2023/2024 Nipper FAQs

When does the 2023/2024 season start?

Nippers will recommence on 8th Oct 2023

How do I join or renew my Membership?

Registrations are now open for the 2023/24 season via the SLS website.

What times does Nippers start?

We have split the times into a number of slots to manage overcrowding and enable Nippers to spend time rotating through the different activities.


The following time slots have been allocated for 2023/2024:

  • U6 and U7 – 8.30am – 9.30am (Gunnamatta alternate weeks)
  • U8 – U10 – 8.00am – 9.30am – Cronulla
  • U11 – U14 – 10am – 11.30am start – Cronulla


There is a 30-minute gap between the 2 sessions to allow people to leave the designated areas and to reset the beach for the next age groups

What is the Nipper Program for our U6s and U7s?

U6s and U7s move between Gunnamatta Bay and Cronulla beaches each Sunday. 

Locations are published on our Nipper Calendar (subject to change pending conditions)

As part of the Nipper program, we also offer a Learn to Swim program at Cronulla Swim School which is the only program of its kind across the Bate Bay clubs. U6s will also receive a free pair of goggles as part of their participation this year.

Start times for U6s and U7s at Gunnamatta and Cronulla is 830-930. 

The Learn To Swim program times will vary pending on surname A-K, L-Z. These will be communicated at the start of the season via age managers.

Why do U6s and U7s go to Gunnamatta?

By utilising the facilities at Gunnamatta, it allows the Nippers to get into the water, and learn activities in a controlled environment. Every second week, U6s and U7s will be at Cronulla beach to participate in the Learn to Swim sessions.

What happens at Nippers On Sunday?

The Cronulla Crays Nippers program includes lessons that are tailored to each of the nipper age groups, ensuring the content is relevant, in line with lifesaving and surf sports most up to date training standards. But most of all, Nippers is about FUN!

All children are encouraged to “have a go” at activities, but no one is forced to participate in any activity that they are not comfortable with or don’t want to do.

Beginning with the basics of ocean and beach awareness, surf education is gradually introduced to the children each year with the objective that at the age of 13 they can obtain their Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC), enabling them to to start patrolling our beach.

What doesn’t happen at Nippers on a Sunday?

Nippers’ activities are not a child-minding service. At Sunday Nippers, a parent / guardian must be always present on the beach. Nippers is not a learn to swim program. We strongly encourage all nippers to participate in an external professional swimming program.  Your child will be safer in the ocean and progress more quickly if they are a confident swimmer.

Age Groups

What age can my child start Nippers?

The youngest age group for Nippers is the U6’s.  For the 2023/24 season this includes children who are born between 1 October 2017 – 30 September 2018.

A slightly younger child may take part – however they must have turned 5 years of age beforehand (e.g. your child may turn 5 in November, they can start Nippers after their birthday). Note that your child will “repeat” the U6 age group the following year – i.e.. they will be in u6 for the following

What age group is my child in?
Age groupBirthday
U6born between 1 Oct 2017 – 30 Sept 2018
U7born between 1 Oct 2016 – 30 Sept 2017
U8born between 1 Oct 2015 – 30 Sept 2016
U9born between 1 Oct 2014 – 30 Sept 2015
U10born between 1 Oct 2013 – 30 Sept 2014
U11born between 1 Oct 2012 – 30 Sept 2013
U12born between 1 Oct 2011 – 30 Sept 2012
U13born between 1 Oct 2010 – 30 Sept 2011
U14born between 1 Oct 2009 – 30 Sept 2010

Uniforms

Is there a uniform for Nippers?

The compulsory uniform items are:

  • Nippers Cap 
  • Pink high visibility rash vest
  • Swimming Costume

We also have an array of other merchandise available at the Apparel shop located at the front of the clubhouse.

Do I need a new cap each year?

No, it’s like the baggy green, you keep the same colour cap right through nippers. The colour cap that is allocated to your age group will stay with them until they graduate.

Where and when can I buy uniforms?

Apparel can be purchased at our registration days or Sunday 8am – 11am (during Nipper season). It is recommended that children also attend to try sizes on as we do not refund/exchange swimwear.

Proficiency

What is the proficiency swim and float?

All nippers must complete the annual age-appropriate proficiency swim and float as part of their Nippers registration. This ensures a minimum and safe standard of swimming and survival ability for water activities at Nippers and is a pre–requisite for nippers to be part of the program.

Does my child need to complete proficiency?

All children U8-U14 need to complete proficiency each year

When and where is the proficiency swim/float assessment offered?

Dates for 2023/24 Proficiencies are:

  • Sunday 27th August – 12pm-2pm
  • Saturday 2nd September – 12pm-2pm
  • Sunday 10th September – 12pm-2pm

For those that missed it, proficiency swim/floats will be done in the first two weeks of Nippers at Cronulla Beach.

​Nippers must be registered prior to attending proficiencies.

What do I need to bring to the proficiency swim/float assessment?

Bring with you:

  • Swimmers
  • cap
  • goggles and
  • towel

If you are new to the club, please also bring proof of birth date for your child.

Facilities

What is the parking situation like?

Parking around the club is free however limited. There is free unlimited parking around the streets of Cronulla beach, as well nearby streets, Cronulla train station and Gunnamatta.

It’s Sunday morning. Can I get a coffee?

You can get your caffeine fix from a variety of locations including Barefoot on the Beach, Grind, The Ice Creamery and Bianchini’s.

Now I’m hungry?

Our U14s will be running the BBQ with lots of delicious goodies to fill your belly in the morning for breakfast.

Then, the kitchen will be open in the Surf Club from 12pm

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