Port Elliot Nipper Season

2024/2025 

Session Times for All 5 - 13 year olds is 12.30pm - 2.30pm

Flying Fishes program runs 12.30pm - 1.30pm with supervised free play from 1.30 - 2.30pm for anyone who wishes to stay on.  (The little ones quite often get very cold and you are welcome to leave anytime after 1.30). Children must still leave their Hiviz caps on until they are signed off from our care.

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The Nippers program focuses on play, participation and fun. As our children progress through the various age groups, they undergo lessons in wading, running, ocean swimming, board paddling and lifesaving skills, and learning the basics of resuscitation and first aid.

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Flying Fishes is our program for the Under 6’s, 7’s, 8’s and 9’s. This program focuses on water confidence and safety, basic surf life saving skills and first aid with a lot of fun games too. At the end of under 9’s our Fishes will ‘Graduate’ to Nippers. There are always exceptions to the rule and some children may move between the groups at different stages.

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After they complete the program, your child will be ready to undertake their Surf Rescue Certificate and become a qualified Surf Lifesaver who can patrol our beaches and serve the community. Practising these skills allows children to compete in club, regional and state surf lifesaving carnivals representing their clubs.

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Carnivals & Competitions – For Under 8’s to Under 13’s taking part in Carnivals is optional, but juniors are encouraged to participate, support each other and the club. Children must participate in 2 carnivals to be eligible to enter the State Titles at the end of the season. 

 

Port Elliot SLSC offers several training opportunities over the season though none are compulsory.   

Monday Nights Winter – Swimming @ Fleurieu Aquatic Centre

Monday & Wednesday evening - Sprint Training @ Goolwa Football Oval
Thursday evenings - Board Training followed by Flags @ Horseshoe Bay
Saturday – Nipper Program & Surf Sports Training @ Horseshoe Bay

 

The main training session is on Saturdays from 12.30 finishing at 2.30pm. A parent or guardian must remain on the beach or lawn during all training. In cases of inclement weather, the program will be adjusted to suit the conditions. All nippers and parents meet on the grass area in front of the club for the day’s announcements and check in. Children will need to be signed out by a parent at the end of each training.

 

Children will need to be ready and have the following items with them, all named and in a bag.

● Bathers/Jammers - arrive wearing them 

● Sun block - previously applied for best impact and parent’s responsibility

● Hi- visibility vest is compulsory for children purchased from the club ****

● Skull caps are compulsory - purchased from the club ****

● Towel

● Water bottle

● Long sleeved t-shirt, for protection when on the beach

● Wide brimmed sun hat, for protection when on the beach

● Goggles for water training are preferred

● Wetsuits optional but greatly assist on colder days.

Optional club merchandise for adults and children are available for purchase.

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****. Children who are not competing in Competition are provided with Hi-Vis Skull Caps each week and are encourage to wear long sleeve rash vests.

 

Our Age Group Managers & Nipper Leaders have completed all the necessary training required by SLSA to provide a safe environment of inclusion & success. Many have gone through the Port Elliot nipper program themselves and are also Patrolling Members at the club.

 

There are still a few roles to be filled including  Age Managers, Carnival Coordinator, committee members, set up & pack up helpers and water cover volunteers. Please reach out to the Junior manager juniors@portelliotslsc.com.au  if you are able to help fill any of these spots

 

Things we need from you prior to the season:

 

Step 1 Register & Renew your Membership by the 1st of October via the members portal https://members.sls.com.au. Carnival entry fees are payable by the 1st of October. (Click here for membership fees and joining instructions).

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Please note Port Elliot SLSC is part of the South Australian Government Sports Voucher Program, which can reduce the membership by $100 for eligible aged children.  For more information, please visit https://www.sportsvouchers.sa.gov.au/how-to-use-voucher/

 

To receive the discount please complete the voucher and email to sportsvouchers@portelliotslsc.com.au when paying your membership.
 

Step 2 Associate Parents need to apply for a WWCC. 

 

Step 3 Download the Stack Team App, create an account and request to Join PESLSC Juniors and Seniors then join your age group chat. This is our communication platform used for news, circulars, club events & carnival information.                            

                             

Step 4 Offer your assistance. Surf Lifesaving is a volunteer organization and to run a successful nipper program for your children we need your help. We will approach you with various roles that we need assistance with & many hands make light work. We thank you in advance.

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For help please contact juniors@portelliotslsc.com.au