Nippers returns!
Update: 14 November 2021
Nippers registrations are now closed and any new applications will not be accepted. Please contact the office if you have any queries in relation to a returning Nipper.
Nippers commenced on Sunday 14 November 2021 for all age groups. See Nippers timetable here.
Please click the links below for more information:
For troubleshooting assistance with the SLSA Members Area, check out the User Guide where you can search by topic.
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THESE DOCUMENTS AND GUIDES. Registration can be confusing but queries cause significant delays. Once you complete the process, note registration is not automatic. It is a surprisingly manual process at the back end and takes time. Be assured that we're working hard to confirm your membership as soon as we can. Once we have finalised your membership, you will receive a confirmation email from us.
Age Groups
Any child may join Nippers once they have turned five years old. Age group is determined as at 30 September each year:
| Age Group | Cap Colour | Date of Birth |
| Under 6
| Royal Blue | 01 October 2015 – 30 September 2016 |
| Under 7 | Yellow | 01 October 2014 – 30 September 2015 |
| Under 8 | Sky Blue | 01 October 2013 – 30 September 2014 |
| Under 9 | Bottle Green | 01 October 2012 – 30 September 2013 |
| Under 10 | Purple | 01 October 2011 – 30 September 2012 |
| Under 11 | Fluoro Pink | 01 October 2010 – 30 September 2011 |
| Under 12 | Orange | 01 October 2009 – 30 September 2010 |
| Under 13 | Fluoro Green | 01 October 2008 – 30 September 2009 |
| Under 14 | Red | 01 October 2007 – 30 September 2008 |
Before any new registrations can be finalised, proof-of-age must be sighted by the club.
Proficiency swim requirements
At Nippers, we don’t teach your child to swim – we expect that they are taking lessons or are in squads. From U8, it is an SLSA requirement that all Nippers complete an annual pool ‘proficiency’ swim before they can participate in the Nipper program.
| Age Group | Pool Proficiency Requirement |
| Under 6 | From standing in waist deep water:
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| Under 7 | From standing in waist deep water:
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| Under 8 | 50m swim. 1 minute survival float |
| Under 9 | 150m pool swim (continuous freestyle) in 6 minutes |
| Under 10 | 200m pool swim (continuous freestyle) in 6 minutes |
| Under 11 | 200m pool swim (continuous freestyle) in 5:30 minutes |
| Under 12 | 200m pool swim (continuous freestyle) in 5 minutes |
| Under 13 | 200m pool swim (continuous freestyle) in 4:30 minutes |
| Under 14 | 200m pool swim (continuous freestyle) in 4:30 minutes |
From U9, all Nippers must also complete an annual untimed ocean proficiency swim on the first day of Nippers.
Proficiencies are overseen by Age Managers. Unfortunately, they cannot be signed off by external swim coaches.