NIPPERS AT DEE WHY BEACH
Ready for your child to catch their first wave of adventure with Dee Why Nippers?
Join us to experience the excitement of Surf Lifesaving and the warmth of our community.
Nippers Registration 2025-2026 Season
NOW CLOSED
“Dee Why Nippers is dedicated to providing a fun, safe and inclusive environment where children can learn vital surf safety skills, make life-long friends, and grow into active, confident and community-minded individuals.”
Welcome to the Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club
Nippers program for the 2025-2026 season!
We are excited to have you join us for another fantastic year of fun, learning, and community spirit.
Our Nippers program is designed to teach young members essential lifesaving skills, beach safety, and the importance of teamwork.
The Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club has a proud history dating back to 1912. For over a century, our club has been dedicated to ensuring the safety of beachgoers and providing valuable training to our members. Located on the beautiful Dee Why Beach, our club has become a cornerstone of the local community. We are proud of our heritage and remain committed to our core values of service, safety, and community.
As we embark on this new season, we look forward to seeing our Nippers grow, learn, and have fun. We hope you make lasting memories and friendships while developing essential lifesaving skills.
Welcome to the Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club family, and here’s to a fantastic Nippers season!
Nippers is a great family activity that is a lot of fun for kids and adults alike.
Membership is from U6 to U14 years (U6 must turn 5 by 30th September) and involves education, training and competition.
Our aim is to educate our children about surf safety and teach them life saving techniques, wrapped up in a whole lot of fun! Regular events include beach sprinting and relays, beach flags, swimming, board paddling, and wading. All equipment is supplied; however some families choose to buy their own boards to make additional training easier.
We hope that you and your family will enjoy being members of Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club!
Under 6 & Under 7
- Introduction to the club and beach
- Sun safety
- Who are Life Savers what do they do
- Where to swim
- Identify holes and gutters
- Marine creatures
- Introduction to beach flags/sprint and wade
- Shallow water activities
- Get your face wet
- Getting comfortable on a board
Under 8
- Build on what was learnt in U6/U7s
- Proficiency 25m swim 1 minute float
- Beach flags
- Sprint and wade for competition
- Start competition within the club and against other clubs
- Introduction Dolphin diving under waves
- Introduction to body surfing
- Build up swimming in the surf
- Introduction to board paddling
Under 9 & UNder 10
- Build on what was learnt in previous years
- Proficiency 50m swim 1 ½ minute float
- Beach flags; sprint; swim and board paddling for competition
- 150m open water swim prerequisite for competitors
- Dolphin diving under waves
- Body surfing
- Surf swimming
- Board Paddling
- Rip awareness and management
Under 11 to UNder 13
- Build on what was learnt in previous years
- Proficiency 200m swim in under 6 minutes
- 3 minute float
- 288m open water swim prerequisite for competitors
- Advance to fiberglass boards
- U13 eligible to compete in board riding competition
- Introduction to beach signals
- Introduction to Resuscitation
- Introduction to Board rescue skills
- Introduction to Tube rescue skills
- Introduction to basic first aid
Under 14
- Build on what was learnt in previous years
- Proficiency 200m swim (5 minutes) 3 minute float
- Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) which is run over the October Long Weekend
- 288m open water swim prerequisite for those who wish to compete
- Advance to fiberglass Long boards
- Become patrolling members
IMPORTANT: Nippers aged U6 – U15 must have at least one parent/guardian join as a Nipper Parent Member.
All sign-ups are completed online via the Surf Life Saving Australia – SLS Hub.
NEW MEMBER – SIGN UPS
Step 1: Register Nipper Parent first via the Surf Life Saving SLS Hub, enter your parent username, select Sign Up.
Step 2: Select appropriate option e.g. ” I am a brand new member joining a club or other organisation for the first time”
Step 3: I am an individual looking to join a SLS Club – choose Dee Why, follow the prompts to complete the Sign Up process.
Step 4: Select the applicable Membership Type & Fees and select Next.
If you are joining as a family, please make sure you register each individual.
Once we have received your online application for membership, our Club registrars will be in touch if anything is outstanding.
Go to our Membership page to start the Sign Up process
MEMBER RENEWALS
All renewals must be completed online via the SLS Hub.
More info about renewing a membership is found on our Membership page, including a full list Membership Type & Fees
Please note, for family group discounts you cannot use an Active Kids Voucher.
IMPORTANT: At least one parent is required to be present during the nipper program and at least one parent join as a Nipper Parent to cover them for insurance and allow them use of the club communal rooms.
Recently, SLSA has updated their Preliminary Skills Evaluation. The Evaluation has been developed to reflect industry standard research in aquatic skills, and there is a focus on foundation skills in the water.
Completing the Preliminary Skills Evaluation before the season begins is the best way of ensuring your child can maximize their Nippers experience from Week 1. It also ensures they are ready to try their hand in competing at carnivals, should that interest them.
All Nippers in all Age Groups are required to attend a Preliminary Skills Evaluation.
