4.3.3. Insurance for Special Events

If your club is hosting/organising an event that is open to members of the public an SLSQ Special Event Application is required to be completed. The current SLS Insurance only extends to Lifesaving activities and SLS members.

By hosting/organising an event it may require and extension of insurance may be required to cover the additional risk associated with non-qualified participants taking part in the event. This will cover your club to any legal action should an adverse incident occur during that event. Unfortunately, waivers and release forms signed by participants are often not enough to protect the club from legal liability in the event of a claim.

In order to stage an event, the SLSQ Event Application Form must be submitted to SLSQ for approval and approval from the SLS Insurer. If SLSQ and the Insurer are satisfied that appropriate controls are in place, the insurance provider will advise the additional premium due. This is usually calculated on a per head basis (e.g. currently 88 cents per ocean swimmer), but certain events may attract a flat premium depending on the type of activity being undertaken.

There are two important notes on Special Events from an insurance perspective:

• If your club is undertaking water safety only at an event, and is not responsible for the organisation of the event, no additional premium is payable, and
• If an event falls outside of acceptable activities of SLSQ (e.g. rapid water events), then no cover will be in place for the club.