Develop your skills and mature as a lifesaver
Our youth program is for those aged 13 to 18, providing them with a range of opportunities to find what they enjoy within surf life saving and encourage and support that.
We aim to offer opportunities to experience many different roles that are important in running a club and being involved in a volunteer organisation. We aim to deliver on this commitment and we will be sure to have a lot of fun along the way.
Youth program objectives
Important information
Sunday mornings – October to March
Time
9:00am–11:00am
Event
Time
Prerequisite evaluations
Sunday 5 and 12 October 2025
First official day of Youth
19 October 2025
Last session before Christmas break
14 December 2025
Return from Christmas break
4 January 2026
Coogee Beach Nipper Carnival (youth support)
11 January 2026
Last day of Nippers
29 March 2026
For further information and details on Nippers, surf sport carnival and training dates, please see the club calendar.
Youth are members aged from 13 to 18 years of age and fall under the following four age groups.
Age Group
Birth Date
Under 14
13 years of age as at 1st of October 2025
Under 15
14 years of age as at 1st of October 2025
Under 17
15 or 16 years of age as at 1st of October 2025
Under 19
17 or 18 years of age as at 1st of October 2025
A key outcome of the youth program is to produce skilled and proficient lifesavers. Youth will develop the necessary skills through gaining either a Surf Rescue Certificate at 13 years or Bronze Medallion at 15 years. They can then contribute to Surf Life Saving’s core business of lifesaving through patrolling and ensuring our beaches and community stay safe.
The lifesaving pathway can lead to other Lifesaving Services such as drone patrol, lifeguarding and jet ski operations.
Further information and how to enrol can be found here.
Sunday sessions are about inclusion, fitness, teamwork and having fun. By challenging yourself it will make you a more competent and confident lifesaver. They are a chance for all youth / all age groups to get together and participate in fun activities.
Activities include:
- Beach sprints, relays and beach flags
- Surf swim races and surf swim team races
- Board races, rescues and relays
- Surf safety education
- Games and fun activities
- Great social occasions
Throughout the season the Sunday sessions will also feature “Come & Try” days (dependent on coaches, weather, beach, and craft availability) on Ski’s, IRBs, and Surf Boats. Providing you with the opportunity to try the other surf sport options available to you. We also have interclub sessions with other clubs, and activity mornings such as snorkelling.
What to bring
- Hi-vis vest (mandatory)
- Competition cap (mandatory)
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Goggles
- Any medication if required
Note
Vests and caps can be purchased from the uniform shop prior to Sunday mornings commencing.
Bathers, t-shirts, hats, rash vests and caps are available from the club shop. Opening times are prior to Nippers on Sunday mornings.
To access the change rooms on Sunday mornings and during the week, a member band must be obtained. Please email clubadministration@cbslsc.com.au to arrange.
Sunday mornings are very busy at Coogee Beach Surf Club.
Parking is available at the club, both Coogee and Woodman Point Jetty, and across Cockburn Road. Parking inspectors visit often and parking is at a premium. Please do not park in undesignated areas. We encourage all families to walk, cycle or car pool to Sunday morning Nippers.
Sunday mornings – October to March
| Time |
|---|
| 9:00am–11:00am |
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite evaluations | Sunday 5 and 12 October 2025 |
| First official day of Youth | 19 October 2025 |
| Last session before Christmas break | 14 December 2025 |
| Return from Christmas break | 4 January 2026 |
| Coogee Beach Nipper Carnival (youth support) | 11 January 2026 |
| Last day of Nippers | 29 March 2026 |
For further information and details on Nippers, surf sport carnival and training dates, please see the club calendar.
Youth are members aged from 13 to 18 years of age and fall under the following four age groups.
| Age Group | Birth Date |
|---|---|
| Under 14 | 13 years of age as at 1st of October 2025 |
| Under 15 | 14 years of age as at 1st of October 2025 |
| Under 17 | 15 or 16 years of age as at 1st of October 2025 |
| Under 19 | 17 or 18 years of age as at 1st of October 2025 |
A key outcome of the youth program is to produce skilled and proficient lifesavers. Youth will develop the necessary skills through gaining either a Surf Rescue Certificate at 13 years or Bronze Medallion at 15 years. They can then contribute to Surf Life Saving’s core business of lifesaving through patrolling and ensuring our beaches and community stay safe.
The lifesaving pathway can lead to other Lifesaving Services such as drone patrol, lifeguarding and jet ski operations.
Further information and how to enrol can be found here.
