FAQs
Getting started
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Surf lifesavers are trained volunteers who help keep people safe at the beach.
They:
Patrol beaches during the season
Set up safe swimming areas
Provide rescue and first aid
Share safety advice with the public
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Nippers (ages 5–14) learn beach safety and ocean skills through fun activities, supervised by qualified volunteers.
Patrol members (13+) are trained volunteers who help keep beaches safe during a set patrol time.
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In Tasmania, volunteer beach patrols run from early December to late March, on weekends and public holidays.
Nippers programs are run by individual club and sessions times vary — contact your local club for details.
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You can start from age 5 (as at 30 September) and stay involved at any stage of life.
Find out more here.
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Not always.
Some roles require swimming ability, but many roles don’t involve being in the water, including:
First aid support
Radio operations
Club support roles
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Yes.
You don’t need prior experience — just a willingness to get involved. Everyone has knowledge and strengths that can benefit their club and their community. Training and support are provided.
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Surf life saving is a wonderful blend of all three as a group of individuals with a common goal of reducing drownings in Tasmanian waters. We do this by patrolling beaches, developing the future generation of lifesavers [Nippers], stay rescue ready through [surf sports] as well as build social connections in the clubhouse.
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Yes. We are always welcoming new members!
Contact your local club or speak to members on patrol to learn more.
Find your local club
Training & involvement
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Training depends on your role.
Patrolling roles require qualifications such as the Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion
Other roles may not require formal qualifications
No matter your skill or background, everyone helps save lives, everyone can be a lifesaver.
Contact your local club to chat about your perfect role based on your strengths and life experiences.
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The Bronze Medallion is the core lifesaving qualification.
Courses usually involve:
Online learning
Practical training and assessment
They can be delivered over several weeks (evenings or weekends) or as more intensive short courses, depending on the club.
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Fitness requirements vary depending on the role.
Water-based roles require swimming ability and fitness standards
Other roles (e.g. first aid, administration, support roles) have no fitness requirements
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Assessments confirm you can safely perform the skills required for your role. They may include:
Online (eLearning)
Practical skills such as swimming, rescues, or CPR
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Not always.
First aid and CPR are part of key lifesaving qualifications, but there are many roles that don’t require them:
Radio operations
Club support roles
Committee and volunteer roles (e.g. equipment officer, BBQ coordinator or committee member).
Patrol commitments
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Patrols are scheduled on weekends and public holidays, depending on each club’s capacity and community needs. Most members patrol once or twice a month during the season.
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Yes — patrols generally operate each weekend and public holiday during the season. In Tasmania, the patrol season runs from early December to late March.
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Clubs aim to keep rosters flexible and work with members to balance commitments to help ensure our beaches have sufficient trained volunteers on each patrol.
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All surf clubs patrol their beach at different times of day based on the beach and community needs. Patrol shifts are typically around 4–5 hours.
For patrol times, check BeachSafe or contact your local club.
Safety & support
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Yes. Safety and wellbeing are a priority.
Members receive training, work as part of a team, and are supported by systems and processes designed to manage risk. Wellbeing support is also available following incidents, including access to trained peer support officers.
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All rescues involve some level of risk, but safety is always the priority.
Only trained and qualified members perform rescues. They assess conditions, use the right equipment and techniques, and work as a team to keep both themselves and others safe.
Ongoing training and regular practice help ensure members remain prepared and confident.
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New members are welcomed and supported through an induction process at their club.
You’ll be guided through training, introduced to your role, and supported by experienced members along the way.
Contact your local club to learn more.
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No. All members patrol as part of a team. Each patrol includes a mix of experience and roles, working together to keep the beach safe.
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Lifesavers follow a structured response process.
This includes:
Assessing the situation
Responding with rescue and first aid
Calling for additional support when needed
Teams may also work alongside emergency services such as Police, Ambulance and SES.
Costs & equipment
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Yes — patrol uniforms are provided by the club once you are qualified. Additional uniforms can be purchased if needed
Nippers and Surf Sports participants need to wear a high-vis rash vest and cap whilst participating. Clubs can advise on any required items and costs.
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Training is generally included in your membership.
Surf sports competitions may involve entry fees, which vary by club and event.
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Membership fees are set by each club and vary. Contact your local club to find out more.
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Most lifesaving equipment and patrol uniforms are provided by your club once qualified. Some personal items (e.g. sunglasses, swimmers, wetsuits) may need to be supplied by members.
Family & kids
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Yes — Surf Life Saving is for all ages.
One of the joys of surf lifesaving is that there is a place for every member of the family from 5 to 95.
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Yes. The Nippers program relies on volunteers, and parents are encouraged to get involved in ways that suit them - from setting up or packing down the beach, getting behind the BBQ, being a Nipper Safety Assistant or an Age Manager. Choose a role that fits the time commitment for your family and have fun!
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Nippers is a skills-based program for 5 to 14-year-olds to have fun, build friendships and gain invaluable life skills. Through engaging activities centred around surf safety, lifesaving techniques, and ocean skills, Nippers not only builds essential beach safety skills but also develops confidence, and teamwork.
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No. Participating in Surf sports events are optional. They’re a great way to stay active and build skills, but you can be involved without competing.
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Kids can get involved in surf lifesaving from when they the age of 5 (as at 30 September). Find out more about the Nippers program.
Club culture
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Yes. Surf Life Saving Clubs are community-based and welcome new members. You’ll be supported to learn, build skills and find a role that suits you.
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Surf lifesaving is a shared community effort. Members work together towards a common goal, which naturally builds strong social connections and friendships. [contact your club] to find out how you can join theirs.
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Yes. Clubs often run social events throughout the year. These are a great way to meet people and get involved in club life.
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Surf Life Saving brings together people of all ages — from young children in Nippers to adult members and volunteers.
Competition & sports
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Once you meet the relevant skills requirements for your age group and membership. Your club will guide you through what’s needed.
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Patrolling the beach is the core purpose of surf life saving. Members who meet patrol and training requirements can also choose to compete in surf sports.
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No. There is no need to compete to be involved in surf lifesaving, however, surf sports helps keep lifesavers rescue-ready through fitness, skills and teamwork.
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Surf sports include a range of events, such as:
Ocean events (swim, board, ski)
Beach events (sprints, beach flags)
Lifesaving events (rescue and first aid scenarios)