Our Junior Activities program, the Stingrays, is the heart of the Woonona SLSC community. We provide a safe, organized, and fun environment for children aged 5 to 14 to develop essential surf safety and survival skills.
Many of our families view Nippers as a vital investment in their child’s future. Beyond the Sunday morning fun, this program gives parents the confidence that as their children grow up, they will have the knowledge and ability to handle themselves in challenging surf conditions. At Woonona, we aren’t just teaching kids to swim; we are teaching them to respect the ocean, understand the environment, and look out for one another.
We equip kids with “surf sense.”
The skills they learn at Woonona stay with them long after they leave the flags.
Skills like; reading a rip, managing a board, and understanding the water.
For those who love the thrill of the race, we support participation in local and state carnivals.
However, at Woonona, we celebrate participation and personal bests as much as podium finishes.
Nippers is a community effort, not a “drop-off” activity.
To ensure the safety of our kids, at least one parent or guardian must remain on the beach during the session.
Our club thrives on the energy of our parents, and there are many ways to get involved that suit your schedule and interest.
We believe the beach belongs to everyone.
We welcome children of all abilities, nationalities, and backgrounds.
We are committed to making the Stingrays a place where every child feels they belong.
Nippers is all about giving kids aged 5 to 14 a fun, active reason to love the beach, while they pick up lifesaving and surf skills that will stay with them forever. It’s a safe, supportive space where learning and play go hand in hand.
We run our sessions every fortnight from October through to March, taking a well-earned break over Christmas so families can enjoy the holidays.
Our amazing team of trained volunteers guides the kids through it all: sun and surf safety, wading, swimming, board paddling, first aid, and even lifesaving skills like CPR and water rescues. Every session is a chance for your little ones to grow more confident in and around the water.
Nippers isn’t just for the kids, though. Although not compulsory – nippers only runs because parents get involved too, whether that’s helping out with beach activities or working towards your own milestones like a Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion.
Please note: We are not a drop off activities service you are required to stay on the beach while your kids are doing their activities.
At heart, we’re a family club, and we’d love for you to be part of it. There are so many ways to pitch in throughout the year, and honestly, there’s nothing quite like being out there on the sand with your kids as they learn, laugh, and grow.
The Stingrays meet fortnightly on Sunday mornings throughout the summer season.
We gather at the clubhouse at 9:30 AM for a 10:00 AM start
To ensure everyone’s safety, every Nipper must complete a preliminary skills evaluation (pool swim and float).
This ensures they are comfortable and capable before they begin activities in the surf.
The Season runs from:
Sunday 18th of October
Until:
Sunday 28th of March
For families who want to take things a step further, Nippers and Surf Lifesaving members have the chance to compete in a range of exciting carnivals from September right through to April.
These run locally and interstate, giving kids and adults alike the opportunity to test their skills, meet new friends from other clubs, and be part of the bigger surf lifesaving community.
Highlights on the calendar include the Sydney Water Surf Series, the Australian Interstate Championships, and the iconic Aussies Championships, catering to everyone from seven-year-olds all the way up to our incredible Masters competitors aged 75 and beyond.
Competing is never compulsory, it’s simply there for those who’d love to give it a go. Any child taking part will need to be accompanied by a parent on the day, and because these carnivals are proudly powered by volunteers, we’d love for parents to get involved and lend a hand wherever they can.
Keep an eye on our website closer to each date for more details, and check out our carnival calendar and blog posts for specific information on each event.
How to Join: Registration is managed via the SLSA Members Area
Joining our club means more than just being part of a surf lifesaving team.
It’s about embracing a lifestyle of service, growth, and fun.
We welcome members of all ages and backgrounds, whether you’re a seasoned lifesaver or just starting your journey.
Note: At least one parent must also join as a member of Woonona SLSC per nipper family. Every child and parent register as a member online individually – if there are multiple members of the family registering Woonona SLSC also offer a family membership.
Children and parents need to register. New members – Online registration and payment go to https://hub.sls.com.au/sign-up
Enter required details for your child/children and, at least, one parent – please make payment before logging out.
Please Note: All new members must show identification – either their birth certificate/passport/licence – PLEASE FORWARD A COPY TO woononaregistrar@gmail.com
Existing Members – Online registration and payment go to https://members.sls.com.au
Check your contact details (particularly email addresses and phone numbers) are correct, renew membership and make payment. Need help:
Go to Members Area User Guide
IMPORTANT: PAY MEMBERSHIP FEES FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD/CHILDREN BEFORE YOU LOG OUT OF THE MEMBERSHIP SYSTEM.
All Nippers must be registered with Woonona SLSC prior to participating at Nippers or any associated events.
Children must have obtained the age of 5 years by 30 September of the current season before they can become a Nipper member.
