As previously mentioned, Surf Life Saving offers a range of pathways and opportunities for members, and the SLSNSW Member Opportunities Pathways document outlines this information in an easy-to-view manner. It is essential to continue to engage members within and between the various pathway options to help engage and retain current members and to encourage existing SLS members to return in future.
Engaging Youth Members
Our young people come to Surf Life Saving with drive, passion and a commitment to change for a brighter future for the SLS movement. SLSCs are encouraged to appoint a Youth Engagement Coordinator to lead a youth committee to engage with young members.
The latest General Social Survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicates that voluntary work is more popular with young teenagers who have more free time and are looking to gain valuable skills and experiences to record on their early professional resumes.
Refer to the SLSNSW Youth Engagement webpage for more information and resources on how to engage young members, such as through the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, and help them develop into future leaders within the SLS movement.
Engaging Adult Members
The latest General Social Survey by the Bureau of Statistics indicates that voluntary work is less popular with adults due to their busy work and family schedules and other time and financial commitments. However, many adults engage in different volunteer options and pathways to explore career opportunities and interests, make new friends and avoid social isolation. They also want to improve their physical and mental health or apply their valuable knowledge and skills within a different industry for a good community cause.
Social networking events and adult fitness training sessions or games are a great way to engage adult members.
Another way to engage adult members is to provide professional development opportunities, such as the National Leadership College and National Masterclass provided by SLSA.
Engaging Senior Members
Many older adults join or return to participate in SLSC activities for social reasons, to enjoy participating with other family or SLSC members across generations and to achieve the health benefits of safely participating in SLSC activities. It is important to engage senior members, who often have more free time, expertise and a wealth of information, as they significantly contribute to SLSC human resources, while also acting as role models and a valuable source of support for younger members.
The SLS Silver Salties program is a physical activity and social connections initiative for older Australians. However, people of all ages can participate. Your SLSC can choose to deliver one or more of the 20 Silver Salties programs on offer, including accessible, friendly, safe and fun activities. These activities occur in the park, SLSC, beach and pool, and cater for more seasoned Australians’ diverse age, weight, mobility, fitness or experience. Refer to the SLS Silver Salties program webpage and FAQs for more information about this example to engage senior members.
Retaining Members
SLSCs may implement various retention strategies to maintain the interest and enthusiasm of existing SLS members. These include ongoing encouragement to get involved in the different membership pathways, effective communication, providing further education and development program opportunities and using member advocates. This ensures all members understand retention is everyone’s job.
SLSCs that successfully retain a large portion of their membership from year to year also have less reliance on recruiting new members. Moreover, SLSCs that regularly engage with their existing members and keep them happy are more likely to retain them and increase the likelihood of recruiting their friends and family through word-of-mouth.
Ideally, the SLSC will have an allocated person or committee responsible for member satisfaction that can:
- Periodically host a social day/night at the SLSC to reinforce the fun of being involved with the SLSC
- Periodically take the time to assess whether individual members are meeting their goals and/or performance targets
- Recognise and act on the key signs of when a member is dissatisfied
- Regularly obtain and seek feedback from the members
- Regularly reinforce the benefits of being involved with the SLSC (e.g., fitness, friendships, development and fun).