Surf Life Saving Australia's prestigious 2023 Awards of Excellence celebrated the remarkable dedication of volunteers in Australia's largest volunteer movement. These awards shine a light on the exceptional contributions of our tireless volunteers from across the country, making it a night to remember.
Luke O'Garey from the Burnie Surf Life Saving Club emerged as a shining star in this year's Awards of Excellence. We are thrilled to announce that Luke has been nationally recognized as the DHL Volunteer of the Year for 2023.
The DHL Volunteer of the Year award is a testament to the unwavering commitment and extraordinary efforts of volunteers within Surf Life Saving Australia. It acknowledges their tireless work and the vital role they play in ensuring the safety and well-being of beachgoers across the nation.
Luke's remarkable dedication and outstanding achievements have not only made him a standout within the Burnie Surf Life Saving Club but have also had a profound impact on the broader surf lifesaving community in Tasmania. His selfless contributions, countless hours of volunteering, and exceptional leadership have left an indelible mark on the movement.
The 2023 DHL Volunteer of the Year, Luke O'Garey, epitomizes the spirit of volunteerism and the core values of Surf Life Saving. His recognition is a well-deserved honour, and it reflects the heart and soul of our volunteer movement.
The Awards of Excellence are a testament to the collective efforts of volunteers who embody the essence of community service, selflessness, and dedication. These awards reaffirm the pivotal role played by surf lifesaving volunteers in safeguarding our coastal communities.
Further details on Luke’s achievement: DHL Lifesaving Awards - SLSA Website
About Surf Life Saving Australia: Surf Life Saving Australia is the largest volunteer movement in the country, dedicated to saving lives, creating great Australians, and building better communities. Its volunteers are passionate about safeguarding beachgoers and ensuring the safety of our coastal communities. Surf Life Saving Australia's Awards of Excellence celebrate the exceptional contributions of these dedicated volunteers.
Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), together with Surf Life Saving Tasmania (SLST), has today announced plans for a National Centre of Excellence (COE) to enhance the Flood and Swift Water Rescue capabilities of surf lifesavers nationally.
Tasmanian surf lifesavers have excelled in recent years in this specialised area and have been called upon to assist flood victims in Tasmania, and other states over recent years.
This National COE will draw on SLST’s experience and international best practice to educate and equip surf lifesaving volunteers from around Australia with the necessary skills to perform flood and swift water rescues.
“The skills and dedication of our surf lifesavers extends well beyond our coastline and this National Centre of Excellence will only enhance our ability to continue to save lives and support our local communities in times of need,” said SLSA President John Baker ESM.
“We are delighted to make this announcement and are excited to work closely with Surf Life Saving Tasmania to train and further develop these important and specialised skills.
“The skills, experience and work undertaken to date by volunteer surf lifesavers in Tasmania is internationally regarded, and the natural and built environment provide amazing opportunities for quality skills training creating an unmatched opportunity for Surf Life Saving Australia to set up this inaugural national Centre of Excellence,” added Baker.
After the floods of 2016 devastated Tasmania where SLST volunteers undertook brave rescues at significant risk to their safety, SLST identified a need for further training and experience for surf lifesaving volunteers and since this time, SLST has invested into international best practice training, resources, and research, leading to recognition by emergency services, governments, and even internationally as an example of best practice.
"In the aftermath of the Tasmanian floods in June 2016, Surf Life Saving Tasmania undertook a thorough review of our involvement. We recognised that our members possess transferable skills that can extend beyond the beach, enabling us to play a significant support and response role in flood rescue,” said Surf Life Saving Tasmania President, Stuart Paine.
"Our commitment to excellence led us to research both national and international best practices, shaping our capacity to respond effectively to flood rescue needs, both within Tasmania and during interstate deployments.
“Today's announcement stands as a testament to the dedication of our members, their commitment to training, and adoption of standards that has earned Tasmania the honour of being recognised as a Centre of Excellence in Flood and Swift Water Rescue, by Surf Life Saving Australia."
"It's important to acknowledge that our accomplishments have been made possible through grants and the remarkable commitment of our volunteers.
"Surf Life Saving Tasmania's journey from the beach to floodwaters showcases the versatility and dedication of our volunteers.
"In spite of our state's size, Surf Life Saving Tasmania takes immense pride in our ability to give back to the larger national organisation and providing another area of water safety support to our local communities, especially with the increased frequency of natural disasters.