Individual Child: $65
General: $65
Active Senior: $65
Associate: $65
Family Membership: $170
We like to see our nippers in uniform because it promotes a sense of belonging to the Woonona SLSC.
There are 2 mandatory items that you will need to purchase: – Pink high visibility singlet – Woonona club cap and/or Age Group colour cap.
Skull caps are green for under 6’s and under 7’s, other age groups wear the white skull cap with two black stripes. This allows us to identify and organise our nippers safely in the water and on the beach.
Other items of the uniform include WSLSC swimmers.
The skull cap forms an important part of our safety routine. At the start of each Nippers session, the cap goes on our Nipper’s Head and the parent signs the Nipper in. That way, if we see a child with a cap looking lost or unaccompanied, we will ensure they are looked after. Same in reverse at the end of the session.
The pink singlet is simply to ensure high visibility in the surf and on the beach and is essential.
Nippers is our fun, friendly program for kids aged between five and 14, designed to build confidence in the water while teaching real lifesaving and surf skills. As they grow through the program, Nippers can go on to earn their Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) and become active surf lifesaving members, carrying what they’ve learned into a lifetime of looking after others at the beach.
There are so many reasons families love being part of Nippers. Kids build real lifesaving skills that could one day save a life, grow in confidence every time they hit the sand and water, and make lasting friendships along the way. It’s also a wonderful chance for the whole family to get involved, with plenty of opportunities for parents to join in too. And for the kids who stick with it, Nippers opens the door to earning their Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) and stepping into active surf lifesaving membership as they get older.
Nippers runs every second Sunday morning from 18th of October through to 28th March, it’s a fortnightly commitment rather than every week.
We ask everyone to arrive by 9:30am ready for a 10am start, with sessions wrapping up somewhere between 11am and midday.
AGE GROUPS FOR 2026-2027 SEASON
Your child doesn’t need to be a strong swimmer to join Nippers, but every child does complete a simple water evaluation before getting started.
This isn’t about ruling anyone out, it just helps us understand each child’s comfort and ability in the water, so we know exactly who might need a little extra support alongside our volunteers.
We’re proud to welcome all kids into Nippers, including those with disabilities, and we’ll always work with your family to make sure your child feels safe and included.
Membership costs vary by age group and family structure. at least one parent must also join as a member of Woonona SLSC per nipper family. Every child and parent register as a member online individually.
Family packages are also available if you have more than one little one joining in the fun.
Individual Child: $65
General: $65
Active Senior: $65
Associate: $65
Family Membership: $170
Ready to see your kids gain the ultimate beach confidence?
Check our current calendar for the next session or head to the registration portal to join the crew.
Proudly supporting
Woonona Surf Club
With NO Lives Lost at Woonona Beach whilst on patrol.
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Woonona Surf Lifesaving Club Kurraba Rd, Woonona NSW 2517
In the event of an emergency on the beach, please call Triple Zero and request NSW Police assistance.
© Woonona Surf Life Saving Club 2026 |
Woonona SLSC Patrols
Please check your patrol dates and shift times below. Download the full roster and keep a copy handy for the season.
Roster details may be updated during the season. Please check club communications for any changes.
13 rostered shifts
13 rostered shifts
8 rostered shifts
8 rostered shifts
9 rostered shifts
9 rostered shifts
Woonona SLSC Surf Sports
Below is the current Surf Sports calendar guide for the 2025/26 season. Some events and locations may still be subject to confirmation, so please check with the Surf Sports team before making final plans.
The Sydney Water Series dates have been updated. Locations are still to be advised.
Woonona SLSC Hall Hire
Please review the key terms of hire before submitting your booking request. Bookings are not confirmed until the Application to Hire form is completed and all required fees and bond monies are received by the Hall Manager.
Important
TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF OUR FACILITY AND RESPECT FOR OUR NEIGHBOURS, WE DO NOT TAKE BOOKINGS FOR 18TH OR 21ST BIRTHDAY PARTIES.
Regular Hourly Hire is available to organisations and individuals who book the hall for a minimum of six (6) sessions.
This category is intended for ongoing weekday bookings, such as fitness classes, community groups and regular meetings.
Weekend Function Hire is available for private functions and events and is charged on an all-day basis for Saturday and/or Sunday.
Woonona SLSC Committee reserves the right to not approve an application or to cancel the agreement for any breach of policy or procedures. Failure to comply may give Woonona SLSC the right to recover amounts due or cancel future bookings.
Confirmation of booking is made when the deposit and a signed, completed Hall Hire Agreement have been received by the due date.
Woonona SLSC Hall Hire
Your hall hire includes furniture, audio visual equipment, kitchen access, cleaning items and basic amenities to help you prepare for your event.
Tablecloths, cutlery, crockery, glassware, tea/coffee cups, kitchen utensils, decorations and storage space are not included.
