Two abstract, flame-shaped icons, yellow and red, are symmetrically positioned on a white background.

Nippers

Our Nippers program offers engaging activities both in and out of the water to equip children with essential water and surf skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

2026/2027 Registrations are now OPEN

Registrations for the 2026/2027 Nippers season will be available on this page from August 2, 2026.

Spots in each age group are limited to 30 — we encourage you to get in early to secure your child's place.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT REGISTRATION AND CAPICITY:

Upon Registration, if you cannot select your preferred age group, this means that the age group has reached maximum capacity. Please email nippers@sorrentoslsc.au should you wish to be on the waitlist.


Registrations close October 25, 2026.


2026/2027 Season - An Exciting New Chapter

This season marks a truly special milestone for Sorrento SLSC. After years of planning and hard work, we are expecting to receive the keys to our brand new clubhouse sometime in November — and we couldn't be more excited to share this moment with our Nippers families.


While we finalise the details around the new clubhouse opening, know that everything is on track with our Nippers program and we can't wait to welcome you through those doors. We'll keep you updated as soon as we have confirmed news.


In the meantime, our first two sessions will be held at St Paul's Front Beach, giving the younger Nippers a chance to build confidence and technique in calmer conditions before we transition to the Sorrento Back Beach in December.


This summer is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in the club's history — with the new clubhouse, a packed events calendar, and a heap of opportunities for Nippers and families to get involved. Stay tuned for more announcements.


We truly appreciate your continued support and enthusiasm. Nippers isn't just a beach program — it's where kids learn life skills, build resilience, make lifelong friendships, and become part of something bigger than themselves. We can't wait to see you on the sand.


We're also proud to have TLC Healthcare continuing as a valued Nippers sponsor, sharing our commitment to community wellbeing and safety.

About Nippers

Sorrento Nippers is a Junior Development program for children 7-13 years of age. The program aims to educate children about surf and beach safety using games and fun activities to promote awareness. There is a heavy reliance on experienced, skilled water safety personnel to ensure the children are educated appropriately and safely in the aquatic environment. Similarly educated personnel are used to educate in life saving and matters pertinent to the beach environment.

The Sorrento Nippers program prides itself on teaching skills on the back beach with actual surf. This more challenging environment allows the participants to be able to handle all ranges of beach and surf conditions, skills that stay with them for life.


email: nippers@sorrentoslsc.au

Nippers Requirements

Children must be 7 years of age by September 30 to join the program. Children older than 13 can join the program in the SRC/U14 age group if they are new to surf lifesaving, using it as a training pathway towards achieving their Bronze Medallion in following years. All age groups are capped to ensure water and beach management procedures allow effective and safe delivery of the program.


All nippers must pass the necessary swim test each year in order to be allowed to participate in the water based activities in the program.


The Nippers program is not a learn-to-swim program. All participants must competently pass the required swim test each year to participate in the water-based activities. The minimum swim distances are outlined in our Nippers Requirement document.

Nipper Requirements
2026/2027 Season
Nippers Pricing
Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club · sorrentoslsc.au
2026/2027 Standard 2026/2027 Concession
Family Membership + 1 Nipper $330.00 $280.00 apply code: onenipperconcession
Family Membership + 2 or more Nippers Capped $410.00 $344.00 apply code: twonipperconcession
Equipment
Nippers Rash Vest $40.00
Nippers Cap $15.00
Nippers Pack Includes Rash Vest, Cap & 5L Sorrento SLSC Dry Bag $65.00
Spots are limited to 30 per age group — register early to secure your place for the 2026/2027 season.
Register Now
Concession Eligibility
The parent or guardian of the Nipper must hold a valid, government-issued Centrelink Concession Card, Pensioner Concession Card, or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Gold Card. To receive your concession code, send proof of eligibility to nippers@sorrentoslsc.au

Location & Equipment

LOCATION:

The first two sessions of the 2026/2027 season will be held at St Pauls Front Beach. From December, all remaining sessions will move to Sorrento Back Beach. The front beach sessions are designed to build technique and confidence in our younger Nippers before stepping into the more challenging back beach surf.


We will send a location confirmation out on Friday evening of the week prior to each session, to ensure we can always provide the safest and most positive environment for participants


EQUIPMENT:

Each child must have the Sorrento Nipper Cap and Fluro Pink Vest. These can be purchased at the On-Boarding Day and at the start of each Nippers session.


It is also highly recommended that each child has a full-length wetsuit and brings goggles and a water bottle to each session.

Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club
2026/2027 Nippers
Season Calendar
sorrentoslsc.au  ·  nippers@sorrentoslsc.au  ·  #loveourclub
Key Weekly Session Special Event Social Mandatory
November 2026
15 Nov 2026
Sunday
Onboarding — All Nippers Participants
Mandatory · All Nippers & parents · Arrive a few minutes early
Mandatory
15 Nov 2026
Sunday
Skills Refresher — SRC, Water Safety & Coaches
Mandatory · SRC / Water Safety / Coaches
Mandatory
15 Nov 2026
Sunday
Onboarding — Parent and Guardian Volunteers & Age Managers
Mandatory · All parent and guardian volunteers & age managers
Mandatory
15 Nov 2026
Sunday
Season Opener — Social Event
All families welcome — bring the kids!
Social
22 Nov 2026
Sunday
Week 1 — Swim Evaluation & S-Badge
St Pauls Front Beach · 8:45am U11–U13 · 9:45am U8–U10
Weekly Session
29 Nov 2026
Sunday
Week 2 — Front Beach Assessment
St Pauls Front Beach · 8:45am U11–U13 · 9:45am U8–U10
Weekly Session
December 2026
6 Dec 2026
Sunday
Week 3 — Back Beach
Sorrento Back Beach (conditions permitting) · 8:45am / 9:45am
Weekly Session
12 Dec 2026
Saturday
Mid-Season Social — Pre-Christmas
All families welcome
Social
13 Dec 2026
Sunday
Week 4 — Back Beach
Sorrento Back Beach · 8:45am U11–U13 · 9:45am U8–U10
Weekly Session
20 Dec 2026
Sunday
Week 5 — Back Beach + Christmas Celebrations
Sorrento Back Beach · 8:45am U11–U13 · 9:45am U8–U10
Weekly Session
January 2027
3 Jan 2027
Sunday
Week 6 — Back Beach
Sorrento Back Beach · 8:45am U11–U13 · 9:45am U8–U10
Weekly Session
10 Jan 2027
Sunday
Week 7 — Back Beach
Sorrento Back Beach · 8:45am U11–U13 · 9:45am U8–U10
Weekly Session
17 Jan 2027
Sunday
Week 8 — Bay Swim / Front Beach / Comps (TBC)
Sorrento Baths + Front Beach · run sheet confirmed closer to date
Weekly Session
23 Jan 2027
Saturday
Week 9 — Back Beach
Sorrento Back Beach · 8:45am U11–U13 · 9:45am U8–U10
Weekly Session
23 Jan 2027
Saturday
Nippers Awards Day
Awards & Celebration to Follow
Special Event
23 Jan 2027
Saturday
End of Season Social Event
All families — a big community thank you
Social
Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club  ·  sorrentoslsc.au  ·  nippers@sorrentoslsc.au  ·  #loveourclub

Parent Volunteers

The Sorrento Nippers program is run entirely by volunteers, and therefore it is a requirement that each Nipper family MUST take on a participation as a volunteer during the season.


There are a number of key roles that need to be filled, such as Age Manager (we need 4 for each age group), Water Safety (must do SRC or Bronze Medallion course), COVID-safe officers and First Aid officers.


You will be asked to nominate for one or more volunteer roles when you Register as an Active Nipper Family and enrol your Nipper(s) for the 2026/2027 season.


Sorrento and Life Saving Victoria provide the necessary training to equip you with the skills required to volunteer.

Become an Age Manager Parent Volunteer Roles (Detailed)
Get Involved
Nippers Volunteer Roles
Nippers only runs because parents and guardians pitch in. Here's where you can help — pick what suits you.
Every family volunteers at least one day each season.
Role What you'll do What's needed
In the Water
Board Coordinator
Keep board sessions safe and support the Coaches.
What's needed
SRC Required
Swim Coordinator
Keep swim sessions safe and support the Coaches.
What's needed
SRC Required
Water Safety
Provide in-water supervision alongside the water safety team.
What's needed
SRC Required
Running the Day
Beach Coordinator
Run the morning on the beach — sessions, equipment and parents.
What's needed
2 Per Session
Age Managers
Sign your age group in and out, supervise, and support the Coaches.
What's needed
4 Total · 2 On the Day
First Aider
First Aider must have a First Aid Certificate.
What's needed
4 Total · 2 On the Day
Weekly BBQ Volunteers
Assist with the BBQ.
What's needed
4 Total- on the Day
Community & Support
BBQ Coordinator
Organises the roster, supplies, setup and pack-up on Nippers Sundays.
What's needed
Open to all
Clubroom Coordinator
Keep the clubroom organised and stocked for Nippers families.
What's needed
Open to all
Social Committee
Plan social events and build community across families.
What's needed
3 Parents
Nippers Committee
Help plan, decide and run the Nippers program.
What's needed
Open to all
Wetsuit Swap Organiser
Run a wetsuit swap so families can trade up as kids grow.
What's needed
Open to all
New to the Club? Under 8 Families
All new Under 8 families also lend a hand at our biggest fundraiser, the Annual Bay Swim — a great first taste of volunteering.

Nippers Resources

Sorrento SLSC Resources

Questions?

Please reach out to our friendly Sorrento Nipper Leaders with any questions about enrolment or about the program.

Nipper Enquiries