Looking forward to seeing you on the beach!

Nippers.

2024/25 Season Start Dates

Under 10-13: October 11th 5:00pm (Time changes to 5.30pm from 8th November)

Meet at the age group flags at Half Moon Bay

Under 7-9: November 6th 4:30pm

Meet at the age group flags at Half Moon Bay

Nippers train every Wednesday night

New members welcome!

Nippers is a beach education program that introduces children aged 5 to 14 years to safe, fun and organised activities in a beach environment, preparing them to be future lifesavers.

Our Nipper Education Program caters for all experience and skill levels, from those who are comfortable in the water to those who are less comfortable or need encouragement. It is a fun and educational program to ensure kids have positive experiences on the beach and build their confidence in the water, fitness and skills in lifesaving.

All activities are designed to progressively develop the skills of Nippers as they move through each age group, fostering a love of the sport of life saving and supporting kids who wish to compete. We also run additional optional training sessions every week, and surf sessions along the Great Ocean Road from time to time.

Our Nippers program is a great way to spend time on our amazing local beaches every week, and there’s no better way to finish training than taking your fish n chips (or perhaps something from home) up onto the balcony and enjoy the sunset with friends.

Membership Types

There are single Nipper member or family Memberships available. Family memberships are better value if you are planning on enrolling 2 or more children in the program, and cover the whole family – including adults!

If you encounter any problems while registering or enrolling, this document might help, or alternatively contact our enrolment officer.

Click here to join!

More information about the program ↓

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the program, please don’t hesitate to contact the Junior Co-ordinator, James McIntyre, using the enquiries form below.

  • Competition

  • Get Involved

  • Doing your best

  • Get Involved

  • Working as a Team

  • Time with Friends

About Our Program.

Location

Located near the Black Rock Yacht Club, our beach is shallow and protected, which provides an ideal environment for developing confidence in the ocean. See a map of our location.

Age Groups

Nippers train in age groups which are determined by their age on September 30th. For example, a child who is aged 9 on September 30th would be placed in the Under 10 age group.

Coaching and Supervision

Each group is supervised by both Age and Team Managers, and there is a strict adult to child ratio that we maintain. In addition, we are often supported by our skilled and enthusiastic youth and senior members who are more than happy to pass on their skills.

Please note A parent/guardian must be always on the beach for safety.

What to Bring

During training sessions, nippers need to wear…

  • the HMB lifesaving club cap

  • a high vis rash vest over their usual bathers/board shorts

Caps and rashies, along with other optional club gear, can be purchased from the uniform shop on training nights.

You’ll also need…

  • goggles

  • a basic wetsuit if you have one (can be handy on colder or windy afternoons)

  • a towel

  • sunscreen

  • water bottle

Boards

Board paddling is probably the most popular life saving activity and uses a unique type of board. The club has many boards available for members to use during training sessions, but you may also purchase your own if you like. Ask your age group manager or coach for more information.

Swimming Skills

Children attending nippers do need to have basic swimming abilities, as we do not teach general swimming skills as part of the program. If you feel your child needs extra support in this area, we can recommend swimming programs in the area to support their needs.

Under 7s

While Under 7’s do not typically go in water that’s beyond about waist deep, basic swimming abilities are still required.

Under 8+

From Under 8 and beyond, Nippers will be supported to attain their ‘S-Badge’, which involves a continuous freestyle swim of 100 – 288m depending on the age group.

Get Involved

Our club is run entirely by volunteers and getting involved is one of the best ways to become part of the community. There are a range of opportunities for parents and guardians to get involved, including roles that are not in the water – for example the social team, the bar or the uniform shop. If you’re interested, we also support parents and guardians to through the process of obtaining qualifications for water safety or competition officialling. This is a great way to learn more about the sport of life saving while providing a valuable contribution to the nippers program.

Aquasport Competitions (Carnivals)

Competition is not a primary focus of our Nippers program, but for kids who want an extra challenge we encourage you to attend Aquasport Competitions (Carnivals). There are around 7 events from mid-December to finishing in March with state championships. Events are held in various locations throughout coastal Victoria, and are a great way to create memories for kids and adults alike. All All Nippers from xx onwards are welcome to participate in Aquasport Competitions.