Sunday sessions are about inclusion, fitness, teamwork and having fun. By challenging yourself it will make you a more competent and confident lifesaver. They are a chance for all youth / all age groups to get together and participate in fun activities.
Activities include:
- Beach sprints, relays and beach flags
- Surf swim races and surf swim team races
- Board races, rescues and relays
- Surf safety education
- Games and fun activities
- Great social occasions
Throughout the season the Sunday sessions will also feature “Come & Try” days (dependent on coaches, weather, beach, and craft availability) on Ski’s, IRBs, and Surf Boats. Providing you with the opportunity to try the other surf sport options available to you. We also have interclub sessions with other clubs, and activity mornings such as snorkelling.
What to bring
- Hi-vis vest (mandatory)
- Competition cap (mandatory)
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Goggles
- Any medication if required
Note
Vests and caps can be purchased from the uniform shop prior to Sunday mornings commencing.
Bathers, t-shirts, hats, rash vests and caps are available from the club shop. Opening times are prior to Nippers on Sunday mornings.
To access the change rooms on Sunday mornings and during the week, a member band must be obtained. Please email clubadministration@cbslsc.com.au to arrange.
Sunday mornings are very busy at Coogee Beach Surf Club.
Parking is available at the club, both Coogee and Woodman Point Jetty, and across Cockburn Road. Parking inspectors visit often and parking is at a premium. Please do not park in undesignated areas. We encourage all families to walk, cycle or car pool to Sunday morning Nippers.
Social activities
The Youth Social Committee (YSC) at Coogee Beach SLSC is a small group of cadets ranging in ages from 14-17. The YSC meet once a month at the Surf Club to discuss what the cadets would like to see happen within the club.
They talk about fundraising ideas, ways to become closer to other surf clubs in our area, organise camps and fun activities in the off season and they talk about what the cadets would like to do on a Sunday morning.
If you would like to know any further details, please contact youth@cbslsc.com.au.
The annual youth camp is an opportunity for members U14 to U17 to spend the weekend away together practising their team work and life saving skills through a range of fun activities and games, along with getting to know each other better.
Keep an eye out on socials for more information and how to sign up.
Each season the youth celebrate by heading to Perth Aqua Park.
To attend, youth must complete at least 25 volunteering hours either through patrol, attending Sunday sessions, competitions, AGM, BBQs and more.
The Youth Social Committee (YSC) at Coogee Beach SLSC is a small group of cadets ranging in ages from 14-17. The YSC meet once a month at the Surf Club to discuss what the cadets would like to see happen within the club.
They talk about fundraising ideas, ways to become closer to other surf clubs in our area, organise camps and fun activities in the off season and they talk about what the cadets would like to do on a Sunday morning.
If you would like to know any further details, please contact youth@cbslsc.com.au.
The annual youth camp is an opportunity for members U14 to U17 to spend the weekend away together practising their team work and life saving skills through a range of fun activities and games, along with getting to know each other better.
Keep an eye out on socials for more information and how to sign up.
Each season the youth celebrate by heading to Perth Aqua Park.
To attend, youth must complete at least 25 volunteering hours either through patrol, attending Sunday sessions, competitions, AGM, BBQs and more.
Courses, camps and programs
The Youth Leaders Program (YLP) offers youth members the opportunity to formally record their experiences and service and receive recognition.
What will you learn?
There are three levels to the Youth Leaders Program for you to work towards achieving – Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each level has specific requirements and involvement in various roles associated with the surf lifesaving components of Lifesaving, Training and Surf Sports.
What will you do?
You will be able to participate across a broad range of surf lifesaving activities, gaining invaluable experience and becoming a well-rounded club member.
To achieve the various levels:
- Bronze: A minimum of 60 hours in total and must include at least four hours across each of the program’s components: Lifesaving, Surf Sports and Training.
- Silver: After attaining Bronze level. A minimum of 80 hours in total and must include at least six hours across each of the program’s components: Lifesaving, Surf Sports and Training.
- Gold: After attaining Bronze and Silver levels. A minimum of 90 hours in total and must include at least eight hours across each of the program’s components: Lifesaving, Surf Sports and Training. This represents the highest level of achievement within this program. Usually taking two years plus to achieve.
Those members who achieve Gold Level will be invited to the Nipper and Youth Awards Ceremony. As well as receiving their Gold Level certificate they will receive a gift from SLSWA acknowledging their achievement and service to Surf Life Saving.
