Do I have to stay at Nippers and join the club as a parent?

Surf Life Saving Australia says most clubs ask at least one parent or guardian to become a member and stay involved through the season.

Surf Life Saving Queensland (state example) is stricter on presence: every Nipper family must have at least one parent or guardian present at a Nipper program, and a child must never be dropped off with no guardian in the area. Queensland also has a "Nipper Parent" membership category for parents who do not hold a patrolling award, and asks clubs to give reasonable alternatives (for example a monetary donation or a role such as clothing coordinator) for families who cannot give time on the beach.

Sources: https://sls.com.au/nippers/ ; https://lifesaving.com.au/app/uploads/106.08.2024-2024.2025-Junior-Activities-Update.pdf ; https://lifesaving.com.au/junior-activities-centre/nipper-parent