Nipper Proficiencies
Surf Life Saving Australia, sets certain criteria that Nippers need to achieve. These requirements are purely in the interest of children’s safety. The three tests are set as “targets” for each age group to achieve. The tests are voluntary and nippers can attempt each level at any time during the season when they feel they are ready. However, it is the overriding aim of Soldiers Beach SLSC to coach each nipper to the stage where they pass the tests as this achieves our aim of making them “surf safe”. Therefore, for safety reasons, nippers are restricted in the water events that they can participate in until they have successfully negotiated the tests.
Proficiencies must be completed by 31st December 2008
The 1st level — The Preliminary Evaluation:
This test is conducted at a swimming pool and consists of a pool swim and a float. The length of the swim and the duration of the float depend on the age of the nipper as shown in the table below. Nippers MUST pass this level before they can participate in ANY water-based training or water-based activities in the open water — this includes the run-swim-run. Children who have not yet passed this level are strongly encouraged to attend private learn to swim classes throughout the season.
The 2nd level — Timed Pool Swim:
This test is conducted at a swimming pool and can be attempted on any Tuesday Nippers swim training night during the season. Additionally, a specific day has been set aside to complete this test on Saturday 14th October 2006 at The test involves swimming 200 metres (8 X 25M laps) within the time limit as shown in the table below. If a nipper passes this test prior to attempting Level 1 then they are deemed to have passed Level 1. This test must be completed prior to the Nipper being allowed to compete “around the cans” on Nipper Sundays. Forms are available if you wish to have this signed off at your own swimming squad.
The 3rd level — The Run Swim Run:
This test is conducted at the Beach and consists of a run, followed by a short swim in the surf, followed by a final run. The distances of each component are again dependant upon the Age of the Nippers as shown in the table below. The distance of the swim leg is measured from waist deep water, out and around the buoys. This proficiency needs to be completed prior to competition at any carnival. Nippers are encouraged to complete this test as soon as possible and will be given the opportunity to undertake this test throughout the season. To attempt this test, Nippers must first pass Level 1 or Level 2.
Preliminary Evaluation |
Timed Pool Swim | Run/Swim/Run | |||||||
| Age | Swim | Survival Float | Age | Swim | Time | Age | Distances | ||
| U8 | 25m any stroke | 1min | U8 | nil | n/a | U8 | 50m/50m/50m | ||
| U9 | 25m any stroke | 1.5min | U9 | 200m pool swim | 6min | U9 | 50m/100m/50m | ||
| U10 | 25m freestyle | 2min | U10 | 200m pool swim | 6min | U10 | 50m/100m/50m | ||
| U11 | 50m freestyle | 2min | U11 | 200m pool swim | 5min | U11 | 50m/100m/50m | ||
| U12 | 100m freestyle | 2min | U12 | 200m pool swim | 5min | U12 | 50m/100m/50m | ||
| U13 | 150m freestyle | 2min | U13 | 200m pool swim | 5min | U13 | 100m/100m/100m | ||
| U14 | 200m freestyle | 2min | U14 | 200m pool swim | 5min | U14 | 100m/100m/100m | ||