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21 June 2011

Surf lifesavers to continue wearing patrol cap on the beach

Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) has completed surveying patrolling surf lifesavers across Australia about the use of the red and yellow quartered patrol cap.

With an overwhelming 7,200 responses, the vast majority of surf lifesavers voted to keep wearing the patrol cap whilst volunteering on the beach.

Surf Life Saving Australia's Chief Operating Officer, Peter George AM, said "SLSA undertook this survey as we had received feedback from our membership on some concerns they have with the patrol cap. These included a belief that the patrol cap is a barrier to recruiting younger members, that it has become increasingly difficult for patrol captains and clubs to enforce the mandatory wearing of the patrol cap and that the cap offers little sun protection.

"The results from the survey show that in fact only a small minority of our membership have these concerns and we're happy to say that the patrol cap is here to stay.

"We are committed to listening to our volunteers and will continue to do so as our organisation plans for the future."

72.5% of respondents believe that red and yellow quartered patrol cap provides the best in-water identification of a lifesavers
70% of respondents always wear the red and yellow quartered patrol cap
67% believe it has no impact on retention or recruitment of new members
56% say SLSA should continue to have the red and yellow quartered patrol cap as mandatory uniform, with 29% asking for it to be optional. Only 5% would like it removed.

The red and yellow quartered patrol cap has been an iconic symbol of the Surf Life Saving movement for almost a century. Introduced in the late 1930's as a means of identifying lifesavers in their active duties, the patrol cap became a mandatory item of the surf lifesaver's uniform in the 1980's.

Nikon Donates $300,000 to Surf Life Saving

Nikon Nikon Nikon has announced a contribution of $300,000 to Surf Life Saving (SLS), to assist in the delivery of public education programs and the provision of vital rescue equipment across the country.

For every purchase of this easy-to-use Digital SLR camera - Nikon's D3100, from its launch in September 2010 to the end of summer, Nikon donated $30 to SLS.

The proceeds will be used for various SLS projects including water safety education programs, maintaining rescue gear and purchasing first aid equipment.

For more information click here.

Beach Safety Goes High Tech..

Beach Safe Access beach safety information wherever you are along the coast this summer.

Simply click on the link with the new iPhone app for www.beachsafe.org.au .

View real-time weather and beach conditions, along with patrolled locations all over Australia.

Download your FREE CPR Guide

If you faced an emergency, would you know what to do?

You can now download your free CPR Guide to your mobile phone today and learn to save a life!

It doesn't matter if you have an iphone, or android, whatever!

Text the word "CPR" to 0458 72 83 57

(standard SMS and data charges apply).

Want to do a CPR or First Aid Course - click here.

December 2010

What is your Australian for Life moment?

Nikon Australia is proud to be supporting Surf Life Saving and is offering YOU the chance to win a Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera!

In this competition they ask you to examine and, through photography, document what you think being Australian is. Just capture whatever sums up 'Australian for Life' for you - whether it be on a beach, at a BBQ, with your family or whatever you like.

All you need to do is submit a minimum of one (1) photo and a maximum of five (5) photos that satisfy the brief. It's free to enter - so go for it.

October 2010

Australian for Life

This summer Surf Life Saving is launching a new brand direction - 'Australian for life'.

This new direction will encourage all Australians to become a part of Surf Life Saving. The challenge is about helping more Australians realise the breadth of Surf Life Saving and to show that we offer so much more for the community outside of patrolling our beaches.

The new brand direction will be supported by a new consumer facing website and an advertising campaign which will communicate to consumers that there are many ways in which the community can play a part in Surf Life Saving, from joining a surf club, to doing a first aid course to donating time or money or even by simply always swimming between the red and yellow flags.

To view the new commercial click click here to go to the Video links page.

September 2010

2010 National Coastal Safety Report.

The NCSR revealed a total of 82 coastal drowning deaths in Australia for the 2009-2010 year.

Of particular concern was the growing drowning rate of international tourists and migrants who represent one third of the total coastal drowning deaths.

For more details click here for a copy of the report (PDF 3,354kb).

June 2010

Surf Life Saving SA Awards of Excellence

Surf Life Saving SA congratulates all Clubs on a great year and acknolwedges all recipients of awards at the recent SLSSA Awards of Excellence.

Major Award Recipients include:

Darryl Pope (Seacliff SLSC): Life Membership
John Brown (Grange SLSC): Life Membership
Bruce Hosking (Brighton SLSC): SA Surf Lifesaver of the Year
Lindy Lewis (Henley & Chiton Rocks SLSC): SA Volunteer of the Year
Nic Lewis (Henley SLSC): SA Lifeguard of the Year
Dennis Hay (West Beach SLSC): SA Assessor of the Year
Lisa Harvey (Glenelg SLSC): SA Instructor of the Year
Jake Nicholson (Grange SLSC): SA Athlete of the Year
Luke Hildyard (Glenelg SLSC): SA Coach of the Year
Vince Cobiac (Brighton SLSC): SA Official of the Year
Glenelg SLSC: SA Club of the Year

March 2010

New Tower for Semaphore

Semaphore Tower A new permanent surf life saving tower has been officially opened at Semaphore Beach, and will help restore the beach's reputation as one of the State's safest for family recreation.

This follows the successful trial of a temporary life saving facility established in February last year.

SLSSA General Manager Elaine Farmer said the decision to act on the tower had been prompted by the number of drownings in the area in recent years.

December 2009

National Patrol & Proficiency Policy

Last updated November 2009

All members who wish to compete at any SLSA competition must be registered, proficient and carry out required patrol duties, in accordance with the proficiency and patrol hour requirements detailed in this policy.

Click here to view the Policy

November 2009

2009 National Coastal Safety Report

Coastal Safety Report Australian men are nearly nine times more likely to drown at the beach than women according to the just released Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal Safety Report.

And it is young men who are most at risk with those aged between 30 and 39 recording the highest number of deaths (overall, men accounted for 88% of coastal drowning deaths in Australia).

Click here for a copy of the Coastal Safety Report (844kb).

20 November 2009

BeachSafe

Vacswim The BeachSafe site provides you with real-time information about the weather and surf conditions, potential hazards which you should be aware of and amenities and parking details for your visit.

No matter where you live or your proposed destination you will find all the information you need to enjoy your time at your preferred beach location.

Visit the BeachSafe web site by clicking here.

For other safety tips and video of rip currents plus more - click here.

18 October 2009

2010 IRB Aussies

The 2010 IRB Aussies to be held in Penguin, Tasmania.

Click here for more information.

Become a Guardian of the Surf

A Guardian of the Surf financially supports lifesavers all year round. Ongoing contributions through monthly credit card deductions or direct debit provide us with valuable support that will be felt every month of the year.

Regular donations are so important - Guardians of the Surf provide Surf Life Saving with reliable funding and this ultimately gives our Surf Lifesavers the ongoing training and equipment they need to save lives on our beaches. Please consider becoming a Guardian of the Surf, and help us keep our beaches safe.