Yamba Surf
Lifesaving Club
Surf Life Saving Carnivals
Throughout the season, a number of surf carnivals are held, giving Nippers the opportunity to put their skills into action in a fun and supportive environment. While we encourage all eligible Nippers to give carnivals a go, participation is not compulsory. Children from Under 8s and above are welcome to compete.
Yamba Surf Life Saving Club is part of the Far North Coast Branch of Surf Life Saving, which includes clubs from Yamba through to Fingal near the Queensland border.
Season Carnivals
Carnivals are a wonderful opportunity for Nippers to challenge themselves, support their teammates and experience the broader Surf Life Saving community. Carnivals throughout the season include:
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Far North Coast Branch Carnivals – held at beaches between Fingal and Yamba, including Yamba’s home carnival.
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Far North Coast Branch Championship Carnival – conducted at a selected venue within the FNC Branch.
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NSW Country Championships – hosted at a selected coastal venue north of Newcastle or south of Wollongong.
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NSW State Age Championships – generally held at a selected venue in Sydney or surrounding areas.
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Australian Titles – hosted at a selected venue in any Australian state.
Carnivals are a wonderful opportunity for Nippers to challenge themselves, support their teammates and experience the broader Surf Life Saving community.
Carnival Guidelines
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Branch carnivals usually begin at 8.30am and finish around 4pm. Parental assistance is required at Carnivals. Help is needed to erect and take down tents, carry gear from our gear trailer to the beach and return at the end of the day.
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There is a ratio of competitors to water safety and officials. Courses are available for these roles and are usually quite easy – half day sessions.
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Yamba SLSC competition caps and Yamba club swimmers MUST be worn while competing. Pink Hi-Viz singlets are required for water events. No jewellery to be worn at any time.
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Parents, unless performing in uniform as officials, are NOT permitted in the competition arena.
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The JAC Co-ordinator or Team Manager is the only person from our Club eligible to lodge a protest regarding any alleged infringement of the rules.
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The Carnival is under the direction of the Carnival Referee. The Referee can alter or even cancel a program if adverse surf, beach or weather conditions prevail, please stay contactable and keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates.
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No Alcohol and no Smoking is permitted within the Carnival area.
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Code of conduct applies, and breaches may result in team penalties occurring.
Competitor requirements
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The U8 to U14 nippers are able to compete at carnival level. Notice of competing in a carnival must be given to the JAC Coordinator the Sunday prior to the carnival. You cannot just turn up at a carnival.
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Nippers must participate in their Surf Education Award by attending a minimum 66% of regular nipper activity days to be eligible to compete at carnivals.
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Competitors must have passed the relevant Competitions Skills Proficiency before they can attend a carnival.
Officials & Water Safety
Surf Life Saving carnivals rely on volunteers to operate safely and fairly. Based on the number of competitors entered, each club is required to provide a set number of Officials and Water Safety personnel at every carnival.
Without adequate volunteers, our competitors may not be permitted to compete. Providing water safety and officials is not optional , it is a Surf Life Saving requirement and essential to the safe delivery of events.
We strongly encourage parents and members to consider getting involved. If you are interested in becoming an Accredited Official, or completing your Bronze Medallion so you can assist with water safety, please get in touch with the JAC Committee.
Your support ensures our Nippers can compete safely and proudly represent Yamba at carnivals.