What ages are Nippers, and how is my child's age group worked out?
Rule- South Africa
- Lifesaving South Africa
- Nippers
- U9-U14
- Surf lifesaving
- LSA Competition Manual 17th ed
- 2022/23
- Parents
Under the LSA Competition Manual (17th edition, Section 3.6):
- The competition season runs from 1 October to 30 September.
- A competitor's age group is their age at midnight on 30 September of that calendar year.
- The minimum age to compete as a Nipper is 8, and the Nipper must hold a Level 1 award.
| Age on 30 September | Age group |
|---|---|
| 8 | U9 |
| 9 | U10 |
| 10 | U11 |
| 11 | U12 |
| 12 | U13 |
| 13 | U14 |
At 14, a member may attempt the Junior Lifeguard Award; if they pass, they compete as a U15 junior and no longer as a Nipper.
Added 22 Oct 2026