Nippers

Nippers (officially called Junior Activities) is Surf Life Saving’s program for children aged 5 to 13. Every Sunday morning during the season, kids come together at the beach to learn vital water safety skills, build beach confidence, and compete in fun surf sports activities — all while making friends and having a great time.

Our Nippers program has been part of Townsville Picnic Bay life for generations. It’s a place where families connect, children grow in confidence, and the next generation of lifesavers finds its feet.

Photograph Non-Consent

Junior Activities Preliminary Pool Evaluation Form

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Under 6 & Under 7 — ‘The Greenies’

Our youngest members are introduced to Surf Life Saving in a non-competitive, fun and games environment. Sessions focus on building water confidence and basic awareness of beach safety. Greenies wear their distinctive green caps with pride!

Sunday sessions: 9:30am
Focus: fun, games, beach confidence, basic water safety
Non-competitive

Under 13 — Resuscitation Certificate

As Nippers reach the U13 age group, they work towards their Resuscitation Certificate — a significant milestone on the pathway to becoming a full lifesaver. They are still actively involved in developing their surf skills on a Sunday morning on the beach and in the water.

Under 8 to Under 12 — Core Nippers

The heart of the Nippers program. Sessions combine beach activities with water skills, introducing age-appropriate competition events including wades, board paddling, swimming, beach sprints, and beach flags. Each age group is led by a qualified Age Manager supported by experienced assistants.

Eligible to participate in inter-club carnivals from U8
Progressive skill development each season
Led by trained Age Managers and Water Safety volunteers

Under 14 — Surf Rescue Certificate Pathway

U14 members can work towards their Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC), which qualifies them to patrol with the club. It’s a big step towards becoming a full lifesaver. They also take on mentoring and leadership roles within the junior program.

Get Involved

Parents and carers are encouraged to get involved—whether it’s helping on the beach, assisting with water safety (if qualified), or supporting club activities. Nippers is a family program, and we love seeing our community come together.

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Water Safety

Help Out at Sunday Nipper in the water (bright orange rashie) to ensure children’s safety. Get Involved in encouraging nippers and help run activities.

Help out at Carnivals in the Water (Mostly General Supervision) which is vital to allow nippers to compete.

Water Safety at training to provide the safety needed

Watersafety hours on Sunday nippers count as patrolling hours.

Requires you to have your Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) or Bronze Medallion.

Age Managers

Help out at Sunday nipper’s by leading an age group through their rosters and being a mentor throughout the season and their nipper journey.
Are an important support system at carnivals.
Requires you to have completed an Age Managers Course & have a Blue Card.

Officials

Play a vital role in allowing carnivals to run and allowing Nippers to compete at carnivals
Are the working force behind carnivals; they marshal competitors for race’s, count places, organising race courses, ensure fair play.
Officialing hours are logged to keep the qualification
Requires you to have undertaken an Officiating Course & have a Blue Card
More information is on the Training and Education page

How to Sign Up

Step 1: Create your SLSA Members Area accounts https://hub.sls.com.au/

Create an account for an adult first (you’ll add the family after).
Verify your email and log in.

Step 2: Join Picnic Bay SLSC as a family

Head to https://join.sls.com.au/ and select Picnic Bay SLSC
Choose “My Family” to register multiple family members together.
Complete details for each person, accept the declaration, and submit.

Step 3: Link and pay in the Members Area

Log back into the Members Area ( https://hub.sls.com.au/ )
Go to Memberships > Join/Renew.
Ensure all family members are listed under Picnic Bay SLSC.
Follow prompts to pay the membership fees online to finalise registration.