"Today's announcement marks a significant milestone in our journey to date, showcasing how a focused vision and a deep commitment to service can elevate a volunteer organisation to the forefront of disaster response.”
This is the first National Centre of Excellence for Surf Life Saving Australia who have set aside $150,000 per year over four years to support the delivery of training and the purchase of equipment.
This ground-breaking national project has the full support of the Tasmanian Government, who recognises the benefit to communities across Australia.
General Media enquires, please contact our office on 03 6216 7800 or at slst@slst.asn.au
Other news and information can be viewed through latest news and our social media.
School holidays kick off this week and Clifton Beach Weekday Lifeguard Service Commences.
Clifton Beach Weekday Lifeguard Service
Surf Life Saving Tasmania in partnership with Clarence City Council and Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club will be launching the 2022-23 weekday lifeguard service at Clifton Beach in Southern Tasmania this week.
Over the past 17 years, this strong and valued partnership has enabled a lifesaving service at Clifton Beach, providing education and water safety to the community, seven days a week. The lifeguard service will commence on Wednesday, 21st December and run each weekday until Thursday 9th February 2023, with lifeguards on the beach from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
Ned Reardon from Surf Life Saving Tasmania said “Clifton Beach is one of Hobart’s closest and most popular surf beaches. Over the past season, the lifeguard service has performed in excess of 100 preventative actions, provided countless first-aid treatments, and promoted key water safety messages and actions.”
“The service was established in 2005 due to the high rate of rescues and incidents that were occurring on Clifton Beach. During this year, the beach was becoming more accessible with a new Hobart to Clifton bus service, drawing school-age kids to the area who often entered the water and found themselves in trouble. Coupled with a number of other incidents, Clifton Beach was identified as one of the top 5 black spots for drownings per capita in Australia. Additionally, volunteer members from Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club were performing many rescues outside of patrol hours and during the week, prompting the need to break the drowning cycle. Fast forward 17 years and with the continued support of Clarence City Council and Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club, the lifeguard service continues to be integral to community safety and compliments our existing education programs.”
Christmas Period Safety Message
Coastal drowning deaths are 2.4 times more likely to occur on a long weekend, prompting surf lifesavers to remind families visiting the coastline over the next few weeks to stay safe by finding a patrolled beach and staying between the red and yellow flags.
Boxing Day is traditionally one of the busiest days on Australian beaches, with volunteer surf lifesavers preparing for visitations to swell.
As Coordinator of Lifesaving with Surf Life Saving Tasmania Ned Reardon advises that “simple actions like swimming at a patrolled location between the red and yellow flags, always supervising children on, in and around water, avoiding alcohol and drug use while swimming and wearing a lifejacket while boating and fishing are all things that can minimise the danger of drowning this summer. Beachgoers are also encouraged to visit beachsafe.org.au for beach, weather, and safety information.”
“In the past year, Tasmanian surf lifesavers, Volunteer Marine Rescue members and lifeguards have rescued, assisted and provided first aid treatments to more than 2,000 people. Tragically, in spite of the incredible efforts of lifesavers, lifeguards and marine rescue members, lives were still lost in the past year. A total of sixteen lives were lost along the Tasmanian coast. Of these, 12 have been attributed to drowning, with a further four fatalities recorded. Drowning death numbers for this year were significantly above the previous year (2020/21) and the 10-year average.”
Key Actions
Lifesaving Services in Tasmania
Ned Reardon, Lifesaving & Member Training Coordinator, Surf Life Saving Tasmania
Email: nreardon@slst.asn.au | Mobile: 0488 400 996
Surf Life Saving Tasmania’s (SLST) Flood and Swift Water Rescue Team (FSW) have today been stood-up to support New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) and Surf Life Saving New South Wales (SLSNSW) in their flood response effort.
10 Swift Water Rescue Technicians from across the state will travel to New South Wales this afternoon and be deployed to the North Coast area, Northern Rivers, and Mid North Coast. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms threaten further flooding to already impacted areas.
Surf Life Saving Tasmania Operations Manager, Boyd Griggs said “the deployment of the SLST FSW team is to support SES and SLSNSW whom have been working tirelessly over the last few days following on the floods in the area earlier this month.”
“Our members have been training and responding to a number of incidents in Tasmania since the flood event in Hobart in 2018 but this is the first interstate deployment for our members.”
