Many of the activities that children participate in at nippers are conducted in open water, to ensure that all children have suitable swimming ability every junior member is required to complete a swim proficiency evaluation.
As permitted by Surf Life Saving Australia in instances where the pool swim proficiency evaluations cannot be completed by the Elouera Nippers Personnel, a qualified and accredited swim coach can sign off the pool swim proficiency. Swimming coaches are required to provide their Australian Swimming Teachers and Coaches Associate (ASTCA) number, name and email address. The completed form is to be scanned and emailed to the Elouera Nippers Surf Sports Manager at eloueranipperssurfsports@gmail.com
Pool Swim Proficiency Swim Coach Assessment
Every junior member is required to participate in this evaluation prior to any water-based activities being undertaken.
For U6 and U7 proficiency evaluations are completed on the first days of nippers
For U8 – U14 pool proficiency evaluations are completed on the specified registration days. Junior competition evaluations are completed in the first few weeks of normal nippers activity.
Proficiency Requirements
Under 6
From a standing position in waist deep water perform a front glide and recover to a secure position. Perform a back or front float holding a buoyancy aid and recover to a secure position.
Under 7
From a standing position in waist deep water perform a front glide, kick for 3m and recover to a secure position. Perform a back or front float for a few seconds and recover to a secure position.
Pool Swim Proficiency
Age Group |
Attempt Distance |
Minimum to be achieved |
Float Time Required |
Under 8 |
25m |
25m any stroke |
1 minute |
Under 9 |
200m |
25m any stroke |
1 minute |
Under 10 |
200m |
25m freestyle |
1.5 minute |
Under 11 |
200m |
50m freestyle |
2 minute |
Under 12 |
200m |
100m freestyle |
2 minute |
Under 13 |
200m |
150m freestyle |
3 minute |
Under 14 |
200m |
200m freestyle |
3 minute |
It is required that all children attempt the longer distance shown, so that it can be determined if additional attention in the surf is required.
Junior competition evaluations
From the Under 8 age group juniors can begin to compete in intra-club, inter-club and branch competition, while from the Under 9 age group juniors can participate in state competition.
To ensure that all junior members have the ability, strength and fitness standard to complete the courses they must be able to complete the junior competition evaluation for their age group.
Junior competition evaluations will be conducted after pool proficiency evaluations have been completed and held in the first few weeks of normal nippers activity.
Any competitor wishing to compete at carnivals (water or beach events) must have successfully completed:
Junior Preliminary Evaluation
Junior Competition Evaluation
Appropriate Surf Education award for their age group by 31 December 2019