Update – Age requirement to be fully vaccinated for Nippers
Based on the most recent Chief Health Officer directions (announced Thursday 18 November), the age requirement to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 has changed from 16 years to 12 years and two months. From a Life Saving Victoria perspective, the changes will be effective Monday 22 November.
Nipper Program 2021/22
Registrations for the 2021/22 Nippers Program are now CLOSED
Please Note: All Swim Proficiency Forms for registered nippers must be completed and lodged by Friday 10th December.
Dates for the 2021/22 Nippers Program are still to be finalised, however, it will be run during the two week period of 27th Dec 2021 – 8/9th Jan 2022.
Nipper Registration Season 2021/22
In order to ensure that you are ready to sign the kids up, make sure you get your renewals and memberships sorted by September. Also, please ensure that all adults (members over the age of 18yrs) have a valid Working With Children Check (refer to our WWCC section for further details ).
See below for the steps that you need to follow for New Members wishing to join Fairhaven SLSC or Existing Members wishing to renew their membership and have their children participate in the nipper program.
Steps for Existing Members
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Steps for New Members
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Should you have any queries, please feel free to contact either Nicole, Mel or Tanya below:-
Nipper queries:
Mel Vallence & Tanya Singleton – [email protected]
Membership and Nipper queries:
Nicole Clarke – [email protected]
The Fairhaven SLSC Nippers has a proud history of teaching children how to have fun & keep safe on the beach since the summer of 1972/73.
The program is designed for children aged 5-14 & aims to teach them to be aware of important beach hazards (such as rips), as well as helping them to develop surf swimming & boarding skills. It also provides a terrific opportunity for physical activity, social interaction with peers & to improve awareness regarding environmental issues affecting our beaches & waterways. As Nippers move through the program they also acquire basic first aid & resuscitation skills. To enrol in our youngest age category, “Mozzies”, children must be 5 years old by September 30 in the year that they start. For details regarding age group cut off see Age Groups.
Nippers have the opportunity to compete in Competitions & Carnivals, both during the summer months & beyond (for more information see Nipper Competitions). The competition calendar culminates in the Victorian State Championships hosted by various SLSC’s state-wide. Children wishing to compete at these events are required to do a “Competition Competency Assessment” during the main Nipper program (which has replaced the S Badge) to ensure that they are safe to compete in the water.
Following on from the Nippers Program, young members of Fairhaven SLSC (aged 13-15) are able to gain their SRC (Surf Rescue Certificate), which is the first step to becoming a life saver or Patrolling member. This course runs as an 8 day program over summer (for details see Training & Assessment).
The Bronze Medallion course is run from age 15.
