Check your club’s communication channels (Facebook page, group chat, or app) for any updates about the day. If conditions are extreme — very high surf, storms, or excessive heat — the session may be modified or cancelled. Apply sunscreen to your child at least 15 minutes before you leave home.
Head to your club’s usual set-up area. You’ll see tents, flags, and volunteers in uniforms getting things ready. Find your child’s age group — there will usually be signs or a meeting point for each group. Introduce yourself and your child to the Age Manager if it’s your first time. Make sure your child is signed in (your Age Manager will handle attendance).
The Age Manager will gather the group, do a roll call, and explain what’s planned for the day. A typical session includes a warm-up game or activity on the sand, a water-based activity (with qualified Water Safety volunteers positioned in the water — you’ll see them in orange rash vests), an educational component where kids learn about beach safety, ocean awareness, or lifesaving skills, and a fun game.
For the youngest age groups (U6 and U7), sessions are shorter and gentler. Water activities are in shallow water only — generally between the child’s waist and knee height. There’s no competition at all for these age groups — it’s purely about having fun, making friends, and getting comfortable at the beach. U6 and U7 Nippers also wear a distinctive bright cap (such as fluorescent green) so they’re easy to identify.
If the water gets closed during the session because of changing conditions, your child’s Age Manager will switch to sand-based activities. This happens regularly and is a completely normal part of Nippers.
The Age Manager will gather the group for a final headcount and wrap-up. This is a good time to check in with your child — ask them what they enjoyed, what they learned, and whether they’re looking forward to next week. Keep an eye on club communications for updates about the following session.
