General news and positive lifesaving stories increase this exposure, which not only raises the movement’s profile but also supports current sponsors and helps attract potential sponsors. Establish a strong and ongoing relationship with media in your local area to ensure your SLSC can promote itself to the wider community and guarantee the right message is communicated by the right people.
All media enquiries received by the SLSC should be directed to the SLSC Media and Communications Officer, who is responsible for sending out media releases on behalf of the SLSC, including promotions, fundraising events, lifesaving programs, open days, and membership opportunities. For issues involving multiple SLS clubs, the local SLSNSW Branch Media and Communications Officer handles these opportunities, while matters relevant across multiple regions within NSW are managed by the SLSNW Media Manager at the state level, and by the National Media Manager across Australia for political issues, events, incidents, and surf sport events.
When conversing with the media, the SLSC Media and Communications Officer will be:
- Open and honest by providing only basic facts e.g., ‘lifesavers reacted as soon as they became aware a person was in trouble’. They do not provide any information that we are not able to discuss, or that would be detrimental to the movement
- Referring the media to other relevant authorities as required, e.g., the rescue helicopter
- Well-presented, wearing official SLSC shirts when speaking about SLSC issues or, like other patrolling members, wearing full lifesaving attire (patrol uniform) with sponsor branding in accordance with SLSA policy when speaking about lifesaving incidents
- Working closely with duty officers who deal with the media concerning major incidents in their local area as per SLSNSW Public Safety Standard Operating Procedure 13.1 Media—Critical Incidents.
All SLSC Media and Communications Officers can contact the SLSNSW Media and Communications team at any time for advice on media issues. The team will keep them informed of sensitive issues to ensure effective management of situations that may attract media attention