What Happens at Minnows
Each age group have different qualifications and requirements, which must be met to enable them to participate in ANY Minnows’ activities (sand or water) and compete in inter-club carnivals.
In order to participate on the beach, individuals must achieve a minimum swim proficiency level. This minimum requirement is established by Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), however Coogee Minnows establishes its own minimum proficiency levels which are above and beyond those set by SLSA. This basic requirement at Coogee is known as a Preliminary Evaluation and are conducted at Coogee Beach during the first 2 Minnows sessions. Minnows that want to compete for Coogee must also complete their Competition Evaluation. This is required before registering for any competition, including the Randwick Shield, Branch and State championships. These will take place in the ocean before our first competition (the Randwick Shield). PRE CHRISTMAS SESSION TIMES BELOW (These do not include U6 - which start in February) |
Qualification swims listed below
Coogee Minnows is not a Swim School.
Please ensure your children are able to swim and/or undertaking regular swimming lessons throughout the year.
All new members (U9 - U14 age groups) will be required to complete an external swim proficiency - distance & times are listed in the table below. This is to be conducted in a pool environment and signed off by your childs swimming teacher or coach. Forms are available via our Secretary on [email protected] and need to be completed & returned to the Secretary prior to the first day on the beach.
Preliminary evaluations for returning members will happen in the ocean.
Distances adhere to the minimum levels set by Surf Life Saving Australia. However, at the Age Managers discretion, distances may be increased to cater to the age groups activities and abilities.
Please ensure your children are able to swim and/or undertaking regular swimming lessons throughout the year.
All new members (U9 - U14 age groups) will be required to complete an external swim proficiency - distance & times are listed in the table below. This is to be conducted in a pool environment and signed off by your childs swimming teacher or coach. Forms are available via our Secretary on [email protected] and need to be completed & returned to the Secretary prior to the first day on the beach.
Preliminary evaluations for returning members will happen in the ocean.
Distances adhere to the minimum levels set by Surf Life Saving Australia. However, at the Age Managers discretion, distances may be increased to cater to the age groups activities and abilities.
Age Group |
Date of Birth |
Returning Member Ocean Proficiency / Evaluation |
New Member Pool Proficiency / Evaluation |
Competition Proficiency / Evaluation |
Surf Education Award |
U6 |
1st October 2018 to 30th September 2019 |
From a standing position in waist-deep water, perform a front glide and recover to a secure position. Perform a back or front float holding a buoyant aid and recover to a secure position |
N/A |
N/A |
Surf Play 1 |
U7 |
1st October 2017 to 30th September 2018 |
From a standing position in waist-deep water, perform a front glide, kick for 3m and recover to a secure position. Perform a back or front float for a few seconds and recover to a secure position. |
N/A |
N/A |
Surf Play 2 |
U8 |
1st October 2016 to 30th September 2017 |
25m swim (any recognised stroke) & 1 minute survival float |
At Age Managers Discretion |
N/A |
Surf Aware 1 |
U9 |
1st October 2015 to 30th September 2016 |
150m swim (any recognised stroke, within 8 minutes) & 1.30 minute survival float |
150m swim (freestyle) in 6 minutes |
150m swim in 10 minutes |
Surf Aware 2 |
U10 |
1st October 2014 to 30th September 2015 |
150m swim (any recognised stroke, within 7 minutes) & 1.30 minute survival float |
200m swim (freestyle) in 6 minutes |
150m swim in 10 minutes |
Surf Safe 1 |
U11 |
1st October 2013 to 30th September 2014 |
200m swim (any recognised stroke, within 7 minutes) & 2 minute survival float |
200m swim (freestyle) in 6 minutes |
300m swim in 10 minutes |
Surf Safe 2 |
U12 |
1st October 2012 to 30th September 2013 |
200m swim (any recognised stroke, within 6.30 minutes) & 2 minute survival float |
200m swim (freestyle) in 5 minutes |
300m swim in 9 minutes |
Surf Smart 1 |
U13 |
1st October 2011 to 30th September 2012 |
200m swim (any recognised stroke, within 5.45 minutes) & 3 minute survival float |
200m swim (freestyle) in 5 minutes |
300m swim in 9 minutes |
Surf Smart 2 |
U14 |
1st October 2010 to 30th September 2011 |
200m swim (any recognised stroke, within 5 minutes) & 3 minute survival float |
200m swim (freestyle) in 5 minutes |
300m swim in 8 minutes |
Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) |
THIS IS A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY MINNOWS ACTIVITIES OR COMPETE FOR THE CLUB.
Club caps must be worn at all times during Minnows’ activities. All competitors must wear club caps and must finish events with the cap on the head and tied under the chin. Caps are worn for safety reasons so children can be seen in the water and differentiated from Water Safety Officers. Water safety officers wear ORANGE caps, Surf Lifesavers wear RED & YELLOW caps. Caps MUST be removed after signing off at the end of Sunday morning activities. Team App:
Throughout the season we also use the ‘Coogee Minnows Team App’. This app is free and available from the app stores for both Apple and Android devices.
Please follow the instructions here to download the Team App and then search for Coogee Minnows to subscribe . This App will be used to send push notifications about important news and any notices regarding changing conditions: http://teamapp.com/ |