When did it all begin?
In 1969 the first nipper squad was formed at Pirates Surf Lifesaving Club and was also the start of the first Basic Nipper Course, designed to teach young boys and girls the fundamental principles of surf safety. The first Basic Course for the Nippers attracted a total of 200 youngsters, eager to learn.
On completion of the course, the Nippers were examined and successful candidates received a certificate and a badge. This entitled them to enter the next courses, being the Intermediate and Advanced. After successfully completing all three courses, at the age of 15 they are then able to train to become Junior Lifesavers and can begin doing patrol duty on beaches.

Lifesaving South Africa’s Nipper movement was founded in 1972. Surf Nippers now boasts a membership of over 1200. Stillwater Nippers started in 1994 and has over 500 members. The Nipper activities have become one of the most successful child development and sporting programmes within South Africa.

The important prerequisite to remember is that Clubs do not undertake to teach the "Nippers" basic swimming. On joining they are tested on their swimming ability and then encouraged to join swimming clubs in order to improve themselves.
The Lifesaving Clubs’ main function is to teach the youngster respect for the water and give them confidence in the aquatic environment (especially the sea). No Nipper, however, is allowed to be part of the voluntary patrols which do duty on our beaches.
By having the Nipper Sections in our movement, a greater parental interest has developed and parents are often involved in the fundraising and administrative duties of the clubs. It cannot be emphasized enough that the Nipper Movement is completely voluntary and relies on public contributors to cover all expenses.

What are the Aims & Objectives?

What about Membership?
Nipper Members are boys and girls between the ages of 8 to 14 years, belonging to a Surf or Stillwater Lifesaving Club. Each age group annually completes either the Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 award. Before attempting these awards the nipper does an Entrance test.

How to become a Nipper Member?
To become a Nipper you will have to first join a Surf or Stillwater Lifesaving Club in your area and then pass a test called the ENTRANCE TEST. This test is done by both Surf and Stillwater nippers. After passing this test you are eligible to do the Nipper Awards and participate in other fun nipper activities.

What does the ENTRANCE TEST require?
1. A 100m swim in less than 3 minutes without stopping, in a swimming pool.
2. Treading water continuously for 5 minutes.
3. Retrieve an object 1.5 metes deep in a pool.

What are the Nipper Awards?
Lifesaving qualifications are referred to as ‘Awards. The awards for Nippers are called Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 and are taken according to a nipper’s age:

What are the NIPPER ACTIVITIES?
The emphasis is on participation and fun. Activities include: - surf safety, surfing, body board paddling, knee board paddling, beach activities, first-aid and pool events. Clubs participate in Inter - Club, National Championships, Fun Carnivals, and Interprovincial Championships. Being a part of a Lifesaving SA Club can be an enjoyable experience for the whole family, as parent participation is encouraged and welcomed. Most Surf Clubs conduct their activities each Sunday morning whereas the Stillwater clubs train on a week day. The summer months are taken up by competition, and the winter months are for learning and participation in fun carnivals.

More Information on how to Join?
To become part of an exciting Nipper Club and enjoy the fun in the sun and on the beach activities, you do not need to be a champion swimmer or runner, you just need to have fun and participate in the exciting nipper activities. Interested in having fun in the sun? Then contact Lifesaving South Africa.
Address: Surf House, 35 Livingstone Road, Durban, 4001.
Tel.: 031-3129251 Fax: 031-3125612