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Nippers

  • Why become a Nipper?

    All parents want their children to lead a happy, healthy and active youth. There is no better place for this than introducing your child to surf lifesaving and nippers. Nippers is a junior program that introduces children aged 8 to 14 to surf lifesaving. It is a fun outdoors activity that grows a child’s confidence, teaches valuable life skills and knowledge about the aquatic/marine environment. The youth of today are the future of Surf Life Saving, and the Nippers pathway teaches lessons and skills allowing them to continue in lifesaving, and carry over into other sporting codes and life in general as they grow older.

  • Nippers is about learning new skills, gaining confidence and having fun in a safe beach environment. For Nippers, the beach is the classroom. They gain confidence by passing the ‘tests’ of swimming, board paddling, beach sprinting, dolphin-diving, spotting a rip, having fun with new friends and discovering themselves. However, it is not hard work. We like to call it serious fun! Nippers is a great way for children to make friends, be active and enjoy the beach in a safe environment.

  • Nipper Training

    Experienced and qualified coaches guide children through learning water and beachwork skills required to become a nipper, so that they are ready to pass their nipper exams. Training sessions follow a fun and learning experience in a safe group environment. Join the False Bay Nippers on Sunday mornings: 10h30–12h30. The lifesaving season runs throughout summer, from October to April, and we advise that our Nippers attend all training sessions. Extra training sessions may be held before Carnivals (competitions).

  • Carnivals (Competitions)

    There are three local inter-club competitions per season, held on beaches throughout Cape Town, ending in Western Province Champs, and National Nipper Championships. Selection to represent Western Province at Inter Provincial level can be achieved from the results of the inter club carnivals.

  • Dress and Equipment (Gear)

    A swimming costume, board shorts, rash vest and False Bay skullcap, in the colours of the club (Red and Green) are necessary and must be worn at all training sessions and competitions. All other gear (clothing) is optional. Wetsuits, silicone swim caps and swimming goggles are also optional, but parents are encouraged where possible to buy them as they help the Nippers in the surf (ocean) swims. Sunscreen and a water bottle is compulsory during all training sessions. All club clothing is available from the club only. Contact the Equipment Officer (Maxwell Baron) or the Club Secretary. The club will provide the required lifesaving equipment (boards).

  • Parent Participation

    Experienced and qualified coaches guide children through learning water and beachwork skills required to become a nipper, so that they are ready to pass their nipper exams. Training sessions follow a fun and learning experience in a safe group environment. Join the False Bay Nippers on Sunday mornings: 10h30–12h30. The lifesaving season runs throughout summer, from October to April, and we advise that our Nippers attend all training sessions. Extra training sessions may be held before Carnivals (competitions).

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Expectations of Future Nippers

The first requirement of Nippers is the Entrance Test: Potential Nippers must swim 4 x 25m (100m) in 4 minutes or less (pool swim) and pass the theory test.

Participate in inter club, nationals and provincial competitions (called Carnivals). Nippers compete in individual and team events. Carnivals are fun days for the whole family to support.

In order to enter competitions, Nippers must pass the appropriate age group test as set out below:

ACTIVITIES (AWARDS)

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 3

U10

U11

U12

U13

U14

Pool Swim300m in under 8 minutes400m in under 10 minutes400m in under 9 minutes
Run-Swim-Run (Surf Swim)75m-150m-75m in under 10 minutes100m-150m-100m in under 10 minutes100m-200m-100m in under 8 minutes
Physical Exercise20 sit-ups35 sit-ups50 sit-ups & 20 push-ups
Water Safety RulesRules 1-5Rules 1-10All
First Aid1-61-8All
Lifesaving Signals1-51-9All
Lifesaving1 & 21-3All

All theory for the above tests is available in the Nipper Book that is used for all Level exams and can be purchased from the club. Exams (Tests) for these usually take place on the Sunday before a Carnival.

Annual Fees

Individual Membership: R500 per child for the season.

Two-siblings: R600 for both children for the season.

Family Membership: R750 including three or more children plus their parents.

 

Exam Fee (Testing with Lifesaving Western Province): R135 per year per child (cost TBC).
Exam Upgrades: R90. Only for current nippers.

How do I sign my child up for Nippers?

  1. Application forms are available both online, and at Nipper Training on Sunday mornings, at the False Bay Surf Lifesaving Clubhouse. Come along to meet us join in with the beach fun!
  2. Complete the application and indemnity form.
  3. E-mail completed form to admin@fbslc.org.za,
    or hand back the completed form to the Nipper Officer at the False Bay Surf Lifesaving Clubhouse together with a copy of your child’s birth certificate and copy of the parent’s ID.
  4. Membership fees are to be deposited into the False Bay Surf Lifesaving bank account via direct deposit or EFT,
  5. Please use your Name and ‘SUBS’ as a reference.
    You can send us a mail to ask for our banking details.
    Please e-mail or hand your proof of payment to Nick Pemberton (club treasurer) at accounts@fbslc.org.za.

Contact False Bay Nipper Team