about Surf Life Saving Tasmania

Two lifeguards in yellow and red uniforms and hats standing on the beach, facing the ocean, ready to perform water rescue.

Who we are

Surf Life Saving Tasmania (SLST) is the state’s peak organisation for coastal safety, rescue, and water safety education.

We are a volunteer-based, not-for-profit organisation committed to saving lives, building capability, and supporting communities across Tasmania.

Our members, clubs and services work together to deliver a statewide network protecting people in, on and around the water — from beaches and coastline to rivers and inland waterways.

Read About Our Governance Structure
Two surf rescue team members in yellow jackets and red shorts standing on a beach, with one pointing towards the ocean. Equipment including a rescue board, first aid kit, and a flagpole with a yellow and red flag is nearby.

Our impact

Across Tasmania, our members contribute to a year-round community safety network.

Through patrols, education, training and emergency response, Surf Life Saving Tasmania helps:

  • Prevent incidents

  • Respond to emergencies

  • Build safer, more resilient communities

Our Core Values

Surf Life Saving Tasmania is guided by a clear purpose, strong values and a shared vision for the future. Our values are at the heart of Surf Life Saving Tasmania. They guide our behaviour, strengthen our culture and inspire us to work together in service of our members and the communities we protect.

  • Outline of a clipboard with a blank sheet of paper.

    Safety

    We prioritise safety in everything we do.

  • Black diagram of a male and female.

    Teamwork

    We work together to achieve shared outcomes.

  • Black diagram of planet earth.

    Diversity

    We value different perspectives and experiences.

  • Black diagram of a buoy.

    Inclusion

    We create welcoming and accessible environments.

  • A black diagram of a male and female wearing red and yellow caps.

    Respect

    We treat others with fairness and integrity.

What we do

We provide a range of services that support safer communities and stronger emergency response capability across Tasmania.

  • Two female lifeguards on a beach, wearing yellow and red rescue uniforms and hats, one holding a radio and the other looking through binoculars, with ocean waves in the background.

    Beach Patrols

    Our volunteer lifesavers patrol selected beaches during the patrol season, providing a visible safety presence for the community.  Patrols are focused on prevention, helping people make safer decisions before an incident occurs.

    Find Out more
  • A helicopter flying in a clear blue sky with some clouds.

    Rescue Response

    Surf Life Saving Tasmania works closely with emergency services to provide aquatic search and rescue support through a statewide network of trained volunteers and specialist teams in our surf life saving clubs and volunteer marine rescue units.

    Find out more
  • Life jackets hanging on a rack in red, black, and yellow colors.

    Flood & swiftwater rescue

    Surf Life Saving Tasmania plays a leading role in flood and swiftwater rescue in Tasmania.

    Since supporting emergency services at major floods in 2016, our responders have supported operations across Tasmania and interstate, including flood events in New South Wales.

    Find out more
  • Three people wearing yellow surf rescue jackets and red caps standing outdoors against a cloudy sky.

    Community Programs

    We deliver community programs that build knowledge, confidence and capability in and around the water.  

    These programs focus on:

    • Understanding coastal and waterway risks

    • Safe participation in aquatic environments

    • Building practical lifesaving skills

    Find out more
  • A woman wearing a red surf rescue cap and yellow rescue uniform, standing on a beach with waves in the background, engaged in conversation.

    School Programs

    Education is key to prevention.  We partner with schools across Tasmania to deliver engaging, practical programs delivered both in the classroom and in real-world environments, that introduce participants to:

    • Beach and water safety skills

    • Surf awareness

    • Basic first aid

    Find Out More
  • A group of young people participating in a first aid training session. Some are sitting on mats receiving first aid treatment while others observe. Medical supplies and personnel are present, with onlookers in the background.

    Training & Courses

    Surf Life Saving Tasmania delivers a range of accredited and community training programs, including:

    • Provide First Aid and Provide CPR

    • Wilderness First Aid / Remote Area First Aid

    • Community Surf Rescue Certificate

    • Recreational boating licence courses

    • Outdoor education and water safety training

    Find Out more
  • A female surfer wearing a yellow swimsuit and a Santa hat, crouching on a yellow surfboard amidst green ocean waves, with a clear blue sky and some clouds in the background.

    Surf Sports

    Surf sports is an important part of Surf Life Saving, supporting the development of capable, confident lifesavers. Our members take part in competition at local, state and national levels, building:

    • Fitness and resilience

    • Teamwork and leadership

    • Rescue-ready skills

    find out more
  • Close-up of a young male swimmer wearing a colorful swim cap, with water droplets on his face, peering around a board.

    Nippers

    Nippers is Surf Life Saving Tasmania’s junior program for children aged 5 to 14. It’s a fun, safe and structured way for young people to learn beach and water safety, build confidence in the ocean, make friends and stay active

    Find Out More