CLUB PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Victoria's Lifesaving Clubs are a wonderful setting for Surf Education and Youth Development.  From the age of 5 kids can access lifesaving programs that develop their skills in lifesaving and life. 

The major program for children at lifesaving clubs is the Surf Education Program (5-13 years)  Victoria's lifesaving clubs are very unique with a high percentage of clubs being operational over the peak period of summer holidays.  Other clubs however operate a longer Nippers program that stretches from early November through to late March.   

A large percentage of Victoria's Lifesaving Clubs conduct the very popular SLSA Surf Education Program.  This program gradually teaches kids basic lifesaving skills required to be safe around an aquatic environment as well as developing their skills to compete in Surf sports.  This program is available from 5 - 13 years of age at a range of Victoria's clubs.  Certificates are awarded in each of the age groups. 

It is important to understand that Nippers is about learning additional lifesaving skills and safety around the beach not a program for learning how to swim.  Prior to being involved in Nippers each age group need to be able to achieve the below competencies. 

Junior Preliminary Skills Evaluation

Age Group Requirement

• Under 6 Nil (shallow water activities only)
• Under 7 Nil (shallow water activities only)
• Under 8 25 metre swim, (any stroke) 1 minute survival float
• Under 9 25 metre swim, (any stroke) 1 minute survival float
• Under 10 25 metre swim, (freestyle) 1 1/2 minute survival float
• Under 11 50 metre swim, (freestyle) 2 minute survival float
• Under 12 100 metre swim, (freestyle) 2 minute survival float
• Under 13 150 metre swim, (freestyle) 3 minute survival float
• Under 14 200 metre swim, (freestyle, in less than 5 minutes) 3 minute survival float

Assessors

• Age Manager, Level 1 Coach, Level 1 Official, Training Officer (SRC/Bronze), Assessor (SRC/Bronze)

*Please Note: Prior to competing in competition Nippers must complete an S badge to ensure all Nippers competing in water events at Carnivals are proficient.  This process is the to that children are safe and our water safety team is not having exessive numbers of Nippers at carnivals. 

Junior Competition Evaluation

Age Group Requirement

• Under 6 Nil (no competition)
• Under 7 Nil (no competition)
• Under 8 Nil (no water competition, except for wade which takes place in waist deep water)
• Under 9 Run-Swim-Run, Minumum 150m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual)
• Under 10 Run-Swim-Run, Minumum 150m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual)
• Under 11 Run-Swim-Run, Minumum 288m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual)
• Under 12 Run-Swim-Run, Minumum 288m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual)
• Under 13 Run-Swim-Run, Minumum 288m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual)
• Under 14 Run-Swim-Run, Minumum 288m open water swim (competition course as per competition manual)

Assessors

• Age Manager, Level 1 Coach, Level 1 Official Training Officer (SRC/Bronze), Assessor (SRC/Bronze)