Nippers 2025/26
Participant Information
The 2025/26 participant information guide can be downloaded here. It is your guide to all things Nippers and has been prepared to help you and your Nippers get the most out of the program. Please take the time to read it carefully, even if you are a returning family.
Key information from the guide, along with some frequently asked questions, is also summarised below, and the Nippers 2025/26 program calendar can be found here.
| Key information | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Program dates |
The 2025/26 program will run from Sunday 28 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026 (inclusive), with a rest day on New Year’s Day (Thursday 1 January 2026). |
| Age groups, locations and session times |
Session time confirmation emails have been sent to all registering parents or guardians. Please check your junk/spam folder before contacting the Nippers admin if you have not received your email. General information on all age group sessions can be found below. Under 6s
U6 – White Caps – Born between 1/10/2019 – 30/09/2020
Location – Cleeland Bight Beach, End of Cottosloe Avenue, Cape Woolamai Session time – Early – 8.45 am – 10 am Under 7s
U7 – Purple Caps –Born between 1/10/2018 – 30/09/2019
Location – Cleeland Bight Beach, End of Cottosloe Avenue, Cape Woolamai Session times – Early – 8:45 am – 10:00 am – Late – 10:30 am – 11:45 am Under 8s
U8 – Red Caps – Born between 1/10/2017 – 30/09/2018
Location – Cleeland Bight Beach, End of Cottosloe Avenue, Cape Woolamai Session time – Early – 8:45 am – 10:00 am Under 9s
U9 – Yellow Caps – Born between 1/10/2016 – 30/09/2017
Location – Cleeland Bight Beach, End of Cottosloe Avenue, Cape Woolamai Session time – Late – 10:30 am – 11:45 am Under 10s
U10 – Light Blue Caps – Born between 1/10/2015 – 30/09/2016
Location – Cleeland Bight Beach, End of Cottosloe Avenue, Cape Woolamai Session time – Early – 8:45 am – 10:15 am Under 11s
U11 – Dark Blue Caps – Born between 1/10/2014 – 30/09/2015
Location – Cleeland Bight Beach, End of Cottosloe Avenue, Cape Woolamai Session time – Late – 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Under 12s
U12 – Light Green Cap – Born between 1/10/2013 – 30/09/2014
Location – Smiths Beach, Smiths Beach Road, Smiths Beach (unless advised otherwise) Session time – Early – 8:30 am – 10:00 am Under 13s
U13 – Dark Green Cap – Born between 1/10/12 – 30/09/2013
Location – Smiths Beach, Smiths Beach Road, Smiths Beach (unless advised otherwise) Session time – Late – 10:15 am – 11:45 am |
| High visibility rash vest |
All children must wear a Woolamai Beach SLSC high visibility rash vest during the program. Rash vests can be purchased at the pre-program rashie sale on Saturday, 27 December 2025 (2:00 pm – 5:00 pm) at the Woolamai Beach SLSC Clubhouse (bar area, upper level). Electronic payments only (no cash). If you cannot attend the pre-program sale, rashies will be available for purchase at Cleeland Beach. Please allow extra time before your Nippers session. There will be a limited stock of second-hand rashies for sale. Donations of old Woolamai rashies are welcome. |
| Scull caps |
Nippers will be given a coloured scull cap to wear for the week. It must be worn at all times during their session. If a Nipper remains on the beach after their session, they must remove the cap so it is clear they are back under parent/guardian supervision. Skull caps are to be returned at the end of the program. |
| Child supervision |
One parent/guardian must stay on the beach throughout the program. This is a legal requirement. If you have to leave, please ensure that you have a responsible adult available in your absence. |
| First aid/medications |
Qualified first aid volunteers will be on duty during all program sessions at both beaches. If your child requires medication (e.g. Ventolin) or may require emergency medication (e.g. anaphylaxis/EpiPen), please place it in a labelled snap-lock bag (child’s name and instructions). Medication should be handed to the First Aid Coordinator at the admin tent, unless you choose to keep it with you and remain within easy access of your child at all times. Medication should not be given to JAMs, AMs or AAM. |
| Communication during the program |
The Wooli Nippers Facebook Group is the main way we will communicate with parents and guardians throughout the program (including raffle draw results). You can find it by searching Facebook groups for “Woolamai Beach SLSC Nippers”. Remember to answer the questions to be approved. A separate Facebook Group will be used to share photos from the Program: “Woolamai Nippers 25/26” (parents/guardians of participating children only). |
| JAM, AM/AAM, Water Safety Comms |
The Club is using the Team Stack App to communicate with Age Managers, Assistant Age Managers, JAMS and Water Safety (daily updates, conditions, lesson plans, etc.). Team Stack app sign-up instructionsIf you are engaging in any of these roles, please download the Team Stack app and follow the steps below:
- Nippers - Cleeland - JAMs & Age Managers (25/26)
• If you are both a JAM and water Safety, please select both. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What should we expect on day one?
