SLSNSW Clubs (SLSCs) are SLS entities that exist to save lives, create great Australians, and help build better communities within specific communities of NSW. It is important to remember that SLSCs come in all shapes and sizes, and no two are the same. Each SLSC has its own history and backstory regarding their formation and evolution to the SLSC they are today.
The primary role of SLSCs in NSW is to provide a lifesaving service to the public who visit beaches in NSW. Some SLSCs also respond to incidents ‘out of hours’ when called out by the police or other emergency services.
Every year, SLSCs provide aquatic rescue, emergency care, vocational education and beach management training to SLS members from all over Australia. They also offer community education programs to help achieve the mission of the SLS organisation. In addition to this, SLSCs offer surf sports and/or junior development programs or provide community facilities.
SLSNSW provides a professional lifeguard service on behalf of a significant number of local government councils, and SLSCs often assist SLSNSW by providing equipment and facilities for lifeguard use. Many SLSCs also provide water safety at special events such as those relating to surf sports, community events (e.g., triathlons, fun runs, local fetes) and other community programs with coastal and beach safety as their theme.
Feedback from your SLSC members to SLSNSW branches, SLSNSW and SLSA, shapes the SLS organisation within Australia and helps advance the SLS movement on a global scale.
Refer to the relevant information in the following sections in this Club Guide to learn more about the different considerations involved in running and managing an SLSC.
Refer to your SLSC’s annual report and their website for more information on their Board of Directors, SLS CMT members and standing committees. Also, speak with other CMT members about collaboration opportunities to strengthen inter-SLSC relationships and present a united front with other organisations in your area, e.g., when approaching your same local government council members. You may also refer to your SLSNSW branch’s website for more information about SLSC and inter-SLSC events in your area.
