Welcome to Nippers
Nippers is a program tailored for 5–14-year-olds and their families which fosters a dynamic environment for families to have fun and friendship and gain invaluable life skills.
Through engaging activities centered around surf safety, lifesaving techniques, and ocean skills, Nippers not only builds essential survival skills but also develops a level of camaraderie and teamwork.
These future lifesavers embark on a journey of personal development, instilling qualities of leadership that extend beyond the shoreline.
Nippers is more than a program; it is a community where lifelong friendships are formed, and the thrill of the surf is matched only by the joy of shared experiences.
The Cairns Surf Life Saving Club Nippers program has introduced generations of local children to the beach and surf lifesaving. Held every Sunday morning from 9:30am to 11:30am (April–October), it’s a chance for families to enjoy the beach together while trained Age Managers guide children through fun, safe, and supportive activities.
Training is where the fun really begins. We mix it up with a balance of land-based and water-based activities, giving our Nippers a strong foundation in essential surf skills, competition techniques and awards knowledge – without it ever feeling like “school.”
Every Sunday, Cairns Surf Life Saving Club Nippers hit the sand and the surf to build confidence, learn teamwork, and develop the skills they need to handle themselves safely and confidently in the ocean.
Program Aim
The Sunday Nippers activities aim to provide:
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Instruction in surf safety and surf awareness
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Development of lifesaving and first aid skills
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Participation in competitive surf sports activities
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A pathway towards senior beach patrolling duties
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An enjoyable and inclusive social environment for children and parents
For Under 6 and Under 7 age groups, members are introduced to Surf Life Saving in a non-competitive environment through fun, games and basic skill development. These groups meet in-season on Sunday mornings at the Palm Cove Surf Club, commencing at 9:30am.
Each age group is supported by an Age Manager, assisted by one or two qualified assistants. The Age Manager is responsible for the education, training and organisation of their group. As Nippers progress through the age groups, they are gradually taught skills to assist others who may be in difficulty. This development pathway leads to:
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Resuscitation Certificate (Under 13s)
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Surf Rescue Certificate (from age 13)
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Bronze Medallion (from age 15)
Cairns SLSC Junior Activities are overseen by the Junior Activities Committee, which meets regularly to discuss current operations and future planning. All members and parents are welcome and encouraged to attend and contribute.
Come N Try
To take part in the Come N Try your child must be at least 5 years of age and to gain the full experience of a Come N Try session it is advisable that your child has completed the Pool Proficiency Assessment.
KEY INFORMATION:
- Each child is allowed 2 Come N Try sessions, these sessions do not have to be taken on consecutive weekends.
- The SLSQ Under 18 Participant Waiver form must be completed for each child. The waiver form will be kept at the office and must be signed prior to each session attended.
- At sign in your child will be provided a pink hi-vis vest & red cap which must be worn during the session and returned to the office at the end of the session. A stinger suit is also required of which we have limited loans if required.
- Your child will be placed in an age group based on their age as of midnight 30th September
- Sunscreen, hat, a towel, and water are recommended.
- The office will be open from 8:45am & the session will start at 9:30am on the beach or pool.
- If your child chooses to continue after they have completed their Come N Try sessions, our friendly staff will advise how to join up
For further information, please contact the Club Junior Activities Co-ordinator (JAC) at jac@cairnssurfclub.com.au
Key Information Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What can my child expect at nippers?
The Sunday Nippers activities aim to provide:
-
Instruction in surf safety and surf awareness
-
Development of lifesaving and first aid skills
-
Participation in competitive surf sports activities
-
A pathway towards senior beach patrolling duties
-
An enjoyable and inclusive social environment for children and parents
For Under 6 and Under 7 age groups, members are introduced to Surf Life Saving in a non-competitive environment through fun, games and basic skill development. These groups meet in-season on Sunday mornings at the Palm Cove Surf Club, commencing at 9:30am.
Training incorporates a balance of land-based and water-based activities, providing a strong foundation for essential surf skills, competition techniques, and awards knowledge. Each Sunday, Cairns SLSC Nippers come together to build confidence, teamwork, and the skills needed to safely and competently handle themselves in the surf.
When is nippers held?
The Nippers Program runs on Sunday mornings from April/May through to October, between 9:30am and 11:30am, and is delivered across both the nearby swimming pool and Palm Cove Beach. The 2026 Nippers Program start date is yet to be confirmed.
Who runs nipper sessions?
Our overall Junior Activities program is run by our Junior Activities Committee. OurJunior Activities Committee, which meets regularly to discuss current operations and future planning. All members and parents are welcome and encouraged to attend and contribute.
Next person in charge is our Junior Activities Chairperson (JAC) – you can contact them here.
Each age group is supported by an Age Manager, assisted by one or two qualified assistants. The Age Manager is responsible for the education, training and organisation of their group.
Our Age Managers are volunteer parents (we love them!), if you would like to put your hand up we would love to hear from you!
What do I have to do as a parent?
Nippers is a family experience! We do require you to be on hand on the beach to support your child or family.
We want you to be as involved as you can be, in fact, we need your help.
All of our Nipper Age Managers, Water Safety and Coaches, are all volunteers and assistance is always required with the beach set-up and pack down and even our BBQ. So please speak to our team if you’re happy to support.
Please note: One adult per family (Nipper Parent or Associate Member) must also join when registering children under 14.
What does nipper membership include?
Our Nippers membership includes:
- Hi-Viz vest and Live Heat band
- Insurance cover
- Weekly Sunday Nippers sessions
- Complimentary coaching and training
- Free Supporters Club membership with member discounts
Please note: One adult per family (Nipper Parent or Associate Member) must also join when registering children under 14.