Our Nippers
Nippers (Ages 8 to 14)
The Nippers programme at Llandudno Surf Lifesaving Club (LSLC) offers a fun, engaging introduction to surf safety, beach fitness, and friendly competition. It is designed to support the development of future lifesavers in a safe and encouraging environment.
What age group is my Nipper?
All Nippers need to have turned 8 years of age by 1 October in that year.
Our Objectives
- We aim to provide the best possible lifesaving experience for all children, with the intention of encouraging long-term, active participation in the club.
- We teach surf safety to help ensure that every child understands how to stay safe while enjoying the beach environment.
- We promote a team-focused culture that encourages leadership, camaraderie, teamwork, and enjoyment.
- We support the social, emotional, and physical development of each child within a healthy and safe setting.
Training Sessions
Nippers training takes place on Llandudno Beach during the season, which runs from October to May, in line with the official lifeguard patrol season.
Wednesdays: Evening training sessions
Sundays: Morning training sessions
All training times and updates are shared at the start of each season through the club’s communication platforms.
How to Join the Nippers
The 2025/26 season kicks off in September/October. Due to limitations around facilities and the need to always ensure sea safety, we cap the number of Nippers that we can accommodate. We aim to register new Nippers on a “first come, first serve” basis, provided the appropriate age groups have places available and submit a passed swim test. Please note that we do hold back a few places for Nippers who will add value to certain teams and/or age groups at the discretion of the Nipper Officer.
Parent Participation
Nippers is run entirely by volunteers who tend to be mostly Nipper parents. Without the help and support of parents there would be no Nippers, hence our strong encouragement to get all parents and guardians to join.
There are many ways to participate and volunteer whether in the water, on land, fundraising or lending a helping hand keeping our children fed and hydrated.
What does a NIPPER wear?
Nippers are required to wear the navy LSLC swimming costume/jammers and a thicker warmer wetsuit which is referred to as a 4/3. Bring a towel, goggles, silicon swimming cap, sunblock, water and a snack to the beach. At training sessions, Nippers will be given colourful skullcaps to ensure their visibility in the water and distinguish between age groups.
The compulsory LSA (Lifesaving South Africa) kit when competing, must wear their club costume, neon pink lifesaving rash vest and LSLC skullcap.
All kit is available for sale at the clubhouse on most Sunday mornings.