Placed by ability
Junior Surf Programme (JSP)
JSP is Tairua Surf Lifesaving Club's programme for tamariki aged 6 to 13. Over the summer break, tamariki learn ocean skills, water safety and surf confidence through fun, active beach sessions run by our qualified team.
It is the heart of our club and the grassroots training ground for the lifeguards who keep Tairua Beach safe. For most, it is simply the best part of summer! Time in the surf with mates and learning skills that last a lifetime.
The JSP pathway
Tamariki are grouped into squads by capability and grow through the levels over time. Every squad builds on the last. The ages below are a guide only. On the first day, our squad leaders run a short, friendly assessment on the beach and confirm squad placement.
D Squad
About 6-8yrs
Water confidence
Beach safety
Learning to love the ocean and swimming
Often in the estuary
C Squad
About 8-9yrs
Comfortable in deep water and swimming
Beginning wave skills, bodysurfing and short ocean swims
B Squad
About 9-11yrs
Ocean swimming
Catching waves and duck diving
Rescue boards and surf awareness
A Squad
About 11-13yrs
Strong swimming focus
Board technique
Rip navigation
Rescue skills and surf fitness
CADETS / ROOKIE GUARDS
The bridge to lifeguarding
Age 13 to 14 years.
Cadets work towards their Rookie lifeguard qualification during the JSP season. Their training is heavily fitness focused, preparing them for the Surf Lifeguard Award when they turn 14.
Swim and run times must be met, to be invited to join the Cadets squad. Mornings are spent with the fitness focus, and the afternoon the Rookie guards will work with the Regional Lifeguards to complete their Rookie books and hours.
D → C → B → A → Cadets → Surf Lifeguard
All the details
📅 When & where
Monday 28 December to Friday 8 January
10am to 12pm, Mon-Fri
Meet at Tairua Beach clubhouse
🏖 What to bring
Togs and wetsuit to stay warm
Towel, sunhat and sunscreen
Safety vest and surf cap provided
💳 Cost
Season fee $130 per participant
Plus membership fee $80 per family
No one misses out. Please talk to us if concerned about costs.
Want to know more?
We are proud of the thought and care behind the programme.
Start with the Parent and Whānau Handbook, which explains everything you need as a whānau. Our club also has a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which outlines the full framework behind the programme for members who want additional details.
Frequently asked questions
My tamariki are not confident swimmers. Can they still join?
Yes. Your tamariki do not need to be strong swimmers to start JSP but we do encourage them to be involved in swimming if possible throughout the year. We place tamariki by their current ability and build confidence and skills from there. The first day is about finding the right squad, not passing a test. We have a heavy swim focus throughout the programme and will be swim focussed.
What age can my tamariki start?
JSP is for tamariki aged 6 to 13. Tamariki can join at any age within that range, and Cadets continue on towards their Rookie lifeguard qualification at around 13 to 14.
What if my tamariki are placed with a different age group?
Squads are grouped by ability rather than age, because it keeps tamariki safe and learning at the right pace. Most are with others around their age, and they move up as their skills develop.
What happens if the weather or surf is bad?
Our team assess conditions every session and will adapt the activities or move to a safer area. We will always let you know and communicate via the app and social media pages.
Do I need to stay, or help out?
JSP relies on whānau pitching in, and there are lots of ways to help, from parent helpers on the beach to lending a hand at events. We will always brief helpers on what to do. Just let us know if you would like to be involved.
My tamariki did JSP last year. Do they start again?
No, they carry on from where they got to. We will assess their ability to see if they're ready to progress to the next level.
