Surf Life Saving Australia

In 1902 it was against the law to enter the ocean during daylight hours in Australia .[6] A Sydney newspaper editor William Gocher announced his challenge of this law at Manly Beach[6][7] however it is unclear this act changed the rules. What did occur is that 10 days after an incident at Bondi on 13 November 1902, Randwick Council became the first to allow daylight bathing.[8] Eventually as more people began to challenge the law it was reversed but inexperienced swimmers were having problems with unusual surf conditions such as rip currents and the number of drownings increased.[6] Groups of volunteers began to patrol the beach to assist and on 21 February 1907 the Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club was formed.[6] The Surf Bathing Association of New South Wales was formed on 18 October 1907 when nine voluntary surf life saving clubs and representatives of the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) met and affiliated to represent the interests of surf lifesavers.[9] In attendance were the Royal Life Saving Society, Manly Surf Club (this a different organisation to the Manly Life Saving Club which was formed in 1911[10]), Bondi Surf Bathers' Life Saving Club, Coogee Surf Life Brigade, Bronte Surf Brigade, Bondi Surf and Social Club (North Bondi SLSC), Tamarama Surf Club (only lasted a few weeks/months and then collapsed), Maroubra Surf Club, United Wanderers Surf Club and Woollahra Surf Club.[9] The meeting resolved:

"That it is desirable to form an association of surf clubs, to secure improved facilities for surf bathing, and otherwise promote and regulate the sport..." and "That the association be called 'The Surf Bathing Association of N.S.W."[11]

The name was changed to Surf Life Saving Association of Australia (SLSAA) in 1922;[9] and changed again in 1991 to the current Surf Life Saving Australia.[9]

Women were actively involved in surf-lifesaving for many years, and in 1980 the association rules were changed so that they could become active patrolling members of the SLSA.[12]

A Surf Life Saving buggy at Kingscliff, New South Wales

SLSA's vision is zero preventable drowning deaths in Australian waters, and is worked towards through patrolling beaches, coastal risk assessments, education, and training.[5] Since 1907, surf lifesavers have rescued over 650,000 beachgoers.[13] In 2017-18, surf lifesavers and Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS) Lifeguards performed 10,249 rescues, 65,296 first aid treatments, and over 1.5 million preventative actions on Australia's beaches.[4]

As of 30 June 2018, Surf Life Saving has a membership base of 173,865.[14] Nationally there are 61,604[14] junior members, or Nippers as they are more commonly known. Nippers are aged between 5–13 years and learn beach safety and awareness skills, in a fun and healthy environment.

Lifesavers at Bondi Beach

Surf lifesavers must be competent swimmers and skilled in rescue techniques, resuscitation and first aid. The entry level qualification to be a surf lifesaver is the Bronze Medallion/Certificate II in Public Safety (Aquatic Rescue). Volunteers must be at least 15 years old to undertake this qualification, which involves theory and practical training, and an assessment of patrolling and lifesaving skills.

Upon completion of the Bronze Medallion/Certificate II, surf lifesavers are encouraged to undertake additional training in the areas of Emergency Care, Powercraft, Beach Management, Aquatic Rescue and Training and Assessment. Lifesavers must also participate in an annual skills maintenance session to ensure that they maintain and update their skills.

Surf Life Saving in Australia has provided and continues to provide support and expertise to many allied lifesaving organisations across the globe. Contributing to the International Life Saving Federation’s global effort to reduce injury and death in, on, or around water, Surf Life Saving exchanges information and best practice and supports the establishment of lifesaving services in areas of the world where they are needed.

Most of Surf Life Saving’s international work is undertaken in the Asia-Pacific region, not only due to geographical location, but also because of the aquatic environments within the region. Also, as the largest developed country within the Asia Pacific region, a great deal of responsibility to support developing countries lies with Australia.

Surf Life Saving Australia is focused on exploring statistical and analytical data to support development of education, technology, communications and operations to reduce coastal drowning deaths in Australia. Although SLSA has been conducting research for many years, 2010 was the birth of a dedicated and thorough research program. The SLSA Research Scheme was introduced to adopt rigour into research project design and provide funding for targeted and priority research projects.

In 2004, the Australian Government declared 2007 the Year of the Surf Lifesaver and allocated funding of A$1 million over three years for Surf Life Saving Australia to celebrate its centenary.[15][16]

• Royal Life Saving Society Australia
• 1907 Sydney bathing costume protests
• Australian Water Safety Council
• List of Australian surf lifesaving clubs
• Surf Life Saving New Zealand

• Surf Life Saving Australia