As well as accruing hours through club based activities, SLSWA offer a number of Youth Pathway Programs that you can also participate in and accrue hours through:
How to join
Requirements: 13-16 years of age SLSA Membership
Step 1 – Register: Register online via the mybeach.com.au website. Go to the Members Tab, select Youth Program and then select Youth Leaders Program.
Step 2 – Record hours: as you complete activities at your club complete the Recording Sheet. The activities could include the pathways of Youth Coach, Youth Official, Youth Age Manager, Youth Trainer and hours actively participating in the roles. Also, hours spent gaining your SRC or BM awards, patrolling, competing at competitions can also be attributed.
Recording sheets can be found here.
Step 3 – Level complete: Email youth@cbslsc.com.au to sign off the hours. Then send on to youth@slswa.com.au.
Step 4 – Certificate and new recording sheet: SLSWA will issue you with a Certificate to show you have completed the level and will then send a new Recording Sheet for the next level.
Rise-Up Camp caters for U17 youth members (those aged 15 and 16-years). This camp provides an opportunity for members to participate in a wide range of physical and social activities that will develop personal leadership skills.
Date: Monday 5 January – Thursday 8 January 2026
Location: SLSWA Development Centre, Margaret River
T.O.A.D. Camp is a development program open to U14 & U15 youth members. The camp is designed to expose participants to a variety of skills and activities that will enhance and encourage their development within our organisation.
Date: Monday 12 January – Thursday 15 January 2026
Location: SLSWA Development Centre, Margaret River
Visit the My Beach Annual Youth Camps webpage for more information.
Coogee Youth can apply to be considered for the relevant camp by submitting an expression of interest via a nomination form. This will include examples of leadership or team participation you have displayed around the club over the last 12 months; Include any courses, competition, patrols or volunteering you did.
Get into the water with advanced surf and ocean skills training, hear from a visiting Lifeguard, get up close to surf lifesaving power craft, including Jet Skis and Inflatable Rescue Boats, and learn more about first aid and how to respond in an emergency.
Dates: Wednesday, 21 January & Thursday, 22 January 2026
Time: 8.30 am – 3.30 pm
Location: City Beach
Visit the Youth Lifeguard webpage for more information.
The Rookie Lifeguard Program aims to provide a fun and engaging insight into SLSWA’s Lifesaving Services, with attendees participating in a range of activities while developing skills and knowledge applicable to working in the industry. It provides a transition for members, aged 16-17, from being a volunteer patrol member to a paid Lifeguard and commence development of skill sets that are beneficial to employment as a Lifeguard.
Dates: Monday 19 January – Friday 23 January 2026
Visit the Rookie Lifeguard webpage for more information.
The Young Leaders Camp caters to members aged 18 to 25 and provides the opportunity to participate in a range of physical and social activities to develop personal leadership skills.
Through a range of physical and social activities, attendees will explore and develop their personal leadership styles, meet with SLSWA leaders, and participate in advanced coasteering where they will use skills developed over the camp.
Dates: 22-24, August 2025
Location: SLSWA South West Development Centre, Margaret River
Visit the Young Leaders Camp webpage for more information.
The Youth Leaders Program (YLP) offers youth members the opportunity to formally record their experiences and service and receive recognition.
What will you learn?
There are three levels to the Youth Leaders Program for you to work towards achieving – Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each level has specific requirements and involvement in various roles associated with the surf lifesaving components of Lifesaving, Training and Surf Sports.
What will you do?
You will be able to participate across a broad range of surf lifesaving activities, gaining invaluable experience and becoming a well-rounded club member.
To achieve the various levels:
- Bronze: A minimum of 60 hours in total and must include at least four hours across each of the program’s components: Lifesaving, Surf Sports and Training.
- Silver: After attaining Bronze level. A minimum of 80 hours in total and must include at least six hours across each of the program’s components: Lifesaving, Surf Sports and Training.
- Gold: After attaining Bronze and Silver levels. A minimum of 90 hours in total and must include at least eight hours across each of the program’s components: Lifesaving, Surf Sports and Training. This represents the highest level of achievement within this program. Usually taking two years plus to achieve.
Those members who achieve Gold Level will be invited to the Nipper and Youth Awards Ceremony. As well as receiving their Gold Level certificate they will receive a gift from SLSWA acknowledging their achievement and service to Surf Life Saving.
As well as accruing hours through club based activities, SLSWA offer a number of Youth Pathway Programs that you can also participate in and accrue hours through:
How to join
Requirements: 13-16 years of age SLSA Membership
Step 1 – Register: Register online via the mybeach.com.au website. Go to the Members Tab, select Youth Program and then select Youth Leaders Program.
