Lifesaving qualifications are referred to as ‘Awards’. The Awards for Nippers are called Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 and are taken according to a Nipper’s age-group – under 10,12 or 14.
Nippers at each Level are required to do a run-swim-run, and are tested orally on their water safety rules, basic personal first aid, lifesaving signals and other lifesaving rules. There is no written test. The tests are usually done at Marine SLC at 08h00 on a Sunday morning.
There are usually children from lots of other clubs being tested at the same time. All the Nippers do the run-swim- run together. You do not do it on your own and we will not send you to be tested until we know you are ready. You need to do a new Level each time you change age groups – this is usually every two years if you start an age group in the first season.
BEFORE YOU CAN TAKE THE NIPPER LEVEL AWARDS
Each child joining the Club needs to do a Pool Competency Test every year. This is for both competency and safety but is also essential if you wish to enter competitions. The Club does a group swim every year and if you cannot make this day, you can ask your swimming coach to time the distance you need to swim and sign off on the Pool Swim Form supplied by the Club.After passing this test you are eligible to do the Nipper Level Awards and participate in the Competitions (Carnivals)