No matter how organised we are, day one could be chaotic as everyone gets used to the program. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your session and be patient.
Where do we go for Nippers?
Under 6s to Under 11s programs are run atCleeland Bight Beach, End of Cottosloe Avenue, Cape Woolamai.
Under 12s and Under 13s programs are run at Smiths Beach, Smiths Beach Road, Smiths Beach (unless advised otherwise)h.
What should my child wear/bring?
- Bathers
- High visibility rash vest – All children must wear a Woolamai Beach SLSC high visibility rash vest during the program
- Broad-brimmed hat
- Sunscreen (or have it on already)
- Googles
- Towels – We suggest bringing two
- Drink bottle
- Wetsuit – Optional, but a good idea if its cold!
What if the weather/surf is unsafe?
In the unusual event that Nippers need to be cancelled or moved for the day, a decision will be made before 8 am and posted on the Facebook group.
If conditions change during a session and safety is a concern, a member of the committee or the water safety coordinator will advise you on what to do over the public address system.
Need to change a volunteer shift?
The success of the program relies on families honouring their volunteer commitments. We ask all participating families to ensure they attend their rostered volunteer duties as agreed.
If you are unable to fulfil a scheduled volunteer role, please notify the Volunteer Coordinators as soon as possible. Where possible, families are encouraged to arrange a suitable replacement. For any roles conducted on the beach, the replacement volunteer must hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC).
How are photos/videos used?
As a parent or guardian of a registered participant, you give your unconditional permission for all still and moving images taken or recorded by, on behalf of, or made available to Woolamai Beach SLSC to be used in broadcasts, telecasts, print and digital media, including the Woolamai Beach SLSC website, where such use relates to the club’s events and activities.
You may request the removal of any image of yourself or your child, or the use of your name, by notifying a Woolamai Beach SLSC committee member in writing. Woolamai Beach SLSC will be given a reasonable period of time to action such a request
Is there a daily barbeque?
Each day (except day 7), we will be selling sausages and soft drinks at Cleeland Bight. Please support this important fundraising initiative – All proceeds go to the Woolamai Beach SLSC.
How does the Nippers Raffle work?
The Nippers Raffle is a major fundraising activity for Nippers. This year, there is over $3,000 in prizes up for grabs!
Raffle winners will be drawn each day during Nippers, and winners will be contacted via text message.
There are lots of great prizes to be won, including vouchers to spend at local businesses. Additional tickets can be purchased from the admin tent at Cleeland Bight Beach.
Where can I buy club merch?
Club merch is a great way to show you’re a part of and supporting Woolamai Beach SLSC. It’s available at the pre-program rashie sale (2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Saturday, 27 December 2025) and at the Cleeland Beach Nippers program (Sunday 28 December – Sunday 4 January). Sales will be electronic only (no cash).
Merchandise is otherwise available at larger club events and by appointment (email merchandise@woolamaibeach.asn.au).
What does club membership include?
Now that you have joined Nippers, you and your children are members of the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club, and you are welcome to use the Club's facilities. The Club operates a bar upstairs, available to members and guests on occasional evenings throughout the school holiday period and on weekends through until Easter. We would like to welcome you to come and join us for a drink and enjoy the view.
Want to join the Nippers Committee?
The Nippers program is run entirely by volunteers, and we are now seeking parents and guardians who are interested in helping deliver the 2026/27 season by joining the Nippers Committee.
Being part of the committee is a great way to support the program, contribute to your child’s experience, and help shape the future of Nippers at Woolamai Beach SLSC. A range of roles are available, and support is provided—no prior committee experience is required.
If you are interested in getting involved or would like more information, please speak with a committee member or contact the Nippers Director, Heather Ridley, juniordevelopment@woolamaibeach.asn.au. We would love to have you on board.