Which volunteer jobs can parents do, and which need a qualification?

Surf Life Saving Australia says Nippers is run by volunteers and lists these ways for parents and guardians to help: helping at the Nipper BBQ, becoming an Age Manager, assisting with water safety, and helping behind the scenes. All Nipper volunteers must complete a Child Safety Course.

Surf Life Saving Queensland (state example) splits the jobs this way:

• No award needed: beach set-up and pack-down, canteen or BBQ help, fundraising, gear maintenance, club photographer (needs an SLSQ Photographer Pass), uniform coordination and Junior Activities Committee membership. Some of these may need a volunteer Blue Card.
• Award needed: Age Manager, water safety, coach, official, member education and training, and first aid officer.

For water safety, SLSQ says volunteers need a current Bronze Medallion or Surf Rescue Certificate, a valid Working With Children Check (or state equivalent), and an orange rash vest and cap, and must sign on and off using the club's method. Nationally, the Water Safety Procedure requires water safety personnel to hold a proficient Bronze Medallion or Surf Rescue Certificate.

Many parents go on to earn their Bronze Medallion and patrol as volunteer surf lifesavers.

Sources: https://sls.com.au/nippers/ ; https://lifesaving.com.au/junior-activities-centre/nipper-parent ; https://sls.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2026/09/Policy-1.01A-Water-Safety-Procedure.pdf