Policies and Guidelines

Two individuals wearing yellow jackets and red fire rescue hats browsing equipment in a storage area.

Supporting safe and consistent operations

Policies play a critical role in ensuring Surf Life Saving operates in a safe, fair and consistent way across all clubs, units and activities.

They provide clear guidance on:

  • Expected standards and behaviours

  • Roles and responsibilities

  • Compliance and legal requirements

  • Best practice across Surf Life Saving

SLST Policies and Guidelines
SLSA Policies and Guidelines
Four rescue personnel wearing yellow uniforms and red caps with 'Surf Rescue' on them are gathered around a man in a navy blue shirt, looking at a device and smiling. The scene appears to be outdoors on a cloudy day.

Why policies matter

Following policies helps ensure:

  • Safe environments for members, volunteers and the public

  • Fair and consistent decision-making

  • Compliance with organisational and legal requirements

  • Strong governance and accountability across all levels

All members are expected to be familiar with and apply relevant policies in their roles and activities.

A female beach volleyball player in a yellow athletic top and a white and red cap dives on sand, reaching out with her hands during a game, with blurred players and beach setting in the background.

What policies cover

Policies cover all key areas of Surf Life Saving, including:

  • Governance and organisational management

  • Member protection and child safety

  • Lifesaving operations and risk management

  • Education, training and assessment

  • Surf sports and competition

  • Integrity, conduct and discipline

Useful Resources - Policies & Guidelines

  • Member Safety

    • Policy 6.02 – Privacy: Controls the collection, handling, and protection of member and participant data.

    • Policy 6.03 – Limiting and Permanent Disability / Inclusive Participation: Outlines provisions for reasonable adjustments, disability support, and medical reviews.

    • Policy 6.04 - 6.04A – Child Safe: Establishes a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse, screening requirements, and welfare protections.

    • Policy 6.05 – Member Protection: Covers codes of conduct, anti-harassment, anti-bullying, and behavioral standards across all activities.

    Member Safety Policies and Guidelines

  • Complaints

    • Policy 6.06 – Complaints Resolution: Defines the framework for reporting, investigating, and resolving breaches or grievances via the SLS Reporting System.

    • Policy 6.06A - Complaints Handling Guideline serves as the practical playbook for resolving issues within Surf Life Saving

    Complaint Handling Policy & Guidelines

  • Governance & Information

    • Policy 6.01 – General Governance & Identity: Manages brand, uniform, and logo usage rules.

    • Policy 6.09 – Risk Management: Outlines institutional risk identification, control, and review systems.

    • Policy 6.16 – Criminal Convictions: Addresses serious criminal offenses and membership/participation disqualifications.

    • Policy 6.20 – Social Media: Governs appropriate online conduct and representation on digital platforms.

    • Policy 6.21 – Photography, Digital Recording & Images: Regulates taking and publishing images of members and children.

    • Policy 6.25 & 6.25A – Non-Political, Non-Sectarian & Organisational Neutrality: Restricts the use of SLS uniforms, logos, and branding during political or sectarian activities.

    Governance Policies and Guidelines

  • Water Safety

    • Policy 1.01 – Water Safety: Governs aquatic lifesaving activities, risk assessments, personal protective equipment, supervision ratios, and Nipper safety guidelines.

    • Policy 1.01A – Water Safety Procedure: The mandatory procedural companion to Policy 1.01. It outlines exact water safety supervisor ratios, and operational requirements for safety craft during training

    • Policy 1.05 – Patrol Uniforms: Outlines the strict national standards, branding requirements, and mandatory components of the iconic red-and-yellow patrol uniform worn across Australia.

    • Policy 1.06 – Gear & Equipment: Sets the national standards, compliance checks, and safety guidelines for all operational lifesaving equipment, including rescue boards, IRBs, and ATVs

    Water Safety Policies and Guidelines

  • Surf Sports

    • Policy 5.02 – Anti-Doping: Aligns with national anti-doping regulations and Sport Integrity Australia guidelines.

    • Policy 5.04 – Competition Eligibility: Sets criteria for active club members to participate in official surf sports.

    • Policy 5.08 – Competition Sponsorship: Regulates commercial and brand guidelines for sports events.

    • Policy 5.11 – Match-Fixing Policy: Protects the integrity and fair play of surf sports

    Competition Policies and Guidelines

  • SLST Policies

    • SLST Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

    SLST Policies & Procedures
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