New vision of surf lifesaving unveiled on Gold Coast

The need for surf lifesavers to provide a more mobile response to emergencies, and thereby provide safer coastal waters for all Australians, was the top item on the agenda of a conference on the Gold Coast from 6 to 8 August.

The latest rescue equipment and technologies, including helicopters, powercraft and leading-edge communication devices were all on display, as the leading surf lifesavers from around the country gathered to discuss new ways to provide lifesaving services.


The need for surf lifesavers to provide a more mobile response to emergencies, and thereby provide safer coastal waters for all Australians, was the top item on the agenda of a conference on the Gold Coast from 6 to 8 August.

The latest rescue equipment and technologies, including helicopters, powercraft and leading-edge communication devices were all on display, as the leading surf lifesavers from around the country gathered to discuss new ways to provide lifesaving services.

According to SLSA Lifesaving Manager, Peter Agnew, it’s all part of an essential transition from the traditional between the flags’ model, to one in which surf lifesaving support services’ (rapid response teams, not based at any one club) will play an increasingly important role.

There is no doubt the bedrock of our movement is our 33,000 active surf lifesavers, and they will continue to patrol 300 beaches around the country, just as they have done for almost one hundred summers, he said.

However, in order to reach our goal of zero preventable drowning through the provision of world’s best practice lifesaving services, we must continually adapt to the way in which Australians use our coastline and waterways, he said.

As Australians increase their use of the coastline and coastal waters,we must work with the community and with governments to similarly increase our ability to provide rescue services to areas other than traditionally patrolled beaches.

The SLSA National Support Services Conference, held at the Tallebudgera Sport and Recreation Camp from 6 to 8 August, saw a range of experts from various emergency services sharing their knowledge with SLSA’s professional volunteers from around the country.

The conference also heard how SLSA’s award qualifications are aligned with the newly-released Public Safety Training Package and the organisation’s move to use the internet to build a more complete picture of coastal incidents.

However, the promise of increasingly sophisticated surf lifesavers does not mean the public can afford to be complacent.

Our core message to the public remains the same ” swim between the flags, because if we can’t see you, we can’t save you’, Peter Agnew said.