SUMMER 2026 REGISTRATION OPENS 2/1/2026!
You might be thinking… 6–8 years old — isn’t that a little young?
It’s a great question — and the answer is: not when the program is built the right way.
Our Mini Guard Program is designed specifically for younger participants and focuses on water safety, confidence, fitness, teamwork, and beach awareness in a structured, supportive, and age-appropriate environment. This is a foundational program — where skills are introduced through guided instruction, routine, and fun.
We understand this may be a child’s first structured beach safety experience. Our instructors balance:
Structure + fun
Skill building + encouragement
Safety + confidence
Routine + flexibility
We meet kids where they are — and help them grow from there.
Participants will work on:
Basic beach and ocean safety awareness
Listening and responding to instructor directions
Beginning rescue skill exposure (age-appropriate)
Ocean comfort and confidence
Team participation and sportsmanship
Fitness through movement and games
Respect for staff, peers, and equipment
To help the program run safely and smoothly, Mini Guards are expected to:
Follow instructor directions the first time
Stay with their assigned group
Use safe bodies and safe choices
Show respect to instructors and teammates
Participate with a positive attitude
Try their best — even when something feels new
Listen immediately for whistles and signals
Handle equipment safely and only when directed
Parent Readiness Guidelines
Because this is an active beach and ocean program, participants should come prepared with the following skills and readiness:
Mini Guards should be able to:
Enter and swim in the ocean (within program safety boundaries)
Feel generally comfortable in ocean water and waves
Run independently on sand during activities and drills
Participate in physical group activities for the session duration
Separate from parents without distress
Follow multi-step directions from instructors
Manage basic self-care needs (bathroom, hydration, asking for help when needed)
This helps ensure your child can participate safely, confidently, and successfully in all Mini Guard activities.
While Mini Guard is a developmental program, participants who demonstrate strong readiness, confidence, and skill may be are able to compete up in the C Division during select tournaments.
Mini Guards are also welcome to participate in the Ocean Grove Mini Junior Guard Tournament in age-appropriate events.
Our goal is to make tournament experiences fun, safe, and confidence-building — never pressured.