All Nippers, Under 6’s to Under 14’s, need to complete an ANNUAL Preliminary Evaluation which includes a float, pool swim or both as part of their Nippers Registration. This ensures a minimum and safe standard of swimming and survival ability for water activities at Nippers.

All Nippers, Under 9’s to Under 14’s, need to complete an ANNUAL Competition Evaluation which includes an ocean swim, around a swim course, as part of their Nippers Registration. This ensures a minimum and safe standard of swimming and survival ability for water activities at Nippers.

• Preliminary Evaluation – this is a still water proficiency conducted for all junior members, Under 6’s to Under 14’s, at one of the local swimming pools, before the season begins. Check the season calendar for exact days and times.
•  Competition Evaluation – this is an ocean swim proficiency conducted for junior members, Under 9’s to Under 14’s, on Main Beach, during the first few weeks of Nippers.

There are specified days set at the beginning of each season for the Preliminary Evaluation and Competition Evaluation to be completed, which must be conducted under the supervision of SWRSLSC Delegates. There are additional times that these evaluations can be completed later on in the season.

Bring with you:

• Swimmers, cap, goggles and towel
• Compulsory Pink High-Vis Rashie – Competition Evaluation Only

For Under 6’s and Under 7’s – There will be other opportunities to complete the Preliminary Evaluation once Nippers starts.

For Under 8’s – Under 14’s – If your child does not meet the Preliminary Evaluation requirements, they will not be able to take part in any water activities at Nippers. They may take part in beach activities only until they have completed these requirements. There will be other opportunities to complete the Preliminary Evaluation once Nippers starts. 

If your child does not meet the Competition Evaluation requirements (Under 9’s – Under 14’s), they cannot take part in any water activities at Nippers, aside from the Wade, for now. There will be other opportunities to complete the Competition Evaluation once Nippers starts.

Many children feel nervous about the Competition Evaluation swim. There are plenty of other junior members completing the swim, as well as lots of water safety and older kids on hand to help calm their nerves. Children must do the swim unaided to be recognised as competent, but support will be nearby if needed.

Please do not push your child to do the Competition Evaluation swim if they are hesitant, scared or upset. Let them do the pool swim for now. Then come along to the first weeks of Nippers, where they can be encouraged and supported to become fully proficient.

The South West Rocks SLSC places the safety of members at the forefront of everything we do. We will not place any of our members in any hazardous conditions or high risk situations.