Member wellbeing

A woman wearing a yellow surf rescue uniform, a red cap, and a radio, standing on the beach near a yellow rescue surfboard and flags.

Our commitment to wellbeing

At Surf Life Saving Tasmania, the wellbeing of our members is at the heart of everything we do. Lifesaving is rewarding — but it can also be demanding. We are committed to creating an environment where every member feels safe, supported and valued, both on and off the beach.

Our approach is guided by the Surf Life Saving Australia National Wellbeing Framework, supporting a positive, healthy and inclusive culture across the organisation.

Read About our SLS Wellbeing Framework
Rescue team simulating CPR to a person lying on the sand at the beach. The team is wearing yellow uniforms with red and yellow caps and blue gloves.

How we support all members

We are committed to ensuring support is accessible to everyone.

  • Children and young people are supported with appropriate safeguards and consent 

  • Privacy and confidentiality are respected at all times

  • Clubs are supported in responding to major incidents

  • Additional support is activated where needed

Three people standing outdoors, engaged in conversation, with trees and a parking lot visible in the background.

Our culture & values

We are working to build a culture where:

  • It’s normal to talk about wellbeing

  • Members support and look out for each other

  • Support is easy to access

  • Everyone feels included and respected

Our values — safety, trust, respect, caring and responsibility — guide how we support our people.

Our Wellbeing Approach

We focus on five key areas to support member wellbeing. These principles ensure wellbeing is part of everything we do — not just something we respond to.

  • A group of surf rescue workers in yellow and red uniforms stand facing the ocean behind a wooden fence, watching the water. Some are wearing hats, and one is in a wheelchair. The sky is cloudy, and the ocean waves are visible.

    Protect

    Building awareness and capability to prevent harm and strengthen resilience. 

  • Three women wearing yellow surf rescue uniforms and red hats standing outdoors against a cloudy sky.

    Promote

    Creating a positive, inclusive club culture that values psychological safety. 

  • A lifeguard in a yellow uniform with red lettering and a red cap talking to a man sitting on the sand at the beach.

    Respond

    Providing timely, coordinated support following incidents.

  • A lifeguard in a yellow uniform holding a red and yellow flag on a beach. The lifeguard is wearing a cap and has her back to the camera, facing the ocean with waves and a cloudy sky.

    Recover

    Supporting members through recovery and re-engagement.

  • Women wearing yellow rescue uniforms and red hats with checkered pattern, one using binoculars at the beach.

    Enable

    Strengthening systems and shared responsibility for ongoing wellbeing.

Two surf rescue team members in yellow uniforms and red hats standing on a beach at sunset with flags in the background.

Support is always available

Wellbeing is about more than responding to incidents - it’s also about everyday care and connection. Whether you need support yourself or are concerned about someone else, confidential support services available at any time.

    • Lifeline: 13 11 14 – 24/7 crisis support and when things feel overwhelming.

    • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 – Support, information, and resources 

    • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 – Confidential phone and online counselling for children and young people aged 5–25.

    • Head to Health:headtohealth.gov.au –online mental health resources and services.

    • YarnSafe: 13 YARN (13 92 76) – Culturally safe support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

    • Black Dog Institute – National Emergency Worker Support Service:Online – Free, confidential support for emergency service workers and volunteers.

    • Life Saving Chaplaincy Australia: Pastoral care and emotional support via your SLS club.

  • Two surf rescue team members in yellow shirts with red shorts on a beach, standing in front of an ocean, near a red and yellow rescue flag.

    Support following an incident

    If a critical incident occurs during lifesaving activities, SLST has a structured process to support members involved.

    This process is activated by a Manager, Patrol Captain or Duty Officer and applies to incidents during defined lifesaving operations. Support may also be considered for incidents outside patrol activity, depending on the circumstances.

  • Two people in yellow uniforms and red caps taking equipment off the wall in a storage room.

    Immediate Support

    • Peer Support Officers (PSOs): available for on-scene support and follow-up well checks.

    • Operational Debrief by a Duty Officer or Manager 

  • A collage of ten team member photos with a yellow banner on the left that reads 'Peer Support Team' and a Surf Life Saving Tasmania logo in the bottom right corner.

    Follow-Up Support

    • Wellbeing Information Session outlining support options and next steps.

    • Post-Incident Support email within 24 hours, providing information and resources.

    • Well Checks: Phone check-ins by a Peer Support Officer within 48 hours and again within two weeks of the incident.

  • Ongoing & Specialist Support

    • Referral to Professional support Services, including Positive Solutions and the Disaster Response Network.

    • Access to external services at any time, without referral in most cases

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