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 in a swimming pool. 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). |
Qualification swims listed below
In a regular season Coogee Minnows runs a proficiency swim session in a 25m swimming pool.
This 2021-22 season we do not have that option available to us due to COVID-19, so all preliminary evaluations will now happen in the ocean.
As a consequence, we'll reduce the swim distances to adhere to the minimum levels set by Surf Life Saving Australia for this season.
This 2021-22 season we do not have that option available to us due to COVID-19, so all preliminary evaluations will now happen in the ocean.
As a consequence, we'll reduce the swim distances to adhere to the minimum levels set by Surf Life Saving Australia for this season.
Age Group |
Date of Birth |
Preliminary Ocean Evaluation |
Competition Evaluation |
Surf Education Award |
U6 |
1st October 2015 to 30th September 2016 |
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 |
Surf Play 1 |
U7 |
1st October 2014 to 30th September 2015 |
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 |
Surf Play 2 |
U8 |
1st October 2013 to 30th September 2014 |
25m swim (any recognised stroke) 1-minute survival float |
Nil (no water competition, except for wade which takes place in waist-deep water) |
Surf Aware 1 |
U9 |
1st October 2012 to 30th September 2013 |
25m swim (any recognised stroke) 1 minute survival float |
Minimum 150m open water swim (any recognised stoke) |
Surf Aware 2 |
U10 |
1st October 2011 to 30th September 2012 |
25m swim (any recognised stroke) 1.5 minute survival float |
Minimum 150m open water swim (any recognised stoke) |
Surf Safe 1 |
U11 |
1st October 2010 to 30th September 2011 |
50m swim (any recognised stroke) 2 minute survival float |
Minimum 200m open water swim (any recognised stoke) |
Surf Safe 2 |
U12 |
1st October 2009 to 30th September 2010 |
100m swim (any recognised stroke) 2 minute survival float |
Minimum 200m open water swim (any recognised stoke) |
Surf Smart 1 |
U13 |
1st October 2008 to 30th September 2009 |
150m swim (any recognised stroke) 3 minute survival float |
Minimum 200m open water swim (any recognised stoke) |
Surf Smart 2 |
U14 |
1st October 2007 to 30th September 2008 |
200m swim (any recognised stroke, in less than 5 minutes) 3 minute survival float |
Minimum 200m open water swim (any recognised stoke) |
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/ |