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.

Our Teaching Approach

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.

Program/Age Group Goals

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

Expectations for Mini Guards

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.

Optional Tournament Participation Opportunity

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.