Surf Life Saving Australia
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Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) is the peak surf lifesaving, water safety and drowning prevention authority in Australia. SLSA is federal in structure, comprising 307 local surf lifesaving clubs, 17 regional branches in Queensland and New South Wales, and 7 individual state and territory centres. With more than 153,000 members, of whom more than 43,800 actively patrol over 400 Australian beaches, SLSA is one of the largest volunteer organisations in Australia.
SLSA is responsible for the management and organisation of competitive surf sport in Australia, overseeing major surf lifesaving events like the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships and The Coolangatta Gold.
SLSA is a foundation member of the International Life Saving Federation (ILS) and plays a vital leadership role in developing lifesaving, beach safety and drowning prevention standards around the world.
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[edit] History
In 1902 it was against the law to enter the ocean during daylight hours in Australia.[1] A Sydney newspaper editor William Gocher announced his challenge of this law at Manly Beach.[1][2] Eventually as more people began to challenge the law it was reversed but inexperienced swimmers were having problems with unusual surf conditions such as rip currents and the number of drownings increased.[1] Groups of volunteers began to patrol the beach to assist and in 1906 the Bondi Beach Surf Bathing Association was formed.[1]
The Surf Bathing Association of New South Wales was formed on 18 October 1907 when nine voluntary surf life saving clubs and representatives of the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) met and affiliated to represent the interests of surf lifesavers.[3] That meeting resolved: "That it is desirable to form an association of surf clubs, to secure improved facilities for surf bathing, and otherwise promote and regulate the sport." and "That the association be called 'The Surf Bathing Association of N.S.W.'" In attendance were:"Royal Life Saving Society, Manly Surf Club (this a different organisation to the Manly Life Saving Club which was formed in 1911[4]), Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club, Coogee Surf Life Brigade, Bronte Surf Brigade, Bondi Surf and Social Club (North Bondi SLSC), Tamarama Surf Club (only lasted a few weeks/ months and then collapsed), Maroubra Surf Club, United Wanderers Surf Club and Woollahra Surf Club."[3]
The name was changed to Surf Life Saving Association of Australia (SLSAA) in 1922.[3]
Women were actively involved in surf-lifesaving for many years before 1980 when they were allowed to become active patrolling members of the SLSA.[5]
In 1991 the name changed to the current Surf Life Saving Australia.[3]
[edit] Lifesaving
SLSA's mission is to provide a safe beach and aquatic environment throughout Australia, through patrolling beaches, education, coastal risk assessments and training. Since 1907, surf lifesavers have rescued over 550,000 beachgoers. In 2009/10, surf lifesavers performed 11,920 rescues, 53,700 cases of first aid and over 650,000 preventative actions on Australia's beaches.
[edit] Membership
As of 30 June 2010 SLSA had a membership base of 153,626. Within this, 43,836 members actively patrol Australian beaches. To qualify as a patrolling surf lifesaver, individuals must hold a Bronze Medallion qualification.
[edit] Training
Surf lifesavers must be competent swimmers as well as experience in rescue, resuscitation and first aid. This experience is gained in a minimum of 20 hours training and followed by a written and practical examination.[1] Volunteers must be at least 15 years old for their initial training and at 16 years of age volunteers are encouraged to become proficient in oxygen administration.[1] Upon completion, members are awarded a Bronze Medallion and become qualified them to patrol a beach. Yearly proficiency must be shown to maintain their ability to patrol.[1]
SLSA also has 58,632 junior members, or Nippers as they are more commonly known. Nippers are aged between 5–13 years and learn beach safety and awareness skills, in a fun and healthy environment.
[edit] 2007 Year of the Surf Lifesaver
In 2004, the Australian Government declared 2007 the Year of the Surf Lifesaver and allocated funding of AUD $1 million over three years for the Surf Life Saver Association celebrate its centenary.[6][7]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f g "Surf Life Saving Australia". South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society Journal 35: 33-43. 2005. http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/9596. Retrieved 2012-01-19.
- ^ Mitchell, Bruce (1983). "Gocher, William Henry (1856-1921)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. Australian National University. http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/gocher-william-henry-6408.
- ^ a b c d Garry Browne O'Byrne (Nov - Dec 2006). "Making the Legend Coogee Surf Life Saving Club in the 1950s". AQ: Australian Quarterly (Australian Institute of Policy and Science) 78 (6): 13–21. JSTOR 20638436.
- ^ This point is disputed. See Stephen Coulter Manly Life Saving Club is Australia and the World's First Surf LifeSaving Club The Manly Daily 26 July 2010 accessed 17 August 2011 and Manly Lifesaving Club accessed 17 August 2011.
- ^ Nikki Henningham, Surf Lifesaving Australia (1907 - ), Australian Women's Archives Project. The Australian Women’s Register. Page created: 16 May 2007; accessed 17 August 2011
- ^ Andrew Dawson (12 May 2004). "Government kicks in $273m for Commonwealth Games". The Canberra Times (via factiva.com): p. 18.
- ^ Kate Farrelly (10 July 2004). "A whole lot more out of life". The Sydney Morning Herald. My Career (liftout) (via factiva.com): p. 1.
