Who Can Join Nippers
Children aged 5-14 years can join nippers. The 2018/9 the age group birth date range:
- U6 - born between 1 October 2012 - 30 September 2013
- U7 - born between 1 October 2011 - 30 September 2012
- U8 - 1 October 2010 - 30 September 2011
- U9 - 1 October 2009 - 30 September 2010
- U10 - 1 October 2008 – 30 September 2009
- U11 - 1 October 2007 – 30 September 2008
- U12 - 1 October 2006 – 30 September 2007
- U13 - 1 October 2005 – 30 September 2006
- U14 - 1 October 2004 – 30 September 2005
Nippers must be in correct Age Groups and must turn 5 before they can join.
Proficiency requirements
To take part in nippers, children must also complete an annual proficiency as follows:
U6 age group
- From a standing position in waist deep water perform a front glide and recover to a secure position
- Perform a back or front float holding a buoyant aid and recover to a secure position.
U7 age group
- From a standing position in waist deep water perform a front glide, kick for 3m and recover to a secure position
- Perform a back or front float for a few seconds and recover to a secure position.
U8 age group
- 25m swim (any stroke) in swimming pool
- 1min float in swimming pool
- No ocean swim required
U9 and U10 age group
- 200m swim (freestyle) in less than 6mins in pool
- 1.5min float in pool
- untimed 150m ocean swim
U11-U14 age group
- 200m swim (freestyle) in less than 5mins in pool
- 3min float in pool
- Untimed 288m ocean swim
Proficiency is available at registrations days, as well as at the beginning of the season. Children will need to bring:
- Swimmers, goggles, towel, cap
- Pink high visibility rash vest (ocean swim - compulsory)
- Wetsuit (ocean swim - optional)