Today's Nippers are Tomorrow's Lifesavers

Nippers is a junior development program that introduces children aged five to 14 to surf life saving. It’s a fun outdoors activity that uses the beach as a classroom to grow a child’s confidence, knowledge, skills and safety in the beach environment. Not only will your child have fun and meet new friends, they will become part of an iconic organisation that has served the Australian community for over 100 years. Graduation from Nippers takes place in the U14 age group, with attainment of a Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) and ultimately, joining a Patrol Team.

The Mindil Beach SLSC Nippers program costs $35 per child for the 8-week program. Each participating family must also have a parent or guardian registered as a club member ($20). 

To register, join us at our Registration Day on 12 July 2026 on Patrol at East Point Beach, or sign up on the first day of the 2026 Nippers Program on 19 July 2026 at Lake Alexander. We’d love to see you down at the beach and welcome you to the club!

Guardian members are encouraged to get involved in club activities and are also eligible to complete their Bronze Medallion should they wish to become active patrolling members of the club.

At Mindil Beach SLSC, our Nippers program is a great way for families across the Darwin community to get involved in surf lifesaving and enjoy the unique Top End coastal environment. Nippers provides plenty of opportunities for parents and guardians to be part of their child’s experience — whether that’s supporting from the sidelines at East Point Beach or getting hands-on in club activities.

For those keen to be more involved, there are many ways to contribute. You might assist Age Managers with weekly activities, take on a Water Safety role, become a coach or official, help with fundraising and events, or even transition into the senior club as a patrolling member.

An Age Manager plays a key role in the success of our Nippers program. They are responsible for the instruction, care, safety, and development of a specific age group throughout the season. At Mindil Beach, Age Managers help deliver fun, engaging sessions that build surf awareness, lifesaving skills, and confidence in and around the water — all while fostering a supportive and inclusive club culture. Depending on group size, Age Managers may be supported by assistants or qualified coaches to help deliver specific skills.

All Age Managers are required to complete the relevant training, including the Age Managers Course and a Working with Children Check (Ochre Card), ensuring a safe and positive environment for all participants.

We strongly encourage parents to become members and get involved, whether as an Age Manager, volunteer, or patrol member. If you’re interested in taking on a role or learning more, please get in touch with our Director of Junior Activities.

At Mindil Beach SLSC, our Nippers program is designed to help children build confidence in and around the water while developing surf awareness, lifesaving skills, teamwork, and community spirit. Programs are delivered by qualified Age Managers and are run based on participant numbers within each age group.

The focus at this stage is on participation, confidence, and fun. Children are introduced to the beach environment through games and activities that help them become comfortable around the water while learning basic beach safety skills.

Participants begin developing surf awareness skills, including recognising hazardous surf conditions, identifying when someone may be in trouble, and understanding how to seek assistance safely.

At this level, Nippers learn introductory lifesaving skills, including basic first aid and CPR awareness. Participants also begin learning how to identify rips and understand safe responses in beach environments.

This program builds on previous skills and introduces more advanced surf safety knowledge. Participants learn how to recognise at-risk people, assist with basic patient care, and understand the role of patrols and rip management in rescue situations.

Participants work towards obtaining their Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC), which allows them to participate in beach patrols as junior lifesavers. For many members, this is an exciting milestone where they can patrol alongside parents, siblings, and senior club members.