BEYOND THE BEACH STRATEGY FOR INCLUSIVE PARTICIPATION Surf Life Saving Australia
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Surf Life Saving Australia acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of all the lands and waters on which we surf, swim, work and live. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present, and acknowledge their enduring connection to the coastlines, oceans, and waterways across this nation. We are committed to learning from the knowledge and traditions of Australia’s First Peoples, who have safeguarded these shores and seas for thousands of years. In the spirit of reconciliation, we honour the stories, traditions, and living cultures of First Nations peoples and pledge to work together for a safer, more inclusive beach environment for all.
LETTER FROM SLSA PRESIDENT
I’M PROUD TO INTRODUCE SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL PARTICIPATION PLAN Surf Life Saving holds a proud place in Australia’s history. Our movement is woven into the fabric of our nation’s culture, shaped by our connection to the coastline and our shared commitment to keeping communities safe. With over 200,000 members across the country, Surf Life Saving is powered by people who contribute on the beach, in our clubs and throughout our local communities. Their service, leadership and dedication has built a legacy that continues to define our movement today.
remove barriers to involvement, and create pathways that welcome and retain people throughout their lives. It helps us to build consistency across states and clubs and ensure that every member, whether a Nipper, a patrolling volunteer, a coach or official, athlete or community participant, has a positive and meaningful experience. Most importantly, a national approach allows us to plan for the future with confidence, ensuring that Surf Life Saving remains strong and sustainable for generations to come.
This document represents a shared From the Nippers taking their first steps commitment to strengthening our into water safety, to the volunteers who communities, our clubs and our people. protect our beaches each season, to It reflects our dedication to creating the elite athletes who inspire the next greater opportunities for people of all generation, our movement is unique ages, abilities and backgrounds, firmly and diverse. aligned with our long-term strategic priorities – most notably, ensuring that Participation is – and always has Surf Life Saving is a place for everyone. been – the heartbeat of Surf Life Saving. To keep our legacy strong, we At its heart, the National Participation need participation that reflects the Plan is focused on ensuring that our communities we serve, ensuring our people feel supported, valued, and able movement continues to evolve, stay to thrive. relevant, and provide a place where Through our focus on four key pillars people can contribute and belong. – clubs, participants, coaches and A clear, unified strategy ensures that officials – the National Participation we can respond to emerging needs, Plan aims to increase participation,
improve retention and enhance the experience of participants and volunteers across the country. This strategy lays the groundwork for our future and shapes the direction we need to move forward with confidence, recognising that long‑term success depends on clear priorities, strong partnerships and a united vision. I would like to acknowledge the Australian Sports Commission for its vital support of this work. Its investment enables us to build capability, continue to innovate and deliver programs that genuinely make a difference in communities across the country. Thank you for your commitment to our movement and for joining us on this journey. Together, we can create an environment where participation grows, people stay involved, and our community is truly for everyone.
Peter Agnew AM SLSA President
SETTING THE SCENE
over 200,000 members nationwide, Surf Life CURRENT With Saving represents the largest volunteer movement STATE in Australia. OF PLAY
With 316 clubs nationwide, members extend from youth volunteers to active patrolling surf lifesavers and surf sports competitors, all contributing to vital lifesaving service on our beaches. Additionally, clubs service their communities through water safety education, community engagement and vital social connection. Despite a strong membership footprint, participation trends across Surf Life Saving reflect broader national challenges, notably the recruitment and retention of volunteers and barriers to inclusion for people from diverse cultural backgrounds and different abilities. As a result, traditional pathways into Surf Life Saving must be re‑examined and adapted to ensure our movement remains accessible, relevant and reflective of the communities we serve.
PURPOSE OF STRATEGY To provide a coordinated and strategic response to the challenges. The National Participation Plan provides a cohesive, national framework that outlines how Surf Life Saving and its clubs will grow, diversify and sustain membership engagement across all stages of involvement, from first contact through to lifelong participation. It sets out shared goals, priorities and actions to make participation more accessible, inclusive and meaningful for individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. In doing so, the National Participation Plan aligns with Surf Life Saving Australia’s 2030 strategic plan – notably the organisation’s commitment to building a sustainable movement and ensuring there’s a place for everyone in Surf Life Saving – as well as the Australian Sport Commission’s Play Well Strategy and its six key priority areas.
