Registration for Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club's Junior Surf programme will be taking place this afternoon and again on Sunday.

The programme is for children aged 5-14 and looks to foster 'tomorrow's lifeguards” by developing and improving their skills in the surf plus teaching them lifesaving knowledge.

New members are being asked to register in person at the club and can do so today from 4pm-6pm, and again on Sunday from 2pm-4pm.

During registration, new members will be introduced to Papamoa SLSC and be briefed on the upcoming surf lifesaving season which starts Labour Weekend on October 22, and the Junior Surf programme which begins November 6.

Papamoa SLSC spokesman Jim Pearson says there's a range of benefits for children in becoming a junior surf athlete with the club.

'They build up their skills and confidence in and around the surf, and that confidence extends out of the water; kids get a better idea of what they can do and what they can achieve.

'They can also get to be part of a really family-orientated club and learn new skills in an environment that's fun and enjoyable.”

With Papamoa experiencing massive growth which has seen the suburb's population now in excess of 22,000 people, the club is also expecting its numbers to rise too.

Jim says last year the club's total membership was 756, of that number 395 were junior surf athletes. This year the club estimates its junior numbers are likely to be more than 400.

'A high percentage of our junior athletes end up becoming lifelong members of the club. Many of our senior athletes started out as nippers with Papamoa and have stayed with it.

'My kids, who're now eight and 10, have been nippers since they were five and they absolutely love it, they look forward to getting down to the club every weekend and having a good time.”

Current members are able to renew their registrations online via the club's website.

Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club's Junior Surf programme registrations take place today (October 12) at 4pm-6pm, and on Sunday, October 16, from 2pm-4pm.

For more information, programme costs or to renew your registration visit: papamoaslsc.surflifesaving.org.nz