How to become a Qualified Nipper
This is the ultimate goal!
Becoming a qualified Nipper demonstrates competence at the given level.
In order to represent Fish Hoek Surf Lifesaving Club at the many annual Nippers competitions, Nippers will be required to become Qualified Nippers.
There are generally 4-5 opportunities for Nippers to qualify per season. The more training sessions a Nipper attends, the more confident the Nipper will become to pass their qualifications.
Achieve a swim time in a 25-meter pool to qualify to take the exam
The following times are required to be registered for the exam. This time must be taken by your swim coach or a Nipper coach.
U9 and U10 (Level 1) – 300m or 12 laps in 8 minutes
U11 and U12 (Level 2) – 400m or 16 laps in 10 minutes
U13 and U14 (Level 3) – 400m or 16 laps in 9 minutes
Ensure you are correctly registered with your club
To take the exam, Nippers must be registered with the club, have paid their subs and provide a copy of their birth certificate. There is a nominal cost for the exam. Please enquire directly regarding the cost.
Study the Red Nipper Handbook
Each age-group will be required to study the appropriate portion of the Red Nipper Handbook. The Handbook covers the Water Safety Rules, Basic First Aid, Lifesaving Flags, Lifesaving Signals and Water Skills.
Please ask the coach for a Nipper Handbook once your Nipper has been correctly registered with the club.
You can also find the online version of the Nipper Handbook by following the link below:
Attend a theory class
Our education officer will do a theory class the day before the exam. Don’t miss it, you’ll be told everything you need to know for the exam.
Exam Day
The location is announced on the Wednesday before the exam and the start time is usually 08h00. There will be Nippers from other clubs also taking the exam so Nippers must take the exam in their Team Fish Hoek kit – a Fish Hoek team costume and a Fish Hoek Nipper skull cap. The exam administrator will attend the exams with the Nippers.
Be sure that your club registration forms are filled in and subs paid (or arrangements for payment have been made) before the first competition.
