How Parents Can Get Involved
As a voluntary organisation we need help from you, the kids' parents and guardians, to be able to make Minnows an enjoyable experience for all of our 1000+ Nippers.

We are continually working to make the Coogee Minnows a club where all children feel proud to be a member, where they learn individual and team skills on the beach and in the surf, and above all where they have a great time each weekend. We are always looking for volunteers to help in the surf education activities.

Only parents that have obtained their SLS Age Manager Award and are registered members of the Surf Club are allowed to assist with Nipper activities on the beach. The Age Manager Award expires after five years and must be renewed to remain proficient.

Any parent who would like to help out on the beach should in the first instance speak to their Age Manager. Any further questions can be emailed to the Minnows Education Officer on[email protected]

Follow these instructions to become a Minnows Age Manager or Age Assistant, or to renew your award:

Water Safety
All parents who help with Water Safety must hold a current Bronze Medallion.
All Bronze Medallions awards require SKILLS MAINTENANCE / PROFICIENCY to be completed by 31st December of every year.
Skills Maintenance / Proficiency requirements include, but are not limited to, an online theory component accessed via the Members Portal eLearning site, and various practical components that include a timed Run Swim Run, DRSABCD, and any new information as supplied & directed by SLSA.

Water Safety Requirements:
- Bronze Medallion award -
- Senior Active (18+) membership -
- Pay membership fee before entering the water -
- Completed Skills Maintenance / Proficiency before 31st December each year -
- Record their water safety hours via the QR code provided -​

Bronze Medallion Dads and Mums Army

After watching our Minnows Water Safety crew, have you thought 'I could do that'?
You can!

All water safety crew have completed their Bronze Medallion via our Dads & Mums Army Bronze Medallion course.
This course has run for over 20 years and has taught hundreds of parents. Many of whom have gone on to continue to patrol and still do so long after their children have completed their Minnows journey.

Bronze Medallion qualified Parents are essential to the success of Coogee Minnows. For our Minnows safety and to train them with lifesaving skills, we need these specific skills in the water. Gaining your SLSA Bronze Medallion means that you can also join a patrol at Coogee SLSC, and other Clubs, and keep our beaches safe in the Red and Yellow.

PLEASE CHECK OUR EDUCATION PAGE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT COURSES FOR 2025/2026 SEASON

Working With Children Checks
A NSW Working With Children Check (WWCC) is required for all adult volunteers, including Water Safety.

​We acknowledge that the implementation will put some additional work load on all our volunteers who will need to go to a NSW Service Centre  (aka motor registry) to prove their identity, but it will help us ensure the safest environment possible for all our children.
There are 5 main steps to the WWCC process:
  1. Go to the Office of the Children's Guardian website (https://www.ocg.nsw.gov.au/) and register for a volunteer (it’s free) WWCC number.
  2. Fill in the online form. You will be sent an application number by email.
  3. Take your email receipt and proof of identity documents to a Service NSW centre. You show a printout of your application email receipt or show the receipt on your phone. If you didn't provide an email address in your application, you will need to print the receipt that is on your screen immediately after lodging the application.
  4. You will receive an email once the process has been completed. If you are granted a clearance, you will receive a Working With Children Check (WWCC) number.
  5. Email your WWCC number and Expiry Date to the Minnows Secretary ([email protected]) for verification by the Coogee SLSC Child Protection Officer.
The WWCC process allows us to register and vet the adults who are working with all of our children in Minnows.