{"id":803,"date":"2026-09-02T04:21:46","date_gmt":"2026-09-02T04:21:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/symalnippers.wpenginepowered.com\/?page_id=803"},"modified":"2026-09-02T04:24:19","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T04:24:19","slug":"new-age-manager","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/symalnippers.com.au\/?page_id=803","title":{"rendered":"New Age Manager"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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For Age Managers<\/h1>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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New Age Manager? This is for you!<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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What does an Age Manager actually do?<\/h4>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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If someone at the club has asked you to be an Age Manager \u2014 or you\u2019ve put your hand up yourself \u2014 you might be wondering what you\u2019ve signed up for. Here\u2019s the honest version.<\/p>

An Age Manager is the person who leads a group of Nippers through their weekly beach sessions. You\u2019re not expected to be a lifesaving expert, a qualified coach, or a child development specialist. You\u2019re a volunteer who turns up on a Saturday morning, brings a bit of energy, and helps kids have a safe, fun time at the beach while they learn skills that could one day save a life.<\/p>

In practical terms, your role each week involves welcoming your group of Nippers and their parents, running through a session plan that mixes beach and water activities with games and education, working alongside Water Safety volunteers to make sure everything runs safely, keeping attendance and helping with preliminary evaluations during the season, and being the main point of contact between your age group and the club\u2019s Junior Activities Chairperson (JAC).<\/p>

You\u2019ll be supported by your JAC, your club\u2019s Water Safety Supervisor, and other Age Managers. You\u2019re not doing this alone \u2014 you\u2019re part of a team.<\/p>

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The official bit...<\/h4>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The official bit:\u00a0<\/strong>To become an Age Manager, you\u2019ll need to be a financial member of your club, be at least 16 years of age, hold a valid Blue Card (if you\u2019re 18 or over), complete the Child Safe Awareness (CSA) and Child Youth Risk Management Strategies (CYRMS) online modules, and complete the SLSQ Age Manager Course. If you\u2019ve held the award before but haven\u2019t been active for five or more years, you\u2019ll need to redo the full course. Otherwise, returning AMs just need to complete the annual proficiency video through SLSA, which automatically updates your accreditation in SurfGuard.<\/p>

That\u2019s it. Once those boxes are ticked, you\u2019re ready. Everything else \u2014 the games, the session structure, the confidence \u2014 that all builds week by week. And we\u2019ve built this hub to help you get there.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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What your first Symal Nippers morning will look like<\/h4>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Your first Saturday can feel like a lot. Here\u2019s a realistic picture of how the morning will flow so you know what to expect.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Before you arrive<\/h6>

Check the weather and surf conditions. If conditions are extreme, your club may cancel or modify the session \u2014 your JAC or club communications will let you know. Pack your hat, sunscreen (SPF 50+ minimum, applied at least 15 minutes before sun exposure), water bottle, and your Age Manager lanyard and uniform. Have a loose plan for your session \u2014 even if it\u2019s just picking two or three games from the Games Manual.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Arriving at the beach (around 30\u201345 minutes before the session)<\/h6>

Find your JAC or the Water Safety Supervisor and check in. The Water Safety Supervisor will be completing the Aquatic Risk Check and Management Form \u2014 this is the mandatory risk assessment that must be done before any water-based activities start. They\u2019ll assess the surf conditions, current, wind, hazards, and set up the water arenas accordingly. You don\u2019t need to complete this form yourself, but it\u2019s good to know it\u2019s happening and to ask about any conditions that might affect your age group.<\/p>\n

Sign on using your club\u2019s system (this might be a patrol logbook, a sign-on sheet, or the Nipper App). Make sure all your Water Safety personnel are signed on too. Help with beach set-up if needed \u2014 tents, flags, gear.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Session time (typically 60\u201390 minutes)<\/h6>

Gather your group. Do a quick roll call using the attendance sheet or the Nipper App. Introduce yourself if it\u2019s early in the season. Give a brief rundown of what you\u2019ll be doing \u2014 keep it simple and enthusiastic.<\/p>\n

A typical session might include a warm-up activity or game on the sand, a water-based skill or activity (with Water Safety in position \u2014 remember the minimum ratio is 1 qualified Water Safety officer for every 5 Nippers in the water), an educational component from the age award curriculum, and a fun game to finish. The recommended on-beach supervision ratio is 2 leaders to 20 participants \u2014 ideally one male and one female where possible.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t worry about getting every element perfect. If the water gets closed, pivot to sand games. If the kids are restless, scrap the plan and play something fun. If a child is hesitant about the water, that\u2019s okay \u2014 let them participate at their own pace. The Games Manual and our factsheet library are full of ideas for exactly these moments.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Wrapping up<\/h6>

