At North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club, we believe that every child living in Australia should learn surf safety. Signing the kids up for our Juniors program is the best way to meet that objective. Surf lifesaving for children is more than just about improving their awareness of surf safety. It also promotes fitness, surf sports skills, teamwork, improving self confidence, leadership skills, friendships, and is great fun too.
The North Wollongong Junior Surf Life Saving Club is known as the North Wollongong Sandpipers and children aged from 5 to 14 years can join. The Sandpipers program runs from October to March every Sunday morning from 9am to 11am. Children and parents/guardians meet on the grass outside the club at 9am where announcements are made. Parents sign their children in for the day and then are required to remain at the beach. The Club is a volunteer organization and Sandpipers is no different in that parents are encouraged to get involved. It is particularly important for parents/guardians who are able to attain a Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion to volunteer to assist with water activities. Other volunteer roles are available - please see Volunteering for ways you can contribute to the Club.
Grouped according to their age and led by a qualified Age Manager, children learn about surf safety, develop surf sport skills, including competing as individuals and in teams, and enjoy other fun activities.
The atmosphere is friendly and we have social activities throughout the season that the whole family can enjoy.
Last summer over 250 children from age 5 through to 14 joined in the fun at North Wollongong Sandpipers, making North Wollongong one of the strongest Junior Clubs in the Illawarra. If you would like your children to become Sandpipers, see Become a Sandpiper (Nipper) for more information on family membership.
Sandpiper History
North Wollongong Junior SLSC is proud to be one of the first clubs in the Illawarra region to start the Junior Movement. Ron Middleton was the main force behind creating a nipper movement. When Mr Middleton passed away a Memorial Shield was established in his honour and Mrs Middleton presented it on presentation day to the competitor of the year. The legacy lives on with this prestigious award.