Safety and risk management

Two surf rescue team members in yellow shirts and red pants on the beach, looking out at the ocean with waves, one using binoculars and the other holding a radio.

Keeping our members and communities safe

Safety is fundamental to everything we do in Surf Life Saving.

Clubs are responsible for ensuring activities are planned and delivered safely, with appropriate risk management and supervision in place.

A lifeguard riding a jet ski on the water, wearing a yellow helmet, sunglasses, a red rescue jacket, and black shorts with 'RESCUE' printed on them.

safer surf clubs

The Safer Surf Clubs Guide is a key resource for managing work health and safety (WHS) across club and VMR activities.

It supports members and clubs to:

  • Understand legal and ethical safety responsibilities

  • Identify and manage risks

  • Deliver activities safely and consistently

Members are also encouraged to complete the Safer Surf Clubs online course via the SLS eLearning platform to build confidence in managing safety and risk.

View Safer Surf Clubs Guide
Explore Safer Surf Clubs Course in eLearning
A member of a rescue team wearing a yellow shirt and red cap is working with equipment in a storage area, with other rescue personnel in the background.

Safety training

Members are encouraged to complete the Safer Surf Clubs online course via the SLS eLearning platform.

This supports:

  • Understanding of WHS responsibilities

  • Confidence in managing risks

  • Safe delivery of club activities

Explore Safer Surf Clubs Course in eLearning
  • Two male surf rescue team members in yellow uniforms and red caps, one holding binoculars and the other speaking on a walkie-talkie, outdoors with trees in the background.

    Key safety responsibilities

    Clubs should ensure:

    • Activities are risk assessed

    • Conditions are monitored and managed

    • Appropriate supervision and water safety is in place

    • Incidents are reported and reviewed

    Safety should guide all decision-making.

  • Three surf rescue team members simulating a rescue, walking out of the ocean carrying a swimmer with the help of two team members wearing yellow rescue uniforms and red caps.

    Incident Reporting & Insurance

    Key tools and resources include:

    • SLSA Incident Report Forms

    • Personal Accident Insurance Claims

    • Special Event Application Forms

    Clubs hosting events must ensure they are:

    • Approved where required

    • Properly risk assessed

    • Covered by appropriate insurance

  • A person wearing a yellow surf rescue uniform and a red cap is standing on the beach, holding a yellow rescue board above their head.

    Workplace Health & Safety

    Clubs should also consider broader WHS requirements, including:

    • Volunteer safety

    • Equipment use

    • Safe environments for members and the public

  • Two surf rescue team members in yellow and red uniforms standing on a beach, facing the ocean, with large red and yellow rescue flag nearby, under cloudy sky.

    Supporting Safe Operations

    Safe clubs:

    • Plan ahead

    • Manage risks

    • Support their volunteers

    • Deliver activities responsibly

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