Public Statement: The Surfer Kids’ Use of Surf Spots Beyond Diaz Beach

Hermann Vivier
May 19
2 min read

The Surfer Kids has received feedback regarding participants from our core (five-day-per-week program) surfing at locations beyond Diaz Beach, including Inner Pool, Outer Pool (The Point), Ding Dangs, and Reef.

We appreciate the public’s engagement and offer the following clarification:

1. Safety as the Highest Priority

Safety is the foundation of our program.

All participants begin lifesaving training at age 15 and qualify as certified lifeguards at 16.
They are then required to gain practical experience as seasonal lifeguards at Glentana, Klein Brak, and Groot Brak.
No participant over 16 remains in our program without fulfilling this requirement.

Every surf session—regardless of location—is supervised by at least one qualified lifeguard actively monitoring the children in the water.

2. Demonstrated Track Record

Our young lifeguards have successfully executed multiple rescues, some of which have been publicly recognized.

Examples include:

These examples reflect the skill and composure our youth bring to real-life emergency situations.

3. Incident History

In 15 years of operation, we have recorded only two serious incidents—one of which occurred outside the water. This safety record is the result of disciplined protocols, not chance.

4. New Expansion Under Development

While our Diaz Beach operations are well established, weekly sessions at other surf spots are a recent expansion. This initiative began less than a year ago and remains in its developmental phase.

As with any new venture, there is a natural process of refinement. We ask that it be judged on long-term outcomes rather than early growing pains.

5. Operational Protocol Going Forward

In response to public concern, we are formalizing and publishing the safety protocol that has guided these sessions from the outset.

Standard Protocol for Surfing Beyond Diaz Beach:

A maximum of 4 surfers in the water per session.
Accompanied by 1 qualified lifeguard per group.
Lifeguard focus is not on surfing, but on the safety of ALL surfers in the water.
A designated driver remains on-site (not in the water) with a working phone for quick emergency response.