Tū Manawa – Whanganui Junior Surf Lifesaving

Photo credit: Alanah Brown Photography

Starting from humble beginnings relying on volunteers and very little funding, Wanganui Junior Surf Lifesaving is now in its third season and has grown into a very strong club.

When the committee decided to introduce a Junior Surf Programme for tamariki (6yrs+), they had no idea just how popular it would become. The programme includes everything from beach safety and survival skills to surf skills, fun and recreation and has over 30 members. The programme also provides a progressive pathway to attaining the Surf Lifeguard Award or Patrol Support Award for rangatahi aged 14 and over.

The programme relies heavily on grants and funding so the club can deliver the best opportunities and gear for juniors. Thanks to Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa funding the club was able to provide body boards, high-vis vests and scull caps for the junior members and signage to identify the club and build on the fantastic culture the organisation already has.

Vice President Daniel Comp said “The support from the Sport Whanganui Tū Manawa team really helped when we applied and were amazing in giving advice and direction to help us build towards our vision to achieve our goals. It’s a real community effort.”

Wanganui Surf Lifesaving Services is more than a club, it’s a community. The Junior Surf Lifesaving programme is a fantastic example of how Tū Manawa funding and passionate people can make a real difference.

Tū Manawa aims to support programmes or projects that focus on play, active recreation and sport experiences for tamariki and rangatahi. The latest funding round is open now and closes on 30 April. To find out more, check out https://sportnz.org.nz/funding/sport-nz-funds/tu-manawa-active-aotearoa/ or email Sport Whanganui Clubs and Partnership Lead Paula Darlington at paula@sportwhanganui.co.nz.