For further information on the flood situation, please visit: www.ses.nsw.gov.au
Boyd Griggs, Surf Life Saving Tasmania Operations Manager - M: 0437 099 973 | E: bgriggs@slst.asn.au
Stock image from Surf Life Saving Tasmania
Surf lifesavers are pleading with young men to take their safety seriously as a new report from Surf Life Saving Australia paints a tragic picture of the over representation of young males who have died along Australia’s coastline.
The warning comes as the summer coastal drowning death toll continues to rise above both the 10-year average and 2020/21 Summer for the same time period (1 December to 31 January).
Surf Life Saving Australia’s Coastal Safety Brief - Young Males reports that men accounted for 9 out of 10 coastal drowning deaths in 2020/21 with young males (aged 15-39 years old) continuing to be overrepresented in coastal injury and fatality incidents.
The SLSA Coastal Safety Brief – Young Males reveals that 53 young men die on our coast each year (on average), with three out of four due to drowning (77%). Since 2011, 525 young male lives have been lost on Australia’s coastline which equates to a $6.9 billion economic loss to society.
Surf Life Saving Australia General Manager Coastal Safety, Shane Daw ESM said the continuing message this summer for everyone is to swim at a patrolled location, during patrol hours, between the red and yellow flags.
“On average, young men account for a third of fatal incidents recorded along our coast, with the vast majority due to drowning. This summer (1 December to 31 January) we have already recorded 41 coastal drowning deaths, with 10 decedents aged within the 15-39 year age group – all of which were males,” said Daw.
“Such a premature loss of life represents a significant cost to society, with both social and economic contributions cut short.”
The report highlights that the increased statistics for this demographic have been attributed to greater coastal visitation and activity participation (and therefore increased exposure to risks), as well as inflated confidence levels that do not reflect actual abilities, and social determinants such as peer pressure.
“77% of young male coastal deaths occurred further than one kilometre away from a Surf Life Saving service, with 47% of coastal deaths recorded on a weekend. In fact, the mortality risk is 2.2 times greater on the weekend for this demographic,” said Daw.
“Over one-third (37%) of young male deaths have occurred during the Summer months with the primary activity at the time of death being swimming & wading (26%).”
Research shows that one in four young males have been unintentionally caught in a rip, but only 40% always look for the presence of rip currents before entering the water while one in 10 never do.
This research further shows that while 62% of young male swimmers consider themselves experienced enough to take risks, they generally consider themselves to be less competent swimming in the ocean.
Almost half of young male swimmers are not able to swim 50m in the ocean without touching the bottom while one in 10 are unable to swim or float at all.
“Alarmingly, we continue to see young men choosing to swim at unpatrolled locations, away from surf lifesavers and lifeguards. They continue to overestimate their ability, take unnecessary risks, and not look for the presence of rips before entering the water.
“Our message remains simple, where possible keep safe by swimming at a patrolled beach, between the red and yellow flags.”
“If you do find yourself at an unpatrolled location, remember to STOP, LOOK and PLAN before entering the water. STOP to check for rips, LOOK for other hazards and PLAN how to stay safe.”
SLSA’s Beach Safe APP makes it quick and easy to find the nearest patrolled location and also gives beachgoers easy to understand safety information to keep themselves and loved ones safe.
To understand more about coastal safety, how to keep yourself safe and to find your nearest patrolled beach, visit www.beachsafe.org.au or download the Beach Safe APP.
To view the in-depth analysis on Young Males – click here for the Coastal Safety Brief Young Males (15-39 years old) 2022.
For all the latest coastal safety information – click here for the National Coastal Safety Report 2021
Key Rip Current Facts:
Key Summer Safety Messages:
Surf lifesavers are pleading with the public to be cautious and act responsibly around the coast this Australia Day, as this summer is marked as one of the worst on record for coastal drowning deaths.
Tragically, there have been 35 coastal drowning deaths this Summer (1 Dec 2021 – 23 Jan 2022) which is higher than both this time last year and the ten-year average for the same period, with thousands more people rescued or provided assistance by surf lifesavers and lifeguards.
This is the second highest number of coastal drowning deaths in the last ten years for the same period (1 Dec – 23 Jan), representing a 13% increase on last year’s numbers (n=31) and 25% increase from the 10-year average (n=28).
Surf Life Saving Australia General Manager Coastal Safety Shane Daw ESM said that these numbers are very alarming.