CONSULTATION The development of the National Participation Plan involved consultation with stakeholders across the country, including clubs, participants, state bodies, national leaders and Surf Life Saving members. Engaging a broad range of voices was essential to ensure this framework reflects the real challenges, aspirations and lived experiences of the people it is designed to support.
The consultation process highlighted diverse, wide-ranging perspectives, while building shared ownership of the National Participation Plan, creating a robust, inclusive and effective national approach.
THE SURF LIFE SAVING ECOSYSTEM Operating under a national federated model, Surf Life Saving is comprised of a national body (Surf Life Saving Australia), state organisations, branches and associations, clubs and members. The National Participation Plan has been developed in consultation with state bodies, club representatives and members across the country.
STATES/TERRITORY BRANCHES & ASSOCIATIONS
MEMBER & PARTICIPANTS CLUBS
DELIVERY CYCLES 2026-2028
2028-2030
2030-2032
SETTING THE FLAGS
CHANGING THE CURRENT
TURNING THE TIDE
Assessing the conditions to guide a clear direction forward.
Putting plans into action, on the beach and beyond.
Building a sustainable, long-term pathway, that creates real change.
REVIEW CYCLE
The review cycle involves structured periods of planning, action and review, to ensure strategic goals remain on track, with opportunities to assess outcomes and identify future opportunities. These period are 18-monthly cycles, aligned to yearly business plans.
PARTICIPATION PLAN MISSION We save lives and build inclusive, safer communities through Surf Life Saving by enabling every member to thrive.
KEY ENABLERS The National Participation Plan relies on four critical key enablers. These resources and systems are the currents beneath the surface that will enable the success of this framework.
SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY
GRANT SEEKING UNIT
DATA
EDUCATION
Aligns teams and streamlines processes to support consistent delivery.
Enables informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
Drives long‑term momentum by identifying and securing strategic funding opportunities.
Equips leaders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate changing conditions.
STRATEGIC PILLARS
THE NATIONAL PARTICIPATION PLAN IS BUILT AROUND FOUR KEY STRATEGIC PILLARS: CLUBS, ACTIVE PARTICIPATION, COACHES AND OFFICIALS.
CLUBS
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
COACHES
OFFICIALS
Together, these pillars provide a holistic approach to growing Surf Life Saving nationally, improving the movement’s reach, capability and impact. These pillars work collectively to create a sustainable, inclusive and thriving participation system, that supports individuals at every stage of their journey and empowers clubs and volunteers to deliver meaningful community impact.
CLUBS PROVIDING STRONG ANCHORS
FOCUS AREAS Inclusive & Modern Membership Experience
Stronger Governance & Club Capability
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leadership
Volunteer Sustainability & Flexibility
Growth & Visibility
Club & Community Integration
KEY DRIVERS • Create an inclusive, modern membership experience that meets the evolving needs of current and future members. • Strengthen club governance and capability to support sustainable and high-performing clubs • Embed diversity, equity and inclusion across club culture, systems and participation pathways. • Support volunteer sustainability through flexible, accessible and meaningful opportunities to contribute. • Grow participation and increase the visibility of clubs within their local communities. • Deepen integration between clubs and their communities to strengthen relevance, connection and impact.
ACTIVE
PARTICIPATION RIDING THE WAVE
FOCUS AREAS Youth Engagement & Retention
Inclusive & Flexible Participation Models
School to Club Transition
Strategic Partnerships
Growth & Visibility
KEY DRIVERS • Engage and retain young people through meaningful, age-appropriate and rewarding participation opportunities. • Build inclusive and flexible participation models that reflect diverse abilities, ages and backgrounds. • Strengthen clear pathways that transition participants from schools into ongoing club involvement • Build strategic partnerships that expand access, capability and participation opportunities • Drive sustainable growth and increase the visibility of active participation across communities.