This year there are two dates to attend, both at In2Swim, Brookvale (parking off Federal Pde)
Saturday 11th October 3.30pm-5.30pm
Saturday 18th October 3:30pm-5:30pm
Nippers should bring goggles/wetsuits/whatever they’re most comfortable swimming in. Please note that Nippers are required to attend only one of these sessions.
In accordance with regulations from Surf Life Saving Australia, a child must have turned 5 prior to 30 September to be eligible for Nippers. Children are registered in the age group according to their age on 30 September.
For example, if your child is 11 on 30 September, the child will be in Under 12s.
Dee Why SLSC offers variety of training sessions for our Nippers under the guidance of experienced coaches. To attend any Water or Beach training sessions Nippers must have completed the Preliminary Evaluation swim.
For any Ocean Swim training, Nippers must have completed the Competition Evaluation swim (successfully swam around the cans).
The contact names for our beach and water coaches is located in the Key Contacts (Nippers) section.
Nippers Training Schedule can be found in the Dee Why Nippers Stack TeamApp
For detailed listing of Nippers Club Clothing and pricing, please use the link to Dee Why Nippers Stack TeamApp
Surf Sports is a great way to stay fit and increase your skill level, while also being a proud representative of your Club as a Nipper.
Juniors have a range of Carnivals across the season that provide great opportunities for inter club competition from U8’s to U14’s. These include, but not limited to the following events:
- Bennett Craft Carnival
- Junior Beach Carnivals
- Junior Water Carnivals
- Bennett Fast & Furious
- 11-15s Water Teams Carnival
- 9-10s Water Carnival
- Nipper Nationals @ Manly
- Sydney Northern Beaches Branch Age Championships – Water & Beach
- NSW State Age Championships – Water & Beach
Stay tuned to the Dee Why Nippers Stack TeamApp for all Carnival dates and information.
All Nippers from U8’s and up will be encouraged to compete in Sydney Northern Beaches Branch carnivals.
Due to the escalating cost of carnival entry fees, it has been necessary to have a competition levy.
Refer to the Membership page for current competition levy amount. This is payable by any Nipper that enters carnivals throughout the season. If a Nipper is entered into a carnival and does not compete then a new levy will be imposed.
Carnival competitors will be given incentives such as use of their own club board to use during nippers, at training sessions and at carnivals.
Competitors will be expected to attend training sessions as they would in any other competitive team sport.
Team events such as relays and 2 person rescue events will be strongly encouraged.
If you have any questions regarding Nipper Surf Sports, please speak to your Nipper Age Manager, contact details are located on the Key Contacts page
As you can imagine there is a tremendous volume of work that goes into organising a carnival program from; registering competitors, organising equipment, producing team lists, setting up tents, water safety, carnival officials, coaching, first aid etc. We encourage all Nipper Parents who have Nippers competiting at carnivals to get involved and help. You don’t need to be athletic, or a surf expert to help.
For safety and development reasons, junior carnival participants in Under 9’s and above are required to complete a competition evaluation prior to participating in any Sydney Northern Beaches Carnival.
Competition Evaluation dates will be communicated via Dee Why Nippers Stack TeamApp
Nippers Surf Sports - Competition Evaluation
Under 6 & Under 7
Not Applicable
Under 8
Nil (No water competition, except for Wade which takes place in waist deep water)
Under 9 & Under 10
Min 150m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual)
Under 11, Under 12, Under 13 & Under 14
Min 288m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual)
Link to additional Surf Sports Information and Disciplines can be found on our Surf Sports page.
This page contains a list of common Frequently Asked Questions.
How do I register?
Registration is completed online via SLS Hub
Can I renew or join online?
Registrations can be completed online via the Surf Lifesaving Portal. The portal is very easy to use and allows family groups to be set up to renew all family members at once.
Note that all family members need an individual account within the portal before they can be added to a family group.
When joining or renewing online, please ensure all mandatory fields are completed – emergency contact details are mandatory and we are unable to accept a ‘pending renewal’ into the system without this information being completed. The category Junior Activity Member (not Probationary) should be chosen for all nippers, 5 – 14 years old and category ‘Nipper Parent’ for all nipper parents.
When joining or renewing, please ensure you also make your payment at the same time. As well as via credit card on the portal, payments may also be made by direct debit into the Dee Why SLSC account: Please email junior.registrar@dyslsc.org.au if you require club account details.
Please include your surname as a reference.
I don’t live in the Dee Why area, can we still join Dee Why Nippers?
Certainly, Dee Why Surf Club will take members from any location – it is not necessary to live in the area to participate.
How old does my child have to be to join?
Children must be at least 5 years old to participate in Nippers. A child may start Nippers any time after their fifth birthday.
How much is it to join?
The price differs depending on age group. Please view our Members webpage for the latest prices.
Is there a family discount?
Yes. The Dee Why Surf Club requires that at least one parent or guardian to join as a Nipper Parent to accompany your child. This allows you to accompany your child in the communal areas of the Club such as the toilets and change rooms.
