Every SLSC member should receive mental health awareness training during their SLSC inductions and may obtain further awareness through the SLSA Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual, online Mental Health Awareness training module or the SLSA Guidelines for Safer Surf Clubs.
The guidelines recommend SLS members receive awareness training in mental health first aid at the start of each season. SLSNSW offers additional Mental Health Awareness and First Aid courses based on Mental Health First Aid Australia’s Guidelines in which participants learn about the signs and symptoms of common and disabling mental health problems, how to provide initial help, where and how to get professional help, what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective and how to provide first aid in a crisis.
You can also refer to the free information and resources developed by Mental Health First Aid Australia to assist you in taking supportive action and helping someone you are concerned about.