Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) is Australia’s peak coastal water safety, drowning prevention and rescue authority. SLSA is also one of many national aquatic lifesaving organisations from around the world that collectively form the International Life Saving Federation which establishes international best-practice strategies for improving drowning prevention, water safety, lifesaving and lifesaving sports.
With over 190,000 members, Surf Life Saving is the largest volunteer movement in Australia.
Made up of 315 surf lifesaving clubs, paid lifeguard services, emergency support operations and state and territory centres around the country, SLSA is a diverse and professional organisation protecting Australian communities from as far north as Gove, to as far south as Clifton Beach.
The breadth and depth of what we deliver makes us truly unique. We are:
- A vital emergency service
- An iconic Australian sport
- Australia’s largest youth movement
- An accredited national training organisation
- Vibrant community hubs
Since SLSA was established in 1907, over 701,000 people have been rescued by surf lifesavers. Our dedicated volunteers are highly skilled and trained to international best practice standards in public safety and drowning prevention. Our standards are embedded within units of competency and qualifications that are part of the world-renowned Australian Quality Training Framework.
The new 9th edition of the IRB Training Manual reflects our commitment to continuous improvement in surf lifesaving training techniques. Furthermore, it also reflects our commitment to making the lives of our volunteers easier through the increasing use of technology.
On behalf of SLSA, I sincerely thank all those who have made a positive contribution to the development of this professional training manual.
As a proud patrolling surf lifesaver, I commend this publication to my fellow surf lifesavers and members of the community, who will benefit from the information provided.
John Baker AM ESM
President
Surf Life Saving Australia