What is Nippers?
Nippers (officially called Junior Activities) is Surf Life Saving’s program for children aged 5 to 13. Every Sunday morning during the season, kids come together at Palm Cove Beach to learn vital water safety skills, build beach confidence, and compete in fun surf sports activities — all while making friends and having a great time.
Our Nippers program has been part of Palm Cove life for generations. It’s a place where families connect, children grow in confidence, and the next generation of lifesavers finds its feet.
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
Children are divided into age groups and 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 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 Coordinator. All parents are encouraged to contribute to the Nippers program, either on the beach, or in supporting roles.
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:
- Contact the Club Administrator on 07 4059 1263 to book in for a Come n Try session – spaces are limited.
- Each child is allowed two 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 Administrator.
2026 Nippers
Our Season is about to start & we couldn’t be more excited to welcome new and returning members.
- May 10th & April 17th at Smithfield Pool, 9:00am
- May 31st at Palm Cove Beach, 9:30am
- For the full calendar click on the photo to your right
Under 6 & Under 7 — ‘The Greenies’
Our youngest members are introduced to Surf Life Saving in a non-competitive, fun and games environment. Sessions focus on building water confidence and basic awareness of beach safety. Greenies wear their distinctive green caps with pride!
- Sunday sessions: 9:30am, Palm Cove Surf Club
- Focus: fun, games, beach confidence, basic water safety
- Non-competitive
Under 8 to Under 12 — Core Nippers
The heart of the Nippers program. Sessions combine beach activities with water skills, introducing age-appropriate competition events including wades, board paddling, swimming, beach sprints, and beach flags. Each age group is led by a qualified Age Manager supported by experienced assistants.
- Eligible to participate in inter-club carnivals from U8
- Progressive skill development each season
- Led by trained Age Managers and Water Safety volunteers
Under 13 — Resuscitation Certificate
As Nippers reach the U13 age group, they work towards their Resuscitation Certificate — a significant milestone on the pathway to becoming a full lifesaver. They are still actively involved in developing their surf skills on a Sunday morning on the beach and in the water.
Under 14 — Surf Rescue Certificate Pathway
U14 members can work towards their Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC), which qualifies them to patrol with the club. It’s a big step towards becoming a full lifesaver. They also take on mentoring and leadership roles within the junior program.
How to Enrol
Ready to join? Enrolling in Nippers is done through the SLSA Members Portal. Once enrolled, you’ll receive access to all club updates, training schedules, and carnival information.
- Step 1: Register via the SLSA Members Portal
- Step 2: Select Cairns Surf Life Saving Club as your club
- Step 3: Choose the Nippers / Junior Activities membership option
- Step 4: Complete the Pool Proficiency Assessment (required for water activities)
- Step 5: Contact us — our team will get you set up and ready to go!
PLAY ON is a QLD Government initiative, with vouchers helping kids get active and cover the cost of approved sporting activities. Eligible Queensland families can apply for a $200 Play On! Sports Voucher for each child aged 5 to 17 years. For more information and to apply visit here; Play On! Sports Vouchers | Recreation, sport and arts | Queensland Government
Key Information Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can my child start Nippers?
Children can join from Under 6 (minimum 5 years old). Age groups are determined as of midnight on 30 September at the start of the season.
Does my child need to be able to swim?
A Pool Proficiency Assessment is required before children can participate in water activities. We can advise on the specific requirements for each age group — contact our Club Administrator for further details.
What does my child need to bring?
Sunscreen (50+ recommended — the reflection off the water is intense!), a hat, towel, water bottle, stinger suit (limited loans available), and a good attitude! The club will provide a high-vis vest and coloured cap for the session.
What is the cost of Nippers membership?
Fees are set annually. View the current membership fee schedule on our website or contact surf.admin@cairnssurfclub.com.au for more information.
Can my child try Nippers before joining?
Yes! We offer up to two Come n Try sessions for new families. A signed participant waiver is required. Contact surf.admin@cairnssurfclub.com.au for more information.
Do parents need to volunteer?
Parent involvement is encouraged and very much appreciated! Age Managers, Water Safety officers, and BBQ helpers are all vital to making Nippers run smoothly. Rosters are managed fairly and we’ll let you know when it’s your age group’s turn to help.
Are there carnivals for Nippers to compete in?
Yes! From U8 upwards, Nippers can participate in local inter-club carnivals throughout the season. Participation is optional but strongly encouraged — it’s a fantastic way to build confidence and team spirit.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Contact our club administrator at surf.admin@cairnssurfclub.com.au.