Surf Life Saving Australia’s (SLSA) services to the community and its members are valued at an estimated $6.5 billion per year to the Australian economy.

The new report by Deloitte Access Economics shows “The services and cooperation of Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) around the country – both now and in the future – show for every $1 invested into SLSA, a return of $20 is achieved.”

SLSA President Graham Ford AM said the report demonstrated the social and economic value volunteer surf lifesavers and Australian Lifeguard Services lifeguards provide to the Australian community.

“With 300 million beach goers visiting the Australian coastline every year, our surf lifesavers and lifeguards are vitally important, last season alone performing 10,000 rescues.

“The Deloitte’s report estimates that the absence of surf lifesaving services would result in an additional 1,300 coastal deaths and 800 critical injuries every year,” said Ford.

For more than 110 years, Surf Life Saving has played an important role and is more than just a rescue organisation. Surf Life Saving services have grown over the decades to provide strong social and economic value to the Australian community.