Woodside Nipper News

by | Tue, 22 Sep 2026 | General, Nippers

We are excited!
As the start of the summer surf season rapidly approaches, Albany Surf Life Saving Club is a hive of activity. Our dedicated volunteers are preparing for a busy season in the surf, on the beach, in the clubhouse and across the state. Surf skis are waxed, outboard motors are tuned, the canteen and Bebe’s bar are well stocked, and the coffee machine is fired up. Water safety crews will be briefed, sunscreen purchased, bathers elastic snapped into shape and spiders shaken from our bucket hats…
It’s going to be big!
When: First Nippers session is Sunday 1 November, 9am. (Arrive a little early please)
Where: In front of the Albany Surf Life Saving Clubhouse, Middleton Beach
Bring: Sunhat, sunscreen, water bottle, bathers, towel, swimming goggles
Have you registered your Nipper?

Age Group Manager | Age Group Assistant meeting

If you are signed up to be an AGM or AGA this year, or you are considering stepping up, we
will be meeting to discuss the role and season ahead.
When: 11 October, 4.30pm
Where: ASLSC clubhouse, upstairs

Registrations

Albany Surf Life Saving Club invites new members and returning clubbies to join us every
Sunday morning at Middleton Beach for a ripper Woodside Nippers summer season!
With a strong emphasis on water safety, inclusion and community, there is something for
everyone. No beach experience is necessary, but a minimum level of swimming ability is
required.
Registrations are open for the 2026/27 season, for kids aged 5-13yrs.

Register – Albany Surf Life Saving Club

Nippers Curious? 

Not sure if Nippers is for you? Why not come down one Sunday morning to watch and find
out more. nippers@albanysurfclub.com.au
*Due to insurance and swimming proficiency requirements, Albany Surf Life Saving Club is unable to offer a try-for-a-day option. To participate, all Nippers must be registered.

Nippers Proficiency Swim 

Before hitting the beach, all Woodside Nippers are required to complete a proficiency
swim.
When: 25 October, 10am until 12 noon
Where: ALAC (Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre)
Why?: Albany Surf Life Saving Club requires all Woodside Nippers to meet a minimum standard of
swimming competency as part of our duty of care. Required competency skills are age
appropriate and increase with age.

Age Group Managers and Age Group Assistants – Volunteers Needed 

We are still looking for AGM and AGA’s for the upcoming season:
U8s: AGA required!
U9s: AGM and AGA required!
If you are in Youth, this is an opportunity to fulfill your pathways. Parents and guardians
consider it, you won’t regret it!
Please contact nippers@albanysurfclub.com.au to express your interest. These roles are so much fun and very rewarding!

Sundowner and Gear Collection

The inaugural Sundowner of the season kicks off at our beautiful newly completed clubhouse.
It’s all ages and family friendly- bring a picnic or purchase food and beverages at the club.
Enjoy the sunset while reconnecting with fellow clubbies and welcoming new members.
Families can collect their Nippers kits, including age group caps, at this event.
When: Friday 30 October. Time TBC
Where: Upstairs at Bebe’s Bulk Bar (and surrounds of clubhouse)

Note to Parents and Guardians

A parent or guardian is required to remain on the beach for your Nipper’s session.
It is highly recommended to get involved! Your Nipper’s Age Group Manager and Age Group
Assistant will need support, and it’s fun!
You can help by carrying gear, doing head counts, mustering, moral support, recording and
supervision.
Other parent volunteer roles include Water Safety (Nippers Rescue Certificate), officiating,
canteen, bar, Age Group Managers and Age Group Assistants, set up and pack up, and
many more!
Not sure how to help? Just ask! There are so many roles to suit every skill set.

reach out to nippers@albanysurfclub.com.au to assist

Nippers Rescue Certificate (NRC)

There will be a number of opportunities to complete your NRC. This means you can get into
the water on Sunday mornings to provide water safety for our Nippers.
What? The Nipper Rescue Certificate involves a short ocean swim of approximately 400m,
a briefing on surf safety hand and rescue signals, and a brief rescue role play scenario. It
takes approximately 40 minutes and is completed immediately after the Sunday morning
Nippers session. Easy!
When and where? Watch this space…

HouseKeeping

If you have an orange water safety rashie at home, please return it to the clubhouse. This
year, water safety rashies will be returned at the end of each session to be hung and dried.
It’s going to be an exciting season!
We are looking forward to seeing all your smiling faces on the beach very
soon!
Please direct enquiries to office@albanysurfclub.com.au