We are thrilled to announce the upcoming season of the Nippers program, where your children can have a fantastic time learning and enjoying various beach activities. This year promises to be an extraordinary one, filled with fun, learning, and new friendships.
To kickstart the season, we have important dates and information to share with you:
Online Registration Period: The online registration for the 2024 - 2025 Nippers season will open on 1 August 2024. Registrations are still open online at:
https://members.sls.com.au/SLSA_Online/modules/login/index.phpRegistration Open Day: We will be hosting a registration open day on 24 August 2024 at the Club from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. On this day, you can come in person, meet the team, ask any questions you may have, complete the registration process if you prefer to do it offline and collect your Nippers merchandise. We highly encourage attending the open day to get a feel for the program and meet other parents.
Communication App: We understand the importance of staying connected with you throughout the season. To facilitate seamless communication, we are using stack Team App. Search for Dixon Park Nippers. This app will be the primary platform for sharing updates, scheduling events, and managing any important announcements.
Registration Fees for the 2024 - 2025 Season:
$ 85 per Nipper
$ 100 per patrolling member
$ 150 per non-patrolling* member
NOTE: one parent must register per family
* Ability to upgrade your member status from non-patrolling member to patrolling member by undertaking either the Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) or Bronze Medallion!
Price included in membership fee!
Parent involvement in Nippers: It is most important that at least ONE of the parents is involved in the Dixon Park Nippers program. There are many reasons for this request, but the most fundamental reason is the ongoing safe activities at the beach. Parents can choose to be part of the following activities:
Age Managers * – coordinate specific age group Nippers activities at the beach. Working with Children Check required - go online to register (Application is free for volunteers)
BBQ roster * – BBQ logistics and cooking activities for our Nippers
Carnivals/activities support *– Support with the transport of surf gear to and from carnivals or other organised surf sports activities
Water Safety ** – supports water safety, one on one or group surf activities
* All Parents will receive adequate direction or training and will have a Senior coordinator supporting at all times.
** There is a mandatory requirement of having a valid Bronze Medallion completed for Parents that wish to participate / support water safety activities. Dixon Park SLSC will be delivering a Bronze Medallion Course commencing on 2 September 2024. For more information, please email Tom Newman at [education@dixonparkslsc.com.au].
Please ensure that you mark your calendars for the above dates and take advantage of the online registration to secure a spot for your child. Nippers is a popular program, and spots tend to fill up quickly.
If you have any questions, or concerns, or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help and make this season a memorable one for your child.
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. We can't wait to see your children at the beach, ready to dive into another exciting Nippers season!
Warm regards,
Nippers Committee
[nippers@dixonparkslsc.com.au]
Age Groups
Listed below are the Nipper age groups for the 2024 - 2025 Season. These age groups are determined as at midnight on 30th September. These age groups cannot change and are a directive of SLS NSW.
Proof of age/birth certificate to be sighted for all new children and parent members. Please send a copy to nippers.registrar@dixonparkslsc.com.au
A child may join as soon as they turn five years of age. We are unable to accept membership of a child until they have reached the age of five years to comply with insurance requirements. A child who turns five after 30th September 2024 may join nippers at that time for the remainder of the season however, this child will be required to stay in the U6 nippers age group again for the following season.
Age Group is determined as follows
1st October 2018 to 30th September 2019 U6 (Surf Play One)
1st October 2017 to 30th September 2018 U7 (Surf Play Two)
1st October 2016 to 30th September 2017 U8 (Surf Aware One)
1st October 2015 to 30th September 2016 U9 (Surf Aware Two)
1st October 2014 to 30th September 2015 U10 (Surf Safe One)
1st October 2013 to 30th September 2014 U11 (Surf Safe Two)
1st October 2012 to 30th September 2013 U12 (Surf Smart One)
1st October 2011 to 30th September 2012 U13 (Surf Smart Two)
1st October 2010 to 30th September 2011 U14 (SRC)
One Parent/Caregiver member per family
It is a requirement that at least one parent/caregiver per family join as an associate member or full active member to accompany their child/children during the nipper sessions. This is a requirement by our governing body Surf Life Saving Australia to ensure you are covered by insurance while participating in surf activities.
Age Managers and Assistant Age Managers are required to be members of Dixon Park SLSC to ensure you are covered by insurance. Parents acting in these roles must be either an active member (patrolling member) or a Nipper parent associate member.
Working with Children Check
All Nipper parent members are encouraged to obtain a valid Working with Children number for volunteers. The Club values your contribution to the Club, whether as an age manager or helping out on the BBQ. The Club welcomes volunteers and we need volunteers to ensure the safety of our nipper community. Safety is our priority. Plus, Nippers love their parents getting involved!
To obtain a working with children check, go online to register, or go to your nearest Service NSW office and complete the process. It's free for volunteers.
Carnival Fees
All Hunter Branch junior carnival fees are included in the registration fee
Presentation Day
All Nippers will receive a medal and gift on presentation day, held on the last day of Nippers.
Christmas Party
Dixon Park will host a Christmas party for Nippers, usually held after the last skills session before Christmas.
Swimwear and merchandise
Dixon Park Surf Club skull caps are mandatory to participate at Nippers.
All nippers must wear a pink Hi-Vis singlet or a Dixon Park Rashie and a skull cap. This is mandatory and ensures your Nippers are visible on the beach at all times.
U/6 and U/7 must wear a Hi-Vis skull cap, with the remaining age groups required to wear a skull cap in Club colours.
Hi-Vis singlets/Rashies and Skull Caps will be available for sale at the Nippers desk every Sunday
Swimwear and merchandise will be available for sale at the Nippers desk every week throughout the season
Contacts
Please email the Nippers Registrar for any registration enquiries:
nippers.registrar@dixonparkslsc.com.au
