Membership - LSV Club Support Manual

Life Saving Victoria has a vast network of Life Saving Clubs extending from Mildura in the north, to Mallacoota in the east and Portland in the west. Over 38,000 volunteer club members contribute to ensure that all visitors to the state’s patrolled coastal and inland waterways are provided with a safe and enjoyable aquatic experience.

A member is someone who is vital to enable the delivery of lifesaving services to the Victorian community, as well as to support and run the club itself.

a) Membership Categories

The philosophy of SLSA is to establish and recruit persons to become Members for participation in surf lifesaving activities and in particular but not only the maintenance and operation of surf lifesaving patrols. Subject always to these SLSA Membership directives each State Centre and Affiliated Club is authorised to establish such categories of members as it requires and considers necessary in the context of the Club and the requirements of the relevant State Centre. Clubs should provide membership in the following general categories of membership:

Junior membership
Active membership
Community membership (non-patrolling and non-voting)
Associate membership
Honorary and Service membership(s) including Life Membership

The rights, benefits and obligations of each membership category will be as determined by each Club acting reasonably and in good faith in accordance with its Constitution.

Clubs may determine appropriate fees for the different categories of membership noting that some membership categories (e.g. Community Members) may NOT provide any services to or for the Club whereas Active Members provide significant service through patrols.

Clubs must keep a register of members and the categories of membership.

It is important to note that competition age groups differ from the membership categories. Competition age groups are referenced in Section 2.3 of the SLSA Surf Sports Manual.

Community Memberships

Community Membership is a membership category for Life Saving that would allow people to join their local Club, without the initial intention or need to participate directly in lifesaving activities. Clubs have the choice to offer Community Membership and the ability to decide the kind of activities that are captured under this category.

Community Memberships Explained

b) Membership Application

Membership application must be completed and signed by all members at the beginning of each season whether joining, renewing or transferring membership. This can be done via the SLSA Members Portal or join.sls.com.au

All new members and members renewing their membership after a leave of absence of at least one season are required to sign the LSV Member Protection Declaration, and a Victorian Working with Children Check.

When new members join it is important that they are introduced to the Code of Conduct, Life Saving Policies and Procedures as well as specific areas of the Life Saving Club.

(i) Online Applications

The SLSA Members Portal contains a self-service membership portal. Members of clubs and support organisations in Life Saving can manage membership renewals and new membership applications, Members can also check their details, awards and patrol hours – members.sls.com.au. Assistance in the use of the SLSA Members Portal can be found at help.sls.com.au. Any queries relating to a membership application or change of details should be made directly to the Life Saving Club.

c) Membership Renewals

You will be able to renew your membership online, through the SLSA Portal – members.sls.com.au. Before you renew your membership you need to have created a Members Area account. Please refer to instructions on How to Create a Members Area Account. Family groupings are also available to make the membership renewal process easier. If you are renewing memberships for your whole family, please see instructions on How to Renew Your Club Membership (see link in the references section). Please note that only one member of the family (parent/guardian) will need to create a Members Area account.

d) Dual Membership

Any member of a club can join an additional club, providing they have clearance from their original club. These conditions are outlined in Regulation 6.5 ‘Dual Membership’ of the SLSA Regulations.

Members who hold dual membership are entitled to compete in club events only for the clubs they have joined. Members can only represent one club in any interclub competition during any one competition season. Members’ competitive rights can be transferred as per Regulation 6.5 ‘Dual Membership’ of the SLSA Regulations, and as detailed in SLSAs ‘Competitive Rights Transfer Policy’.

e) Member Transfer

A member may seek a transfer from one Club to another. This can be effected by the member online, on the SLS Portal, members.sls.com.au.

A member desiring a competitive rights transfer shall initiate the transfer process at either the “gaining” or “losing” Club (refer to SLSA Policy 6.24). The Club must utilise the Transfer function in Surfguard, however member or Club may use the transfer form as proof that a transfer has been initiated. Until the clearance/transfer process is complete, the membership will remain with the original club, irrespective of whether the member has been absent from their original club for a long period of time.

f) Important Membership Notes

Important points relating to Membership

Membership application must be completed annually.
New members and members renewing their membership after a leave of absence of at least one season must also complete the Member Protection Declaration Form.
All member details must be entered into SurfGuard.
Membership applications should be submitted with the appropriate membership payment to ensure all members are financial.
Financial members are covered by LSV Insurance and WorkCover.
The quality of information collected and entered into SurfGuard is important, as it allows all levels of our organisation to operate more efficiently and make decisions based on accurate data; and ensures that the individual is recognised as a member and is entitled to member benefits and insurance.