“We are incredibly concerned with the number of coastal drowning deaths that have taken place around the country since the beginning of December and we know that families and friends will be looking to make the most of their time on the coast this coming public holiday, but it is paramount that people understand the risks,” Daw said.
“With five weeks of Summer still to go, surf lifesavers and lifeguards are asking people to take their safety seriously when recreating around the coastline and beaches this Australia Day, a day that sees many flock to the coast.
“All of these drowning deaths are preventable, but people need to take responsibility for their own safety by making the right decisions when they visit the coast or are on, in and around the water.”
Males are still overrepresented in the statistics accounting for 85% of summer coastal drowning deaths. The 20–34 year age group represent 21% of coastal drowning deaths this Summer – of which all were male. But we have also seen a spike in drowning deaths for those in the 40-54 year old age group, who currently account for 37% of summer drowning deaths on our coast, with three out of four being male (77%).
Two-thirds (63%) of Summer coastal drowning deaths occurred at beaches, swimming was the number one activity at the time of drowning accounting for 37% of incidents this year. Rip currents remain the number one coastal hazard, and are known or suspected to have contributed to at least 20% of summer coastal drowning deaths.
“We have tragically seen coastal drowning deaths range from as young as three years old up to 79 years, with young males aged between 20-34 years are consistently overrepresented in our drowning statistics. Sadly this year we have also seen a spike in those aged 40-54 years of age who currently make up the large majority of coastal drowning deaths recorded this Summer,” Daw said.
“Our message is simple; please swim at a patrolled location during patrol hours and between the red and yellow flags.
“We have made this easier than ever with our BeachSafe App which is available to download or view online and shows people where their nearest patrolled location is as well as housing a variety of beach safety information to help you ensure you have a fun day at the beach.”
Rock fishing is the second highest activity at the time of drowning accounting for 11% of drowning deaths followed by unpowered watercraft (surfboard, canoe, kayak, etc.) and snorkelling which each accounted for 9%.
For more information on how to stay safe when visiting the beach this summer, or find your nearest patrolled location, visit www.beachsafe.org.au or download the BeachSafe APP.
For all the latest coastal drowning trends - click here for the 2021 National Coastal Safety Report.
· Swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags
· Supervise children at all times on, in and around water
· Wear a lifejacket when boating, rock fishing or on watercraft
· Avoid alcohol or drugs when around water
· Seek the advice of surf lifesavers or lifeguards
· STOP, LOOK, PLAN
STOP – check for key dangers i.e. rip currents
LOOK – for other hazards
PLAN – to stay safe, to swim at a patrolled beach
Visit BeachSafe to find a patrolled beach: https://beachsafe.org.au/
Tasmanian surf lifesavers will be out in full force around the State from this weekend (Saturday 4th December) through until Easter and offering extended services to the community through the addition of adhoc patrols and rolling out of community education programs statewide. As a perfectly fitting segway into the weekend, Tasmanian’s have been invited to celebrate the inaugural National Water Safety Day by wearing the iconic red and yellow to raise awareness of swimming between the red and yellow flags, where possible. Once again, Surf Life Saving Tasmania Lifeguards will be providing weekday patrols at popular beaches, Clifton beach and Long Beach, Sandy Bay.
With reports of more Tasmanians’ than ever taking to the water, investing in new boats during the COVID-19 pandemic, Surf Life Saving Tasmania and Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) want to reinforce the importance of being prepared to be safe this summer. Through targeted safety campaigns both SLST and MAST aim to reach and educate those amateur boaties with ‘all the gear and no idea’.
Unfortunately, the highest number of drowning deaths occur during the summer period. As more Tasmanian’s holiday at home this summer, and as the days get warmer and we get closer to the boarders opening on 15th December open we are tipped to see tourism flurry, Surf Life Saving Tasmania urges everyone to recreate safely, swim between the flags where possible and don’t take risks. If you’re planning on visiting the beach or other various waterways, Surf Life Saving Tasmania encourages all members of the public to remember the following water safety tips and remember to stay COVID-safe.
Surf Life Saving Tasmania’s Training and Community Programs Manager, Leanne Johannesen said that approximately 1,500 volunteers from Surf Life Saving Clubs (1,004 in 2020/21) and Marine Rescue Units (147 in 2020/21) would be patrolling some of the State’s popular beaches and waterways over the holiday period. Last season, across Tasmania SLST conducted;
“During 2020/21, it was obvious that COVID changed the way we live, including where we recreate, take holidays and the activities we engage in. Many Tasmanians, instead of taking that overseas or interstate trip, chose to holiday at home, creating an increase in both local and regional coastal visitation. Despite COVID-19 restrictions there was an increase in drowning deaths across Australia last year (294), an increase of 20% on the previous year (245) with more than 51% occurring more than 5km from a surf lifesaving service. Summer represents the highest period of time when drownings occur, making up 34% of all drowning deaths in 2020-21.”
