4.4. Special Events Process

Refer to Circular: SLSQ Special Event Online Application Process Document 002.01.2026 Issued 28th January 2026

A Special Event is any event that involves some aspect of surf lifesaving involvement (advice, safety or event organisation) that is outside the parameters of normal surf lifesaving activity. Normal lifesaving activities include patrols, training of SLSA awards, annual camp run at the surf club, social club event ie BBQ/gathering, club championships, annual dinners/presentations or surf sports coaching that are for or involve members only.

Activities outside of normal lifesaving activities are classed as a special event and must be approved by SLSQ before a Surf Club/Service can be take part. Examples of special events include (but may not be limited to):

• Aquatic safety supervision for an event ie triathlon, swim
• Community education programs involving aquatic water safety or instruction to non SLS members (school groups and general public)
• Events conducted outside the scope of the SLSA Surf Sports Manual.
• Providing first aid at external sporting events, or community events.
• Non-organisational run surf sports carnivals, or events using SLSA brand, gear, personnel.
• Ocean swims/ ocean paddles involving non-members.
• Community events, such as festivals, fetes and exhibitions.
• Club activities such as camps away from the Surf Club, advanced training,
• Fundraising outside of the annual fundraising appeal at an external location ie race track
• Come and Try day- Nippers, Surf Boat, general
• Non-qualified person in an IRB/RWC
  

!NOTE: Activities such as jumping castles, slip and slide, theme park visits, inflatable/inflatable parks or similar are excluded from coverage and members wont be covered under a special event permit. If an injury occurs, the member will need to make a claim against the location/suppliers insurance. Workcover will also not apply.

WHEN SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION:

An online JotForm Special Event Application form must be submitted 14 working days prior to the event with all the relevant documentation included. Relevant documentation for a third party includes: Certificate of currency, safety and risk management documentation, Council permit, MSQ permit (aquatic events).

Applications not submitted within the timeframe may not be approved, resulting in SLSQ services not being permitted to take part in the activity/event and no insurance or Workcover for the members.
Special Event JotForm Application form link:
https://form.jotform.com/253278766281872

Once submitted to SLSQ, the application will be reviewed by the SLSQ Special Events team. If SLSQ requires further information, the Special Events team will contact the Club directly noting that this may delay the approval.

An email approval will be provided to the Surf Club/Service outlining the terms and conditions of the special event approval and post event documentation. All of the terms and conditions must be adhered to, or the special event approval may be voided.

If an application is not approved by SLSQ, the Club, Branch, SOCC and SLSQ Regional Staff will be notified.

*As of the 1st of February 2026 all SLSQ Special Event Applications will use the online format.

For further information contact specialevents@lifesaving.com.au