Stockton Nippers is a vibrant junior activity program designed for children aged 5 to 13. Held on Sunday mornings during the summer season (Oct-Mar), Nippers teaches kids how to stay safe in the ocean while building confidence, fitness and lifelong friendships on Stockton Beach.
Nippers is not a learn-to-swim school. Instead, it introduces children to surf safety, board paddling, wade races, beach sprints, basic resuscitation and ocean awareness in a fun, supportive environment.
Our Sunday sessions run from October through to March. A typical Sunday morning includes:
– Director of Youth Development, Trevor Upton
Every junior member completes a preliminary aquatic skills evaluation prior to participating in ocean water activities. This ensures all children have a suitable swimming ability to remain safe in open water.
Nippers in U9s and above who wish to compete in branch or state carnivals must also complete an ocean competition evaluation and attend at least 75% of scheduled club Sundays.
Surf lifesaving is a volunteer-run community movement, and Nippers relies on family participation:
Mandatory parent membership
It is a club requirement that when a junior member joins, at least one accompanying parent or guardian must also join as a Nipper Parent (General) member.
Sign-in and sign-out
Parents must personally sign their Nippers in and out with their Age Supervisor each Sunday. No Nipper may leave without a parent signing them out.
Get involved
Parents are encouraged to assist as water safety personnel (Bronze Medallion holders), Age Managers, or BBQ volunteers.
Registrations open at the beginning of August each year.
Ready to register or want to find out more info? Fill out the form below:
Yes. While Nippers builds ocean skills, it is not a learn-to-swim program. Children must meet the minimum preliminary swim requirements for their age group.
Sessions start promptly at 10 am on Sunday mornings. We recommend arriving at 9:30 am for attendance check-in.
Nippers evaluations take place at Stockton Pool.