“Lightweight craft including sit on top kayaks and other water devices for use at the beach require extra care at this time of year. Young people using these, for instance received as a Christmas gift, are often unfamiliar with these devices and are not aware of the unpredictability of the surf environment. Therefore, special attention needs to be given to preparation of trips and the requirement for personal protective equipment including lifejackets. Also, with reports of so many Australians joining the boating community during the COVID-19 pandemic, coast guards and our volunteer marine rescue volunteers are becoming increasingly worried about inexperienced boat owners pushing their limits to the extreme. Despite 81% of boaters showing “compliancy” to carrying safety equipment, an overwhelming majority of the coastal fatalities and drowning deaths along the Australian coastline were not wearing a lifejacket at the time of death (over 70%).” says Mrs. Johannesen.
SLST has 15 Surf Life Saving Clubs, 7 Volunteer Marine Rescue Groups and 3 Support Operations Groups providing volunteer emergency services 365 days of the year for inland, inshore and offshore waters. Statewide Search and Rescue Operations Teams support Tasmania Police by providing volunteer emergency personnel and resources when tasked. SLST continues to work with a range of partners to implement evidence based intervention strategies to address water safety issues and grow services in required areas.
Contact: Leanne Johannesen | Training & Community Programs Manager
M: 0447 287 847 | E: ljohannesen@slst.asn.au
Australia’s most popular primary aged surf education program kicks off next week (Monday 11th October) and this year is set to be a record breaking one, as the target is to visit 100 schools. Just over 5,000 Tasmanian Grades 1 and 2 primary school students have already signed up to be getting a lesson on surf safety from Surf Life Saving Tasmania’s volunteer Lifesavers.
Clarendon Vale Primary School on Hobart’s Eastern Shore is the first stop for the Beach to Bush Teams. Before this Summer hits us, Surf Life Saving Tasmania aim to visit 100 primary schools in the hope of achieving the goal of every Tasmanian Primary School having received a Beach to Bush Session within the next 3 years. Beach to Bush targets the states youngest at-risk group as it has been determined that the best way to help keep children safe at the beach was to take the lessons to them. A growing team Surf Lifesavers from surf clubs all around the state will share their knowledge and years of expertise and experience with their communities through Surf Life Saving Tasmania’s (SLST) various Community Education Programs and Lifeguard Services between now and Easter. Last year, SLST reached over 50,000 people through such programs, 18,000 being youth. To this day the program remains one of the largest and most innovative community awareness initiatives in Australia, having directly reached more nearly 300,000 school children since its inception over 25 years ago.
Throughout the Beach to Bush program, students will be getting some safety tips from our lifesavers before they hit the beach with their families this summer. Although there will be some light-hearted moments during the day, it’s important not to forget that lessons are also driven by a serious side. Staying safe in and around the water this summer. As COVID-19 has meant more Tasmanian’s will be holidaying at home, we are prepared for more to be taking to our shores and enjoying the wonderful waterways that our amazing state has to offer.
SLST Training and Community Programs Manager Leanne Johannesen said; “It’s exciting to be launching our Beach to Bush program for another year and to be able to take our messages about beach safety on the road and reach more people than ever before. Beach to Bush is a really unique program in its delivery and the way we can educate so many children at the one time. In Tasmania, with over 1,200 assessable beaches there to be enjoyed, it’s our role as Surf Life Saving to equipped our youngsters and families with some basic skills, information and knowledge to protect themselves and others with in the water. It’s no secret that Tasmanians love the water be it rivers, lakes, dams and creeks. Surf Life Saving Tasmania aims to break down the perceptions that water is unsafe, and instead educate all Tasmanians of its benefits and how to stay safe and have fun in all aquatic environments this Summer.”
“Surf Life Saving Tasmania continues to work towards our goal of safer Tasmanian waters and zero preventable drowning with a focus on prevention through providing lifesaving services and education programs”.
