Nippers is the perfect way for kids to learn valuable life skills while having fun! Not only will they discover how to identify beach and surf dangers, but they’ll also learn how to stay safe while enjoying the beach. It’s more than just a sport—it’s a community where kids develop confidence, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility.
How can I join Alex Surf Club Nippers, using a PLAY ON Voucher?
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
Alex Surf Club Nippers is proud to be a PLAY ON Activity Provider for the 2025/2026 season
Once your PLAY ON Voucher has been granted:
Nippers are the lifesavers of the future, and Alex Surf Life Saving is the ideal place to nurture these skills while fostering a love for the ocean. It’s a great sport and community for your kids, helping them grow into safe, confident beachgoers.
The minimum age for a child to join nippers is 5 years (U6) up to a maximum of 13 years (U14). The age for the season is determined as of midnight on the 30 September at the commencement of that season.
U8s - U13s
Start 7:30am - 9:30am
Green Caps U6/7s
Start: 8am - 9:30am
U14s
Mentor the younger children
These sessions are all dependent on water safety, weather conditions, program, etc, with a break over the Christmas holidays.
Join our Facebook Group to keep up to date on all Nipper activities and updates.
Nipper events include wades, board paddling, swimming, beach sprints and beach flags.
Our “Greenies” (U6s and U7s) focus on fun and games on the beach which teach the children basic skills and awareness of where to swim and what help is available from the lifesavers.
U8 – U14 Nippers can join in local carnivals throughout the season, and we highly encourage kids to take part! It’s a fantastic way to test their skills in a new beach environment, have fun, and show team spirit. While participation is optional, it’s a great opportunity to boost confidence, strengthen team morale, and create unforgettable memories!
All of our Nipper Age Managers, Water Safety and Coaches, are all volunteers and
are extremely qualified lifesavers themselves, so they teach based on their experiences across patrolling, competing and just enjoying the surf. Assistance is always required with the beach set-up and pack down and the fundraising BBQ, which is manned by the parents of a different age group each week. You’ll find your Roster via the Surf Life Saving office here at the club.
Nippers for the 2025/2026 Season is open for registration from the 1st of July.
Mandatory Uniform: Alex Togs, High Vis Vest, Noddy Cap (Coloured for age group)
Bring: Hat, Goggles, Water bottle, towel.
SERIOUS SUNSCREEN – 50+ invisible zinc/Surf Mud or Natural Glamour over Zinc on face. Nivea Sport or similar 50+ to body.
Do not underestimate the water reflection – All nippers must wear suitable sunscreen.
In this first few weeks Nippers will be participating in Ocean Swims during Nipper Sundays. Don’t stress about these, many children may be nervous and we will work with them to get through.
Under 9+ MUST be attending pool swimming regularly to enjoy and be able to make the most out of nippers.
Parents are welcome to use the cans within the patrolled area to experience the feeling for themselves but should not enter the water where the nippers are training unless they have a Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze and are registered on the water safety register.
Join our Facebook Group to keep up to date on all Nipper activities and updates.