Gather your group, do a quick headcount, thank the parents and Water Safety volunteers, and remind families about next week. Make sure everyone is accounted for before you pack down. If any incidents occurred during the session, report them to your JAC or Water Safety Supervisor.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s it. Your first morning is done. It gets easier and more fun every single week.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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When things don't go to plan<\/h4>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Things will go sideways at some point. That\u2019s completely normal. Here are four situations you\u2019re likely to face, and what to do about them.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tScenario 1: The water gets closed mid-session<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/i><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t
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This happens regularly \u2014 conditions can change quickly. Your Water Safety Supervisor will make the call based on the risk assessment.<\/p>

What to do: Calmly tell your group that the water is closed for safety reasons and that you\u2019re switching to sand activities. Have 2\u20133 backup sand games in mind from the Games Manual. Frame it positively: \u201cWe\u2019re going to do something different and fun today.\u201d<\/p>

Remember: The kids will follow your energy. If you\u2019re calm and upbeat, they will be too.<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSession 2: A child is upset, scared, or refusing to participate<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/i><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t
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This is especially common with younger Nippers (U6\/U7) and early in the season when everything is new.<\/p>

What to do: Don\u2019t force them. Sit with them or ask a parent to stay close. Offer a smaller, less intimidating version of the activity \u2014 for example, walking along the water\u2019s edge instead of wading. Let them watch for a while. Use encouraging language without pressure: \u201cYou can try it when you\u2019re ready \u2014 there\u2019s no rush.\u201d<\/p>

Remember: Building confidence takes time. A child who feels safe this week is more likely to try next week.<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tScenario 3: A parent is unhappy or challenging your approach<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/i><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t
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Maybe they think the session is too easy, too hard, or they disagree with a safety decision. It happens.<\/p>

What to do: Stay calm and listen. Acknowledge their concern: \u201cI hear you \u2014 thanks for raising that.\u201d Explain your reasoning briefly, especially if it relates to safety ratios or conditions. If you can\u2019t resolve it on the spot, let them know you\u2019ll raise it with your JAC. Don\u2019t get drawn into a debate on the beach \u2014 the session and the other children need your attention.<\/p>

Remember: You\u2019re a volunteer doing your best. If a situation feels uncomfortable, talk to your JAC after the session. They\u2019re there to support you.<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tScenario 4: You're short on Water Safety Volunteers<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/i><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t
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The minimum ratio is 1 qualified Water Safety officer per 5 Nippers in the water. If you don\u2019t have enough coverage, you cannot run water activities.<\/p>

What to do: Check with other age groups \u2014 can anyone share Water Safety? Ask if any parents on the beach hold a Bronze Medallion or Surf Rescue Certificate (or the newer Nipper Safety Assistant award) and are willing to step in. If you still can\u2019t meet the ratio, run a sand-only session. Never compromise on water safety numbers.<\/p>

Remember: Running a great sand session because you made the safe call is always the right decision.<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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You've got this!<\/h4>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Every experienced Age Manager was once exactly where you are now \u2014 reading through information, wondering if they\u2019d be any good at it, hoping the kids would listen.<\/p>

Here\u2019s what they\u2019d tell you: the kids don\u2019t need you to be perfect. They need you to be there. They need someone who\u2019s kind, who makes it fun, and who cares enough to show up on a Saturday morning. That\u2019s already you.<\/p>

You\u2019ll learn the games as you go. You\u2019ll get better at reading the conditions, managing the group, and thinking on your feet. By mid-season, you\u2019ll wonder why you were ever nervous.<\/p>

And you won\u2019t be doing it alone. Your JAC, your Water Safety Supervisor, the other Age Managers at your club, and this entire resource hub are here to back you up. If you\u2019re ever stuck, reach out. No question is too small.

Check out all the resources aimed to support you here.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Find your closest club and get started with Symal Nippers<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tGet Started Today\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For Age Managers New Age Manager? This is for you! What does an Age Manager actually do? If someone at the club has asked you to be an Age Manager \u2014 or you\u2019ve put your hand up yourself \u2014 you might be wondering what you\u2019ve signed up for. Here\u2019s the honest version. An Age Manager […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-803","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/symalnippers.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/803","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/symalnippers.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/symalnippers.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/symalnippers.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/symalnippers.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=803"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/symalnippers.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/803\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":809,"href":"https:\/\/symalnippers.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/803\/revisions\/809"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/symalnippers.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=803"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}