This is a basic guide to the many membership categories available to Surf Life Saving Clubs. By aligning with these categories and sub-categories, it allows for greater inclusion within our membership framework and ensures that statistics are consistent across all levels of the organisation. Please note that this advice and information is general in nature and Clubs should refer to the specific provisions in their constitution and by-laws to ensure adherence at Club level.
Important: Each Club and Branch will need to refer to their constitution to ensure that the correct membership categories are utilised
Junior:
Junior members are generally those under the age of 15 years. They do not have voting rights and cannot hold office.
| Junior Activity Member (5-13 years) | A member aged 5-13 years enrolled in a club nipper program. Age group taken as of 30 September in the year of joining. |
| Cadet Member (13-15 years) | A member aged 13-15 years, who is actively patrolling. |
| Inclusive/Adaptive Program Participant | A member aged 5-99 years enrolled in a program which has adapted the curriculum to the needs of the participants. |
Active:
Active members are generally those actively patrolling. Voting rights and the right to hold office will be provided for by the club’s constitution or by-laws.
| Active (15-18 years) | A member aged 15-18 years who holds a Bronze Medallion and is actively patrolling. |
| Active (18 years and over) | A member aged 18+ years who holds a Bronze Medallion and is actively patrolling. |
| Reserve Active | A member who has completed a set number of years of active service as per the club’s constitution or by-laws and will be required to complete a minimum of patrols. Reserve Active Membership is not automatic but can be granted by the club. |
| Award Member | A member who is part of a patrol but does not hold their Bronze Medallion. The awards they hold may be SRC, Radio, ART, First Aid or UAV as examples. Refer to Patrol Operations Manual |
Associate:
Associate members are generally those who help or participate socially in club activities. They generally do not have voting rights unless provided for by the club in its constitution or by-laws. They do not patrol with an SLS award and will generally have access to club facilities.
| Associate | A member who may or may not hold an SLSA award and has no voting rights, unless provided for by the club in its constitution or by-laws. |
| Probationary | A member who has just joined and is yet to be assigned a formal membership category or is in training to gain an award to become an active member. |
| General | A member who may or may not hold an SLSA award and has no voting rights, unless provided for by the club in its constitution or by-laws. |
| Leave/Restricted | A member who has been granted a period of absence from their club and club duties for a period. Deployment, injury, work, pregnancy, travel are examples. |
| Nipper Parent | A member who is a nipper parent or guardian who holds no other awards that would deem them to be in the Active or Award category. |
Honorary and Service:
Honorary and service members are generally those who may be exempt from patrol, who have been granted privileges as outlined in their club constitution or by-laws in recognition of their dedication and service.
| Life Member | A member who has given outstanding service to the club and been recognised as per the club’s constitution or by-laws and a category relevant to that Club only. Clubs and Branches are to check their constitution relating to their requirements for Life Members to complete/ renew a membership application, however, best practice is that Life Members are required to complete their Membership application annually online via SLSA Members Area. Note: Life Membership to a Club, Branch, State and National are all separate and are assessed through individual constitutions and policies. |
| Long Service | A member who has given prolonged active service to the club and been recognised as per the club’s constitution or by-laws. There may be no obligation to patrol. Should the Member join another Club, the receiving Club shall determine if the Long Service shall be recognised. |
| Honorary | A member who has given service to the club and been recognised as per the club’s constitution or by-laws. This member may or may not hold on SLSA award. |
| Past Active | A member who is no longer active, however, has been an active member as per the club’s constitution or by-laws. Past Active Members may have Club voting rights at the discretion of the Affiliated Club. |
Community:
Community members are generally those who are involved in club activities but do not patrol, hold office, have voting rights, or access to WorkCover.
| Non-Member Participants | Participants who are completing a commercial training course through the Academy. Clubs are not to use this membership category. |
| Community Member | A member not directly participating in surf lifesaving activities, however they may still assist/be involved with club activities. Some examples are participants in events such as Ocean Swims, Come and Try Days, Silver Salties (Silver Salties participants are covered by the SLSA Group Cover Personal Accident Insurance), Community Education Programs. |
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