Surf Life Saving trainers and lifesaving leaders from across Tasmania came together last Saturday for the 2025 State Trainer & Assessor Workshop for the launch of a new ‘Lifesaving CPR’ program set to improve survival outcomes. This key professional development event at Ulverstone Surf Life Saving Club was an important day to bring lifesavers together ahead of the patrol season. 

The workshop provided opportunities for moderation, collaboration, and forward planning, with a major focus this year on the roll-out of Lifesaving CPR, a new, evidence-based approach to cardiopulmonary resuscitation developed by Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA). 

Developed over the past two years, Lifesaving CPR is the first program of its kind delivered by a volunteer organisation of SLS’s size. The updated approach simplifies and standardises CPR delivery across all states and territories, aiming to improve survival outcomes for patients both on the beach and in the community.

“Surf Life Saving exists to save lives. By developing Lifesaving CPR, we can be leaders in the resuscitation world and help make sure that the care we provide our patients is the best it can possibly be,” said Dr Ned Douglas, Chair of SLSA’s Medical Advisory Group, who played a key role in the program’s development.

“Lifesaving CPR will help more patients survive cardiac arrest by keeping blood flowing for longer, improving oxygen supply to vital organs and increasing the chances that interventions like defibrillation will be effective.”

Tasmania’s adoption of Lifesaving CPR forms part of the national roll-out, with over 300 frontline lifesavers across the country involved in developing, testing, and refining the program.

“For us in Tasmania, this workshop is about setting high standards across the state and ensuring our trainers are equipped with the latest skills,” said Ned Reardon from Surf Life Saving Tasmania.

“As we prepare for summer, we want to make sure our members are confident, consistent and ready to keep the community safe.”

With approximately 26,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring in Australia each year, programs like Lifesaving CPR will play a vital role in giving patients the best chance of survival.