Waitarere Surf Life Saving Club

The Waitrere Surf Life Saving Club, located in Waitrere Beach, offers a comprehensive range of lifesaving and recreational services to the local community. As a prominent fixture in the area, the club is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of beachgoers, while also providing opportunities for individuals to participate in various surf-related activities.

The club's junior surf programme is a popular offering, catering to children aged 6 to 13. The programme aims to instil confidence and safety in the surf and on the beaches, while also introducing youngsters to the world of surf lifeguarding. Participants will learn a range of vital surf lifesaving techniques, including wading, duck diving, body surfing, and craft operation. Through these activities, children are not only equipped with valuable skills, but they also develop an appreciation for the ocean and the importance of water safety.

To become a member of the Waitrere Surf Life Saving Club and enrol in the junior surf programme, interested individuals can visit the Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) website and select “join a club”. The club encourages early registration as spaces are limited, with priority given to existing families. Registration for the upcoming season opens on Saturday 25th November at the Levin Aquatics Centre from 10am to 11. 30am.

Alternatively, an online registration application link will be available in November for those unable to attend the in-person registration date.

The junior surf programme sessions take place every Saturday from 2. 30pm to 4:00pm, commencing on Saturday 9th December 2023 and concluding on Saturday 2nd March 2024. A parent or guardian must accompany their child to the beach and actively supervise them. These sessions are not drop-off sessions, and parents are expected to be present throughout.

Volunteer lifeguards and parents run the sessions, providing expert guidance and supervision.

In addition to the regular Saturday sessions, the club offers a Summer Holiday Programme, which incurs an extra cost. This programme allows parents to leave their children in the care of employed lifeguards, who will organise and oversee various beach and water activities. The Summer Holiday Programme runs from Monday 8th January 2024 to Thursday 18th January 2024 and is divided into two age groups: Nippers (age 7-9) from 10am to 12:30pm, and Juniors (age 10-13) from 1:30pm to 4pm.

Participants in the junior surf programme are encouraged to wear their club cap, club rash top, and togs to all sessions. It is also recommended to bring a towel, a snack, a change of clothes, a full water bottle, and some money for a sausage from the BBQ. Furthermore, children may opt to wear a wetsuit for added comfort and protection.

Finally, it is important to note that earning the 200 metre safety badge is mandatory for children aged 10 to 13 who wish to compete in water events at surf carnivals. To earn this badge, individuals must swim 200 metres and tread water for one minute, all within eight minutes. Additionally, they must demonstrate comparable swimming abilities in the ocean. It is mandatory for participants in this age group to display their 200 metre safety badge while taking part in surf carnivals.

The Waitarere Surf Life Saving Club is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants. Through their junior surf programme, children and young individuals can develop valuable skills, confidence, and a lifelong passion for surf lifesaving. Whether it's through the regular Saturday sessions or the exciting Summer Holiday Programme, the club offers a variety of opportunities for children to thrive and grow in their surf lifesaving journey.