WLSC’s Nippers Program aims to provide a safe and friendly environment where both nippers and parents can learn and enhance their knowledge about surf lifesaving and water safety. The program intends to prepare our nippers to enjoy and be safe around water and eventually become patrolling lifesaving members at our club as well as great community minded members.

Our Nippers program is open to all children aged 5 to 13 years of age (on 30th September of 2025). 

The main aims of the nipper’s program are to:

• Develop surf awareness
• Increase confidence and skills in the beach related activities
• Offer training to those wanting to pursue competition or awards
• Instill and reinforce sun smart philosophies
• Encourage enjoyable and healthy participation
• Progress members towards surf awards for relevant age groups
• Promote a positive non-threatening environment
• Meet new friends

These aims are supported by the inclusion of Surf Education into the program where nippers who complete the age group determined activities will be awarded with a nationally recognised SLSA certificate at the end of the Nipper season.

Become an Age Manager

As the popularity of our Nippers Program continues to grow, Wonthaggi Life Saving Club is looking for parents to take an active role in managing the program and supporting our young members. We ask that at least one adult from each family becomes an Age Manager as part of their membership.

What Being an Age Manager Involves

Age Managers help run the Nippers Program safely and effectively. Your role includes:

• Supervising and supporting children during water and beach activities
• Assisting with games, skill sessions, and safety briefings
• Helping with group management, ensuring smaller groups for more individual attention
• Providing on-the-job support alongside other Age Managers

With more Age Managers, we can create smaller groups and provide more water and beach time for each child, ensuring all participants get the most out of the Nippers Program.

Age Manager Course

To help you get started, Wonthaggi LSC offers an Age Manager Course at the start of each season.

• Duration: Approximately 2 hours
• Includes: Pre-course paperwork completed at your convenience
• On-the-job training will be provided throughout the program

The course equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to safely support our young members and enjoy a rewarding volunteer experience.

Working with Children Check (WWCC)

Wonthaggi LSC and Life Saving Victoria have a moral and legal obligation to protect members under 18. All members aged 18+ involved in volunteer work that regularly includes unsupervised direct contact with children must hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).

How to Obtain a WWCC

Step 1 – Submit Your Details Online

1. Go to the WWC Check website
2. Fill out the online form
3. Print the application summary with all entered details

Step 2 – Lodge Your Application in Person

1. Take your application summary to a participating Australia Post outlet
2. Bring 100 points of proof of identity documents, a passport size photo, and the application fee (if applying for an employee card)

Important:

• Use the following codes in ‘Details of Child-Related Work’: 42 (Clubs and Associations)
• In “Details of Organizations” (Section E), enter Life Saving Victoria and Wonthaggi Life Saving Club
• Applications usually open around July each year

A valid WWCC is required before being accepted in the Nipper Program or as a financial member of Wonthaggi LSC.