Registrations
Ready to join Nippers?
We're excited that you're thinking about joining Bay & Basin Community Nippers!
Registration is held before the beginning of each Nippers season. New and returning families should check our Key Dates page for upcoming registration and Preliminary Skills Assessment dates.
Registration involves a few simple steps.
Step 1: Check Your Child's Age Group
Nippers is available for children from Under 6 to Under 13.
Your child's Nippers age group is determined by the age they are on 30 September and they remain in that age group for the whole Nippers season.
For example, a child who is 8 years old on 30 September will be in the Under 9 (U9) age group, even if they turn 9 during the season.
Turning 5 after 30 September?
Children can join Nippers once they turn 5 years old. If your child turns 5 after 30 September, they can join the U6 program after their birthday. They will remain in U6 for the following Nippers season.
If you're unsure which age group your child belongs in, please get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
Age on 30 September Nippers Age Group
5 years U6
6 years U7
7 years U8
8 years U9
9 years U10
10 years U11
11 years U12
12 years U13
Step 2: Preliminary Skills Assessment
Before registering, Nippers in the Under 8 age group and above need to complete a preliminary skills assessment.
This isn't a competition or a test of perfect swimming technique. It simply helps us make sure your child can safely participate in activities appropriate to their age group.
Under 6 & Under 7
Children in Under 6 and Under 7 don't complete a formal preliminary swim assessment.
They should be comfortable:
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floating on their back for a short time;
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putting their head under the water; and
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gliding a short distance in waist-deep water.
Under 8
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Back float for at least 15 seconds
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Submerge and touch the bottom with both hands
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Swim 20 metres using any stroke
Under 9
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Float front-to-back or back-to-front for 5 seconds each side
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Tread water or scull for 1 minute
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Submerge and touch the bottom with both hands
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Swim 25 metres using any stroke
Under 10
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Float front-to-back or back-to-front for 5 seconds each side
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Tread water or scull for 1 minute
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Swim 25 metres using any stroke
Under 11
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Float front-to-back or back-to-front for 5 seconds each side
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Tread water or scull for 3 minutes
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Complete the required underwater skills
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Swim 50 metres using any stroke
Under 12
Complete the Under 11 skills and swim 75 metres using any stroke.
Under 13
Complete the Under 11 skills and swim 100 metres using any stroke.
Don't worry if you're unsure about the assessment. Our team will explain what's required and help your child through the process.
Step 3: Complete Your Registration
You'll need to complete the required Surf Life Saving NSW and club registration forms.
What you'll need
Please bring:
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Completed membership forms
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Your child's birth certificate or passport as proof of age (required for new members)
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Any additional medical or permission forms required by the club
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Payment or proof of payment
Adult volunteers need to complete membership and member protection requirements.
[DOWNLOAD MEMBERSHIP FORM]
[DOWNLOAD MEDICAL & PHOTO PERMISSION FORM]
Membership Fees
We aim to keep Nippers affordable for local families.
Nippers – $120 per child
Includes Surf Life Saving NSW registration and insurance, Nippers cap, end-of-season medal and program resources.
Nippers Rash Shirt – $10
Required for all Nippers. Rash shirts will generally last for more than one season.
Adult Volunteers & Cadets – $26.30
Covers Surf Life Saving NSW registration and insurance.
PAYMENTS ARE TO BE MADE AFTER THE PRELIMINARY SKILLS ASSESSMENT. Payments can be made via our Shop (Credit Card) or Direct Transfer. Bank details are available upon request.
Places & Age Group Numbers
To keep our activities safe and manageable, the number of places available in each age group may depend on the number of registered volunteers we have available. As a general rule we limit groups to 10, with Under 6 usually up to 14.
Under 6 and Under 7 are often our most popular groups, so early registration is encouraged. Information about available places will be shared through our Facebook page when required.
TO GUARANTEE YOUR SPOT WE GIVE OUR VOLUNTEERS CHILDREN FIRST PREFERENCE.
Parents – We'd Love You to Get Involved!
Bay & Basin Community Nippers is run entirely by volunteers, and every family can help make Nippers happen.There are lots of ways to get involved, on the beach, in the water or behind the scenes and you don't need previous Nippers or Surf Life Saving experience for many roles.
Questions?
If you're unsure about age groups, the preliminary swim assessment, registration or anything else, please get in touch. We're happy to help new families through the process.