and ensure your child is covered in sunscreen.

Children will need to wear their hi vis vest and age group cap every session - the caps and vests help our Age Group Managers and Water Safety team keep track of participants on the beach, and are essential for the safe running of the program.

Long sleeve rash vests are encouraged, and children can wear wetsuits if they get particularly cold. You can view our range of rashies and bathers available here.

All participants are provided with a gear pack, which includes an age group cap, a fluro water safety vest, and a broad brim hat. These will be handed out on the first session of the season, and children must bring their cap and vest to every session.

Absolutely! The program would not be able to operate without the help of parents and caregivers, and every Nipper must have at least one parent actively involved and supervising on a Sunday morning.

There are so many ways to get involved as a parent at Nippers, all you need do is ask your Age Group Manager. Children learn from observing adult behaviours - so get involved! One thing that is clear is the more you get involved the more your child and you will enjoy Nippers.

Boards are available for Nippers use on Sunday mornings - if you are using them after the program ends, you are responsible for bringing it back to the shed and washing it.

Nipper members who are not regularly training and competing may practice board skills using one of the unlocked boards. Please contact the office, coach or board captain immediately if a board is damaged.

U10 age group and above who are regularly training will need to purchase their own board or hire one. Please visit our Nipper Information Guide for our Board Hire Policy and prices.