Find your place at Surf Life Saving

Get involved

Our clubs thrive on community involvement, and there’s a perfect role waiting for you.

Join a Club!

Volunteer Roles at SLSC

LIFESAVER

Love being in the action? You’re made for the front line.

RADIO OPERATOR

You’re the calm in the chaos helping move people and equipment to where they’re needed.

FIRST AIDER

You’re the first to help and the one we count on when it matters.

SUPPORTER

Behind every strong club are team members making it all run smoothly.

Let’s Find Your Place at

SURF LIFE SAVING

Share your details to find out more. We’ll be in touch to help you take the next step.

    There’s a Role for Everyone!

    About Surf Life Saving

    Are you eager to support your community, pick up new skills, stay active or make new friends? There’s a perfect role waiting for you at one our 129 Surf Life Saving Clubs!

    Our club offers a welcoming environment to forge meaningful connections and make a real difference.

    Don’t worry if you’re not a strong swimmer – our clubs have diverse roles that don’t involve getting into the water, so everyone can play a valuable part in our community.

    Hear what our volunteers have to say...
    “Having a sense of belonging and giving back to the community is fantastic and rewarding”
    Hear what our volunteers have to say...
    “Love that we can volunteer while being in a place and doing something that we love”
    Hear what our volunteers have to say...
    “The friendships you make are life long, and the good feeling from helping others is the best natural high you’ll get.”
    Hear what our volunteers have to say...
    “Surf Life Saving isn't just a hobby it's a lifestyle. Being able to give back and make a difference in the community and gaining very important skills has been life changing.”
    Hear what our volunteers have to say...
    “Best thing is feeling part of a great community organisation and interacting with people who put lifesaving and its core values at the front.”

    Frequently asked questions

    Thinking about joining, but have questions? Walk through some of the most asked questions below by others in the same shoes as you. Still have questions? Fill out the form, and we’d love to chat.

    What time commitment is needed to volunteer?

    The time commitment for volunteering can vary depending on your role and the specific needs of the club. This could range from a few hours a week to a few hours a month! Whatever time you can give, your club will work with your availability.

    We know that you’ll want to feel confident in whatever role you take on and that many people join Surf Life Saving to learn new skills! Surf Life Saving provides a range of training opportunities to support you to stay safe while carrying out your specific volunteering responsibilities. Not all training is physical or requires you to get in the water!

    Training can include first aid, rip current identification, radio operations and much more!

    Being a lifesaver isn’t just about saving lives in the water, it’s about helping when are where you can.

    We have several land-based roles including being an First Aid Officer or Radio Operator.

    We want everyone to be a lifesaver, in OR out of the water.

    If you want to be a lifesaver who is involved in water rescues, you will need either a Bronze Medallion or Surf Rescue Certificate. The Bronze Medallion is Surf Life Saving’s most iconic award – each year across New South Wales we train almost 3,000 volunteers in this award.

    Bronze Medallion and Surf Rescue Certificate holders serve as our first responders on the beach, equipped with the essential skills and knowledge in surf awareness, rescue techniques, radio communication, CPR, and first aid. Both awards require a level of fitness, including a timed pool swim.

    A comparison of the two awards is below:

    Surf Rescue Certificate Bronze Medallion
    Minimum age 13 years 15 years
    Entry requirement 200m pool swim in 5 minutes 400m pool swim in 9 minutes
    Course content Radio Operations
    CPR
    Surf Awareness
    Surf Rescue    		 Same as Surf Rescue Certificate plus
    First Aid
    Spinal Management
    Risk Assessment

    If you aren’t quite ready to attain the Bronze Medallion, the Surf Rescue Certificate is a great option – there’s also an easy transition pathway between the two so you can always upskill when you feel ready.

    If you would rather stay out of the water, these awards are not necessary.

    Membership fees differ between clubs. If you provide your name and email address above – we will send you the specific membership benefits and fees for your nearest club.

    Regardless of which club you are a part of, we know that helping others and the community, developing friendships and social connections, improving and maintaining fitness, and gaining new knowledge and skills are what keeps our volunteers coming back year after year.

    Talk to our team

    We are here to help you get involved! Our membership team at Surf Life Saving NSW can help answer all your questions and find the right role for you in Surf Life Saving.

    memberservices@surflifesaving.com.au

    Find Your Place in Surf Life Saving

    Surf Life Saving New South Wales acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of our lands and waterways. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

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