EXCEL
camera networks and comprehensive coastal risk management strategies as part of their lifesaving tools. As you would expect in this digital and technological age, the organization is supported by extensive IT systems that manage a massive membership database, real-time asset and incident tracking, online portals communicating up-to-the-minute beach safety information and VoIP radio systems that link everyone together via SurfCom satellite stations. There is no doubt that the future of lifesaving will be guided by
new technology, but perhaps the greatest change is a concerted move to ‘evidence-based decision making’, ensuring a professional approach to a largely volunteer movement.
TRANSFORMING AN AUSSIE ICON Long before TV shows focused on their exploits, surf lifesavers have had an iconic status in Australia and beyond. Throughout the world the red and yellow uniform worn by ‘Bronzed Aussie Gods’ have come to symbolize a country with an unparalleled passion for the beach and the ocean. Numerous Australian tourism campaigns have mined this uniquely Australian way of life, and recently, the SLSA underwent a rebrand, incorporating the tag-line ‘Australian for life’ into its new identity.
MORE THAN SAVING LIVES It would be easy to assume that surf lifesaving exists only to save lives, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Not only does surf lifesaving now cover non-surf locations – such as harbours, water parks and lagoons – but members also have the opportunity to enjoy and participate in a wide range of activities. The youngest of the surf lifesavers are dubbed ‘Nippers. Aged between 5-13, there are 58,000 of them, and together they comprise 40% of the total membership of surf lifesaving clubs. Nippers become involved in life saving through the junior development programme, known as ‘Surf Ed’. This sees Nippers take over beaches across Australia every Sunday throughout the summer, as a way to help them develop surf awareness, confi dence and skills in a fun environment. The pathways and opportunities in surf lifesaving are as diverse as the people drawn to it. Whether it’s being chief BBQ chef, patrol captain, training offi cer or club president, there’s a role for everyone. Surf lifesaving is such a large contributor to the Australian community through its wide-reaching services that it has recently been valued at $3.6 million to the Australian economy.
SURF SPORTS
Through the ages, Aussies have been known for their love of sport, and lifesaving events have long been held, as a way not only to sate the innate Aussie need to compete but as a means for lifesavers to stay fi t enough to meet their lifesaving responsibilities. Many events from the early days no longer feature in modern competition; up until the 70s it was possible to compete in chariot races, pillow fi ghts, jumping through hoops and gymnastics, alongside more conventional surf swim and beach races. A few traditional events have survived, though, including the march past (where lifesavers march in formation), rescue and resuscitation and belt races (races swum while at ached to reel and line). Over time, disciplines have become focused on swimming, beachcraſt and beach-based events, and the competition between surf clubs has intensifi ed – in large part fuelled by professional 'Surf Ironman' events.
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