Step 2 – Record hours: as you complete activities at your club complete the Recording Sheet. The activities could include the pathways of Youth Coach, Youth Official, Youth Age Manager, Youth Trainer and hours actively participating in the roles. Also, hours spent gaining your SRC or BM awards, patrolling, competing at competitions can also be attributed.
Recording sheets can be found here.
Step 3 – Level complete: Email youth@cbslsc.com.au to sign off the hours. Then send on to youth@slswa.com.au.
Step 4 – Certificate and new recording sheet: SLSWA will issue you with a Certificate to show you have completed the level and will then send a new Recording Sheet for the next level.
Rise-Up Camp caters for U17 youth members (those aged 15 and 16-years). This camp provides an opportunity for members to participate in a wide range of physical and social activities that will develop personal leadership skills.
Date: Monday 5 January – Thursday 8 January 2026
Location: SLSWA Development Centre, Margaret River
T.O.A.D. Camp is a development program open to U14 & U15 youth members. The camp is designed to expose participants to a variety of skills and activities that will enhance and encourage their development within our organisation.
Date: Monday 12 January – Thursday 15 January 2026
Location: SLSWA Development Centre, Margaret River
Visit the My Beach Annual Youth Camps webpage for more information.
Coogee Youth can apply to be considered for the relevant camp by submitting an expression of interest via a nomination form. This will include examples of leadership or team participation you have displayed around the club over the last 12 months; Include any courses, competition, patrols or volunteering you did.
Get into the water with advanced surf and ocean skills training, hear from a visiting Lifeguard, get up close to surf lifesaving power craft, including Jet Skis and Inflatable Rescue Boats, and learn more about first aid and how to respond in an emergency.
Dates: Wednesday, 21 January & Thursday, 22 January 2026
Time: 8.30 am – 3.30 pm
Location: City Beach
Visit the Youth Lifeguard webpage for more information.
The Rookie Lifeguard Program aims to provide a fun and engaging insight into SLSWA’s Lifesaving Services, with attendees participating in a range of activities while developing skills and knowledge applicable to working in the industry. It provides a transition for members, aged 16-17, from being a volunteer patrol member to a paid Lifeguard and commence development of skill sets that are beneficial to employment as a Lifeguard.
Dates: Monday 19 January – Friday 23 January 2026
Visit the Rookie Lifeguard webpage for more information.
The Young Leaders Camp caters to members aged 18 to 25 and provides the opportunity to participate in a range of physical and social activities to develop personal leadership skills.
Through a range of physical and social activities, attendees will explore and develop their personal leadership styles, meet with SLSWA leaders, and participate in advanced coasteering where they will use skills developed over the camp.
Dates: 22-24, August 2025
Location: SLSWA South West Development Centre, Margaret River
Visit the Young Leaders Camp webpage for more information.
Youth FAQs
Majority of the courses are free of charge.
You must have paid your current season membership fees.
The Club offers free member training for Nippers and Masters in Boards and Sprints. Training is also available in other Surf Sports areas such as IRB Racing and Surf Boats. Join our Coogee Beach WA SLSC: Surf Sports Facebook group to stay up to date.
Additional costs may include:
- Bronze Medallion course (if you haven’t completed it and it’s required as a prerequisite to compete)
- Club Competition Cap and Competition Vest (if you don’t already have them)
- Registration fees for some competition events (payable upon registration)
You can enrol in any of our courses (some have additional fees), attend Social Club nights and Sunday sessions, and receive member pricing on drinks. You can also bring up to 5 guests.
Up to Under 12’s, a parent must sign up for membership with their child.
Majority of the courses are free of charge.
You must have paid your current season membership fees.
The Club offers free member training for Nippers and Masters in Boards and Sprints. Training is also available in other Surf Sports areas such as IRB Racing and Surf Boats. Join our Coogee Beach WA SLSC: Surf Sports Facebook group to stay up to date.
Additional costs may include:
- Bronze Medallion course (if you haven’t completed it and it’s required as a prerequisite to compete)
- Club Competition Cap and Competition Vest (if you don’t already have them)
- Registration fees for some competition events (payable upon registration)
You can enrol in any of our courses (some have additional fees), attend Social Club nights and Sunday sessions, and receive member pricing on drinks. You can also bring up to 5 guests.
Up to Under 12’s, a parent must sign up for membership with their child.
Take the next step in surf life saving
Build your skills, grow your confidence and be part of our leadership and development programs.
How to Join