Our Junior Surf Life Saving programme is a dynamic and engaging initiative designed to equip young people with vital water safety knowledge and practical lifesaving skills. Open to children of all abilities, the programme creates a safe and inclusive beach environment where fun, learning, and fitness go hand in hand.
Participants will gain confidence in the water, learn how to identify and navigate surf conditions, and understand the importance of personal and group safety at the beach. Alongside these essential life skills, the programme also emphasises teamwork, leadership, and community spirit—core values that support personal growth both in and out of the water.
Through a variety of age-appropriate activities, including beach games, swimming, board paddling, and mock rescues, juniors are encouraged to challenge themselves, support their peers, and develop a love and respect for the ocean.
Whether your child dreams of becoming a future lifeguard or simply wants to have fun and stay safe at the beach, our Junior Surf Life Saving programme offers a rewarding and memorable experience for all.
Come join the fun, make new friends, and build confidence that lasts a lifetime!
Junior Surf Life Saving Resources
Junior Surf Sunday Training
Junior Surf (Under 14)
Junior Surf at East End is a fantastic family-focused activity, catering to children from Under 7 (Nippers) to Under 14 (Cadets), with dedicated groups for each age. Safety is our top priority, and we’re proud to have a highly skilled coaching team providing a safe and enjoyable training environment aligned with Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s best practices. Age eligibility is determined as of September 30th in the current season.
Surf Life Saving is not just a sport but also a community service, equipping members with vital skills to stay safe near the ocean. Younger members work towards Junior Surf Awards, while older cadets train for the Rookie Lifeguard Award, allowing them to assist on patrols under supervision (though they are not involved in rescues). For competitive members, the premier event is the “Oceans” Championship, and we offer an intensive training programme to prepare athletes for this high-level competition.
We provide excellent equipment and teach members how to use and care for it. During winter, we run pool sessions to maintain swimming fitness. Before progressing beyond knee-depth water activities, members must complete a 200m ocean swim competency test. For those working towards this goal, we offer structured training and support, starting with a 200m pool swim before attempting the ocean test.
Our primary training session takes place every Sunday from 10:00 am to noon, starting in December. We also hold an optional weekday ocean session for members with their 200m badge to boost confidence. Athletes preparing for the “Oceans” Championships train 4–5 times weekly during summer.
Sundays conclude with a sausage sizzle and social time, providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere for the kids and families. East End is a fantastic spot to unwind after a great morning of training.
Throughout the season, we host a Christmas fun session, fundraising events, and compete in local and regional Junior Carnival events, creating a vibrant and supportive community. Parents can also get involved by pursuing coaching or lifeguard qualifications.
Running Junior Surf takes a team effort. We welcome parent helpers, trainee coaches, spotters, and those willing to assist with land-based tasks. If you’d like to get involved, let us know—we’d love to have you on board!
