Purpose
To outline acceptable parameters for the use of social media regarding lifesaving operations.
This policy aims to provide principles to follow when using social media. This policy does not apply to the personal use of social media platforms by SLSNSW members or staff where the SLSNSW member or staff makes no reference to SLSA or related issues.
Policy
Social media offers the opportunity for people to gather in online communities of shared interest and create, share, or consume content. As a member-based organisation, Surf Life Saving NSW recognises the benefits of social media as an important tool of engagement and enrichment for its members.
SLSA, its state centres, branches and clubs have long histories and are highly respected organisations. It is important that Surf Life Saving’s reputation is not tarnished by anyone using social media tools inappropriately, particularly in relation to any content that might reference the organisation.
When someone clearly identifies their association with Surf Life Saving (SLS), and/or discusses their involvement in the organisation in this type of forum, they are expected to behave and express themselves appropriately, and in ways that are consistent with SLSAs stated values and policies.
Procedure
This policy applies to SLSA members, staff or any individual representing themselves or passing themselves off as being a member of SLSA.
This policy covers all forms of social media. Social media includes, but is not limited to, such activities as:
- Maintaining a profile page on social or business networking sites (such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Shutterfly, Twitter or MySpace);
- Content sharing include Instagram (photo sharing) and YouTube, TikTok or other video sharing platforms;
- Commenting on blogs for personal or business reasons;
- Leaving product or service reviews on retailer sites, or customer review sites;
- Taking part in online votes and polls;
- Taking part in conversations on public and private web forums (message boards); or
- Editing a Wikipedia page.
The intent of this policy is to include anything posted online where information is shared that might affect members, colleagues, clients, sponsors or Surf Life Saving as an organisation.
Usage
For SLSNSW members and staff using social media, such use:
- Must not contain, or link to, libelous, defamatory, or harassing content. This also applies to the use of illustrations or nicknames;
- Must not comment on, or publish, information that is confidential or in any way sensitive to SLSA, its affiliates, partners, or sponsors; and
- Must not bring the organisation or surf lifesaving into disrepute.
Branding and Intellectual Property (IP)
It is important that any trademarks belonging to SLSA or any state centre, branch or club are not used in personal social media applications, except where such use can be considered incidental (where incidental is taken to mean “happening in subordinate conjunction with something else”).
Trademarks include:
- Club, branch and SLSA logos;
- The “Life of the Beach”, “Whatever it Takes” or any other associated slogans; images depicting surf lifesaving volunteers, staff and/or equipment, except with the permission of those individuals;
- Other SLSA imagery includes the red and yellow flags, the SLSA red and yellow caps or the official SLSA red and yellow patrol uniforms.
Official Surf Life Saving (SLS) Blogs, Social Pages and Online Forums
When creating a new website, social networking page or forum for staff/club member use, care should be taken to ensure the appropriate person at a club/branch/state level has given written consent to create the page or forum.
Similarly, appropriate permissions must be obtained for the use of logos or images. Images of minor children may not be replicated on any site without the written permission of the child’s parent and/or guardian.
For official SLS blogs, social pages and online forums:
- Posts must not contain, nor link to, pornographic or indecent content;
- Some hosted sites may sell the right to advertise on their sites through ‘pop up’ content which may be of a questionable nature. This type of hosted site should not be used for online forums or social pages as the nature of the ‘pop up’ content cannot be controlled;
- SLS employees must not use SLS online pages to promote personal projects; and
- All materials published or used must respect the copyright of third parties.
Consideration Towards Others when using Social Networking Sites
- Social networking sites allow photographs, videos, and comments to be shared with thousands of other users. SLSNSW members and staff must recognise that it may not be appropriate to share photographs, videos, and comments in this way. For example, there may be an expectation that photographs taken at a private SLS event will not appear publicly on the internet. In certain situations, SLSNSW members or staff could potentially breach the privacy act or inadvertently make SLSNSW liable for breach of copyright.
- SLSNSW members/staff should be considerate to others in such circumstances and should not post information when they have been asked not to or consent has not been sought and given. They must also remove information about another person if that person asks them to do so.
- Under no circumstance should offensive comments be made about SLSA members or staff online.
Breach of Policy
SLSA, State, branches and clubs continually monitor online activity in relation to the organisation and its members. Detected breaches of this policy should be reported to SLSNSW.
If detected, a breach of this policy may result in disciplinary action from SLSNSW or SLSA. A breach of this policy may also amount to breaches of other SLSNSW and SLSA policies.
Privillege of Information
This policy applies to all SLS members and personnel. However, members who operate in a capacity/role where they may be privileged to information must be made especially aware of this policy.
This applies but is not limited to roles such as SurfCom Operator/Supervisor or Branch or State Duty Officers.
Employees of the Australian Lifeguard Service are included.
Reference
SLSA Policy 6.20 – Social Media
SLSA Policy 6.21 – Photography, Digital Recording and Images