Celebrating Our Nippers
At Bay & Basin Community Nippers, our awards recognise more than swimming ability.
We celebrate participation, improvement, confidence, teamwork, friendship and having a go — the qualities that reflect what Community Nippers is all about.
Awards are presented at our annual Presentation Day at the end of each Nippers season.
Club Spirit Award
The Club Spirit Award is Bay & Basin Community Nippers' major annual award.
It recognises a Nipper who truly embodies the spirit and values of our club.
The recipient isn't necessarily the strongest swimmer or the most skilled Nipper. Instead, the award recognises qualities such as enthusiasm, participation, kindness, teamwork, encouragement of others, willingness to have a go and a positive attitude.
It's our way of recognising a young person who helps make Nippers a better experience for everyone around them.
Club Spirit Award Honour Roll
2017/18 – Jenna Gallanty
2018/19 – Jayden Pillardth
2019/20 - Tegan McKay
2020/21 - Bridget Rafferty and Abagail Choat
2021/22 - Not awarded due to short season
2022/23 - Michelle and John Burnett
2023/24 - Harriet Percy
2024/25 - Tara Odgers
2025/26 - Xavier Brooks and Callum Campbell
Age Group Awards
At the end of each season, two awards are presented within each Nippers age group.
Most Improved
The Most Improved Award recognises a Nipper who has shown significant growth throughout the season. Improvement might be seen in their water confidence, swimming, board or beach skills, participation, willingness to try new activities or overall confidence at Nippers.
It's not about being the best, it's about recognising how far a Nipper has come.
All-Rounder
The All-Rounder Award recognises a Nipper who demonstrates a positive approach across all areas of the Nippers program. This may include water and beach skills, participation, teamwork, attitude, helping others and consistently giving activities their best effort.
Junior Development Awards
As part of the Nippers program, children have the opportunity to achieve a Junior Development Award appropriate to their age group each season.
These awards form part of the Surf Life Saving education pathway and recognise the water safety, surf awareness, survival and practical skills children develop as they progress through Nippers.
Our Junior Development Awards are:
U6 — Surf Play 1
U7 — Surf Play 2
U8 — Surf Aware 1
U9 — Surf Aware 2
U10 — Surf Safe 1
U11 — Surf Safe 2
U12 — Surf Smart 1
U13 — Surf Smart 2, including the Resuscitation Certificate
U14 — Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC)
Why Regular Attendance Matters
Surf education is delivered progressively throughout the Nippers season rather than in a single session. Regular attendance gives children the best opportunity to take part in all of the activities and learning required for their age group's Junior Development Award.
If your child misses sessions, they may miss important components of the program needed to complete their award. We encourage every Nipper to work towards achieving their age-appropriate Junior Development Award each season.
Every Nipper's Progress Matters
Awards are just one way we celebrate our Nippers.
Every child develops at their own pace, and we're proud to see Nippers build confidence, learn new skills, make friends and become safer around the water throughout the season.
At Presentation Day, every Nipper receives an end-of-season medal recognising their participation and contribution to Bay & Basin Community Nippers. For us, that's what Nippers is all about, having a go, learning, growing and being part of our community.