What activities do you do at Nippers?
There are a range of beach and water events as well as a surf education component and introductory lifesaving skills.
Beach activities include Flags, 1km run, beach sprint and beach relays.
Water events include a Wade (run on sand and knee deep water) for U8s only.
Board events for U9’s and up.
Swim up to 290 m surf swim around cans for age groups U9s and up.
Iron Person, for age groups U9s and up. Not for the faint hearted – 290m swim, 70 m run, 400m board paddle and 70m run.
A complete list of aged activities is available under ‘What Nippers Learn’.
When does the Nipper Season start?
Nipper season usually starts on the second Sunday in October.
How can I contact my Age Manager or a Committee member?
Use your age groups chat on Stack Team App.
How do I check what Age group my child will be in?
Your child’s age group is determined by their age on 30th September. For example, if you child is eight years old on 30th September, they are in the Under 9s.
When is the Preliminary Evaluation swim? And where is it held?
The Preliminary Evaluation swims will be held prior to the commencement date for Nippers.
I can’t make the scheduled Preliminary Evaluation swim assessment; can I do it at another time?
Yes. Arrangements can be made for swimming evaluations to be conducted on any child unable to attend the official Preliminary Skills Evaluation sessions, however it is easiest to attend the pre-season sessions.
Water Safety personnel will conduct Preliminary Evaluation Swim at the Dee Why ocean pool early in the season for those who cannot make the official Preliminary Skills Evaluation sessions.
How long does the season go for?
The season runs from October through to March with a two week break after Christmas Day.
Does Nippers run on the School Holidays?
Yes. Generally, the second week in January on Sunday. Please check Stack TeamApp Dee Why Nippers for date.
What time does Nippers start ?
Marshaling in front of the club takes place at 8.45am, with sessions running 9.00am to 10.30am.
What is my commitment as a Nipper parent?
Parents are required to assist in beach set up/pack down and BBQ duty when their child’s age group is rostered on. This occurs two or three times per season.
Your child’s Age Manager will remind you when it is your turn.
Do I need to stay with my kids when they do Nippers?
Parents are expected to stay on the beach during Nippers sessions. They are asked to assist where possible and to be involved. The only exception to this is when you are on BBQ duty.
Is the uniform compulsory?
All Nippers must wear a Dee Why Club Cap and pink rash vest to participate.
There are no exceptions to this rule. No cap, no rashie, no Nippers!
These items and others are available for sale from the Uniform Shop – located behind the first aid room on the ground floor of the clubhouse.
View our Nippers Clothing webpage for more information.
What hours is the Uniform shop open?
The uniform shop is usually open during nippers sessions.
Does Nippers run in rainy weather?
Nippers will only be cancelled in the event of severe weather such as thunderstorms – check Team App for updates.
What happens when water conditions are unfavorable?
Water events will be held at the discretion of Water Safety practioners and the Patrol Captain. The decision will be made based on conditions and the age group’s competency. We also rely heavily on advice from our council Lifeguards.
Can I take my child home early?
Yes. Please ensure your child’s name has been marked off the roll with the respective Age Manager – prior to leaving the beach.
My child can’t swim can they still be a Nipper?
Whilst all children are welcome in the Nippers program, we are not a swim school. It is recommended that all children have had swimming lessons before enrolling in Nippers.
What should my child do in the event he/she strays from their Age Group?
In this event children should seek out an Age Manager, identified in the white long sleeve shirts or proceed to the lifesaving patrol tent for assistance.
What’s on when?
A scheduled calendar of events is available on the Website and in the Stack TeamApp Dee Why Nippers
When is the presentation of Awards?
Nippers presentation is held after the season has finished and is generally held on an arranged date after the last Sunday Nippers. Please refer to the Nipper Calendar for exact dates. This can be accessed from the Stack TeamApp
Does the club provide additional training?
Yes, the Club runs training sessions for all Nippers during the week with fully accredited coaches. Sessions and times will vary from season to season. Check the Team App calendar for further info.
Parents should check with Age Managers if their children can participate in these sessions.
Who participates in Carnivals?
All our Nippers in Under 9 and above are invited to join our Surf Sports Team, although this is not compulsory. All competitors are required to complete a Preliminary Skills Evaluation in the Ocean with our qualified coaches. More information about competitions can be found by emailing junior.surfsports@dyslsc.org.au.
Is there a cost to participate in a Carnival?
There is a once off Competition Levy per season. Refer to the clubs Members webpage. This is payable for any Nipper that enters a carnival.
Where and when are Carnivals held?
These dates and locations are set by Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches and will be available at the beginning of the season and listed in the Stack Teamapp
Generally carnivals take place at Manly, Freshwater, Queenscliff, Newport, Narrabeen and Dee Why.
Contact details
For general enquiries
please contact our Nippers secretary via email: nippers@dyslsc.org.au
For membership enquiries
please contact our Nippers registrar via email: junior.registrar@dyslsc.org.au