For Media Opportunities and further information, please contact:
Leanne Johannesen | Training & Community Programs Manager
M: 6216 7800 Option 1
New research by Australia’s leading water safety authorities Royal Life Saving Society – Australia (RLSSA) and Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) has revealed a spike in drowning deaths in the past 12 months, with unfamiliar locations, exhaustion, and interruptions to regular swimming during the COVID-19 pandemic considered key factors.
In the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2021 and Surf Life Saving National Coastal Safety Report 2021 released today, there were 294 drowning deaths in the past 12 months across Australia’s coastline, inland waterways and pools, which is 20% higher than last year (245).
Two key trends emerged – spikes in drowning deaths immediately following large-scale lockdowns: and more Australians holidaying domestically and swimming in unfamiliar (and often unpatrolled) locations. Alarmingly men were once again overrepresented in the drowning statistics, accounting for 80%, with alcohol and drugs, risk taking behaviour and over-estimating their ability considered key factors.
View National Coastal Safety Report here.
Boyd Griggs | Operations Manager, Surf Life Saving Tasmania | E: bgriggs@slst.asn.au | M: 0437 099 973
Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) and its member organisations involve people from all states and territories, with the mission to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities.
We deliver a safe environment in Surf Life Saving and want to ensure that we continue to play our role in keeping lifesavers and the community safe during this pandemic.
Vaccinations save lives, and we strongly encourage all our members and employees who can get vaccinated against COVID-19 to do so for the benefit of each other, for those who visit our coastline, and for the wider community.
To check the eligibility and availability of the COVID-19 vaccines, please visit www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au or contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738
For more information about how to protect yourself, your family and the community, information on vaccinations as well as the current COVID-19 status across the country, please click here and check your relevant state/territory health agencies for further advice.
Tony Van Den Enden | CEO, Surf Life Saving Tasmania | P: 6216 7800 | E: tvandenenden@slst.as.na.u
Tasmanian Department of Health | W: www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au
Public Health Hotline | P: 1800 671 738
Vaccination Information | www.health.gov.au
Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) exists to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities and as the 2021/22 patrolling and summer season approaches, SLSA is encouraging members of the public across the country to join their local surf club.
SLSA, Australia’s largest volunteer movement with over 181,000 members across 315 clubs nationwide, is launching a recruitment drive ahead of the start of the new season highlighting the value and benefit of surf lifesaving clubs to the community, and also the individuals involved.
“It has never been more important or easier to join your local surf club,” said SLSA President John Baker ESM. “Surf clubs around the country are more than just a building or a service, they’re a home, a family, and we are asking all Australians to join us and make it ‘your club’ too. There is a place for everyone at the surf club and everyone is welcome.”
Whether it’s at the beach, through bushfires, floods or the COVID-19 pandemic, surf lifesavers and Surf Life Saving Clubs continue to be at the heart of communities offering emergency services, respite and support, all with a friendly sense of belonging and community spirit.
The Deloitte Access Economics 2020 report on ‘The Social and Economic Value of Surf Life Saving Australia’ highlighted that 90% of Surf Life Saving Club members said that being a part of their club assists them to positively contribute to their community while over 80% of members said that Surf Life Saving gave them a sense of purpose and belonging in their life.
Research conducted by Volunteering Australia from the first 12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia (April 2020 to April 2021) found that those who were able to volunteer through the pandemic reported a significantly and substantially smaller decline in life satisfaction for those volunteers who did not stop volunteering, compared to those who stopped, or who never volunteered in the first place.
For those who continued volunteering, levels of psychological distress were also substantially lower than those who stopped volunteering, and those who had never volunteered.
“We know that volunteering gives people a purpose and it has been proven to increase physical and mental wellness in everyday life, especially through the challenges of the past 18 months due to COVID-19,” said Baker ESM.
“In light of this we are actively encouraging new and returning members to join our clubs, to find that sense of purpose and belonging whilst at the same time helping the wider community ... our club is your club.”
Surf Clubs around the country are at the heart of local communities and offer a variety of roles both on and away from the beach or they can simply be a place to gather, create new friendships and support individual and community wellbeing.
For more information on how to join your local Surf Life Saving Club click here – www.sls.com.au/join
To view the SLSA recruitment campaign video that was developed in conjunction with all states and territories please click here.
- ENDS -
Tony Van Den Enden | CEO, Surf Life Saving Tasmania | E: tvandenenden@slst.asn.au | M: 0417 338 706
100 Mornington Road, Mornington, Tasmania 7018
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