The Nippers program is designed for children aged 5 to 13 years, helping them develop essential water safety skills, surf awareness and lifesaving techniques in a safe, fun and engaging environment on our beautiful beach.
Through a structured program delivered by Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), Nippers provides opportunities for children to learn teamwork, build confidence and develop strong club and community values.
We promote an active lifestyle and offer a range of opportunities to develop water and beach skills, while improving overall fitness.
Warriewood also supports those Nippers who wish to participate in carnivals, while encouraging all members to get involved and enjoy the experience.
Warriewood SLSC is proudly known as the “family club”. While our Nippers take part in the surf lifesaving program, we also support younger siblings through supervised beach activities (see ‘White Caps’ below), and offer a structured Cadet program for 15–17 year olds.
Our Cadet program provides a unique and supportive environment for teenagers to stay connected, build friendships and enjoy the beach.
Parents are required to remain on the beach during Nippers sessions, and we warmly encourage those who would like to become more involved in the Club.
There are many ways to get involved, including becoming an Age Manager, assisting with beach and water set-ups, helping with weekly BBQs and social events, joining the Junior Committee, or taking the next step by completing your Bronze Medallion.
Achieving your Bronze Medallion allows you to be part of the Water Safety team during Nippers and become a patrolling member. It’s a rewarding way to contribute to the community, stay active and be part of the Warriewood SLSC experience.
Nippers at Warriewood SLSC are typically held on Sunday mornings from 10:00am to 11:30am, followed by a barbecue. From time to time, special twilight or afternoon sessions may also be scheduled.
Nippers participate in a range of beach activities, including flags and sprints. For those aged 9 and over, a closely supervised surf skills program is offered, including swimming and surf rescue board training (conditions permitting).
The 2025/2026 Nippers season will run across 20 weeks.
Age groups are determined as at midnight on 30 September 2025. Please see below for a breakdown of which age group your child will be registered in. Children can join Nippers if they turn 5 by 30 September 2025.
Warriewood offers a unique program for younger siblings who are under 5 years of age as at 30 September and old enough to walk. The White Caps program is designed to be fun and engaging, with a range of beach-based activities.
It’s a great opportunity for the whole family to get involved and connect with the club.
Participation is free of charge; however, a hi-vis vest and white cap must be purchased from the club uniform shop.
Please note that the program is open to Nipper siblings only and, as with the Nippers program, requires parent or guardian supervision at all times.
Is your child interested in competing at surf lifesaving carnivals? A number of junior carnivals are held throughout the season, offering opportunities to take part in both sand and water events.
Training sessions will be held on Sunday mornings prior to Nippers (times to be confirmed), helping build skills and confidence in a supportive environment.
Carnivals are competition-based events where Nippers aged 8 and over compete against other Northern Beaches clubs in age group and event-specific competitions. They provide a fantastic opportunity for children to participate in both individual and team events.
For those who wish to progress further, there are pathways to Branch, State and National level competition.
To register your interest or learn more, please speak with your child’s Age Manager, the Carnival Coordinator or the Nipper President.
Registration is completed through the Surf Life Saving Australia Members Hub.
Within the Hub, you will create a user account, set up your family group, add details for each member, select the appropriate membership fees and complete payment.
If you wish to renew and/or add new members to an existing family group:
Note: All requests will be confirmed by the Warriewood Registrar.
For more information, feel free to contact us or explore the Nippers FAQs below.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family to the beach.
2025/2026 Season
Nipper registrations are completed online via the Surf Life Saving Australia members portal.
Fees vary depending on age group and membership type, and are set each season. These will be clearly outlined during the registration process.
If you are new to the Club, you may also be required to attend an Information and Registration Day to finalise your membership and complete any necessary checks.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the registration process, please contact the Club.
Age groups are determined as at midnight on 30 September 2025. Please see below for a breakdown of which age group your child will be registered in. Children can join Nippers if they turn 5 by 30 September 2025.
Participation outside a child’s age group is generally discouraged, as it may impact the program being delivered and make point scoring more difficult for both the child and their age group.
Nippers is a great opportunity for children to build new friendships and develop both individual and team skills.
A written request can be submitted to the Nippers Committee for consideration. Please note that water and beach performance awards cannot be granted to Nippers who move to a younger age group.
Nippers and related training activities will generally continue in wet or inclement weather. However, sessions will be cancelled in the event of thunder and/or lightning.
Where conditions allow, activities may be adapted to run on the sand or indoors, focusing on areas such as lifesaving skills, first aid, signals and other patrol-related activities.
All children entering the water must wear a Warriewood SLSC hi-vis pink vest and their Nipper age group cap – no exceptions.
These items, along with Warriewood swimmers and other merchandise, are available for purchase from the uniform shop at Club Information and Registration Days, online, and during the first few weeks of Nippers.
All members are encouraged to be sun-safe while at the beach.
As Nippers focuses on developing surf skills and confidence in the water, each child is expected to participate in a proficiency swim appropriate to their age group. This involves swimming a set distance within a set time.
However, some Nippers may choose to participate in sand-based activities only, at their own discretion. The aim is for all children to have fun while staying safe.
Surf Life Saving has a strict policy that only members who hold a current Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) or Bronze Medallion are permitted to enter the water with Nippers.
The Club follows SLSA Water Safety guidelines, maintaining appropriate water safety ratios based on age group, activity and surf conditions.
Parents, grandparents and carers are encouraged to complete the SRC or Bronze Medallion course. This allows you to participate in water activities with your child and further support the Club.
Nippers carnivals are competition-based events where Nippers aged 8 and above compete against other Northern Beaches clubs in age group and event-specific competitions. They provide a great opportunity for children to take part in both individual and team events.
While attendance is encouraged, it is not compulsory. The Nippers program will continue at the beach for those not attending, with activities dependent on available water safety.
For those interested in competition, there is also the opportunity to progress to Branch, State and National level events.
The Gym is for the use of Active Patrolling members only.
If you have feedback, suggestions or a concern regarding any of the programs at Warriewood SLSC, or if you experience or witness any form of inappropriate behaviour, please speak with the Club’s Nipper President or Member Protection Information Officer.
All matters will be handled respectfully and in accordance with Club, Surf Life Saving NSW and SLSA policies.
New families welcome
A fun way for your child to learn water safety and gain confidence
