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 Open August 2, 2026
Registrations for the 2026/2027 Nippers season will be available on this page from August 2, 2026.
Spots in each age group are limited — we encourage you to get in early to secure your child's place.
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
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.
Some of these roles have a virtual component so there are a variety of ways you can contribute. You will be asked to nominate for a volunteer role when you enrol your nipper for the 2026/2027 season. Sorrento and Life Saving Victoria do provide the necessary training that will provide you with the requisite skills required to volunteer.
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. Age groups are capped at 20 nippers 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.
Nippers Resources
Sorrento SLSC Resources
Questions?
Please reach out to our friendly Sorrento Nipper Leaders with any questions about enrolment or about the program.
