An action-packed activity for the whole family
The beach is calling, the temperatures are finally behaving themselves and Dubai families are once again emerging from their summer hibernation.
But before everyone makes a beeline for the sea, Ocean Warriors is encouraging families to add one more thing to their beach-day checklist: knowing what to do in the water.
The Dubai-based lifesaving club is back for a brand-new season from 11 September, with programmes catering to everyone from little water babies aged three to adults.
And no, this isn’t your average swimming lesson where you spend an hour doing lengths and wondering when it’s snack time.
Instead, Ocean Warriors combines water safety with fitness, teamwork, ocean skills and plenty of action, all on the beach.
Beach races, relay challenges, board paddling, surf skis, ocean swimming and rescue scenarios are all covered, with sessions tailored to different ages and abilities.
Basically, it’s a pretty fun way to get active while secretly learning some seriously useful life skills.
Being able to swim is one thing, but knowing what to do when the sea decides to throw you a curveball is another.
Ocean Warriors teaches participants how to understand their surroundings, recognise potential hazards and read beach conditions.
Children learn about everything from flags, tides and currents to rescue techniques, teamwork and first aid.
Younger participants can build confidence and awareness around the water, while older children can progress towards more advanced lifesaving skills and internationally recognised qualifications.
And don’t worry, there are no expectations that every mini beachgoer will grow up to become the next Baywatch star.
The idea is simply to give children practical skills they can carry with them for life, while having a brilliant time along the way.
Founded to bring the UK’s surf lifesaving tradition to the UAE, Ocean Warriors is the first Surf Life Saving GB club outside the UK and the only Royal Life Saving Society UK-accredited club in the UAE.
Its programmes include Waterbabies, Nippers and Junior Lifeguards, as well as training and competition opportunities for adults.
Participants need a basic level of swimming ability and must pass a swim test, so these sessions aren’t designed to teach someone how to swim from scratch.
Instead, they focus on what comes next: becoming more confident, capable and aware around the water.
Older participants can also work towards internationally recognised Surf Life Saving GB and Royal Life Saving Society UK qualifications, while the programmes can support young people completing The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
With Dubai’s outdoor season officially getting into gear, Ocean Warriors is inviting curious families to try a session for themselves – and there’s an especially tempting reason to give it a whirl.
Free trial sessions are available, meaning you can test the waters without having to fully commit.
So, whether you’ve got a tiny beach explorer, a budding junior lifeguard or you’re simply an adult who fancies swapping the gym treadmill for the sand, Ocean Warriors offers a fun way to get moving, learn something useful and enjoy Dubai’s coastline.
The new season starts 11 September, so consider this your sign to get back on the beach, just with a few more skills up your sleeve.
11 September to 13 December. Jumeirah 3 Beach, next to the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club. Available for ages 3 to 18 (Waterbabies, Nippers, Junior Lifeguards) and adults. To find out more or register, visit theoceanwarriors.com