COACHES SHAPING THE SURF
FOCUS AREAS Coach Education & Development
Inclusive Coaching Pathways
Coaching Environments
Enhancing Resources
Growth & Visibility
KEY DRIVERS • Develop coaches through education programs and professional development opportunities. • Create inclusive coaching pathways that welcome diverse backgrounds and skill levels. • Foster safe, supportive, and high-performance coaching environments. • Enhance coaching resources and tools to improve effectiveness and accessibility. • Increase the visibility and impact of coaches to inspire participation and community engagement.
OFFICIALS WATCHING THE FLAGS
FOCUS AREAS Officials Education & Development
Inclusive Officials Pathways
Officials Environments
Resources Enhancements
Growth & Visibility
KEY DRIVERS • Develop officials through education programs and professional development opportunities. • Create inclusive pathways that welcome diverse backgrounds into officiating roles. • Foster safe, fair and supportive officiating environments. • Enhance resources and tools to improve efficiency, confidence and effectiveness of officials. • Increase the visibility and recognition of officials to strengthen involvement, participation and community engagement.
DEFINITIONS
SURF LIFE SAVING
The collective movement of surf life saving clubs and surf lifesavers.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA
The national body. Australia’s peak coastal water safety, drowning prevention and rescue authority.
SURF LIFESAVER
Volunteer members of a surf life saving club or the Australian Lifeguard Service.
PARTICIPANTS
People who engage with Surf Life Saving through its programs, activities, roles and pathways.
CLUBS
The 316 surf life saving clubs around Australia.
COACHES
People who support and guide the learning, development and performance of participants across Surf Life Saving pathways.
OFFICIALS
People who officiate and support the safe, fair and effective delivery of Surf Life Saving events and competitions.
INSIGHTS: NEW SOUTH WALES
“In an ideal world, Surf Life Saving is a place where anyone feels comfortable walking in and being part of it, with our beaches and clubs truly reflecting the communities around them. It’s not just about patrolling between the red and yellow flags, it’s about giving people confidence, connection and a sense of purpose”.
“For me, it’s about opening the doors wider and making it easier for everyone to get involved in a way that suits them. There isn’t just one way to be part of Surf Life Saving, and that’s something we should embrace”.
“A strong community is one that supports personal growth, where young people build confidence and have a voice, adults find connection, and everyone has the chance to contribute in their own way”.
“Surf Life Saving has the potential to be more than just a place people come to patrol, it can be a central part of the community. While keeping people safe on the beach will always be our core purpose, we also have a role in helping people feel connected and supported”.
“This National Participation Plan helps us grow by better supporting volunteers and making sure our beaches stay safe for generations to come”. .
INSIGHTS: QUEENSLAND “A national participation plan is important because it gives us a clear, coordinated approach to attracting, supporting and retaining members across the country. It helps ensure Surf Life Saving remains strong, relevant and capable of meeting the needs of both our members and our communities into the future”.
“We need to make it easier for people to participate, contribute in different ways and stay connected for the long term”. “Beyond the beach, we have an opportunity to build stronger, more resilient communities by developing people, supporting wellbeing and creating a sense of belonging”.
“A strong and engaged Surf Life Saving community is one where members feel valued, supported and inspired to play an active role. It is diverse, united by purpose and confident in its ability to evolve while staying true to the values that define us”.
INSIGHTS: SOUTH AUSTRALIA
“Through our training and member pathways, we can equip people with lifelong skills in water safety, leadership, training, teamwork, and resilience. We have an opportunity to extend our reach beyond the beach— engaging schools, community groups, and underrepresented populations—creating pathways into volunteering and personal development”.
“In an ideal future, Surf Life Saving is a connected, inclusive movement underpinned by clear, accessible member education and well-defined pathways. Every member—regardless of age, background, or ambition—can see where they fit and how they can grow, whether that’s in patrolling, leadership, training, or community engagement”.
“A strong and engaged community is one where every member understands their pathway and feels empowered to take the next step. It is a culture of continuous learning, where education is valued and supported, and members are encouraged to build skills and share knowledge”.
INSIGHTS: TASMANIA
“It is by creating a truly inclusive environment for all Australians that the SLS movement will thrive into the future”.
“We have a very serious responsibility to keep communities safe and help them when in trouble but also have the ability to bring people together and create communities”.
“ Making it easier to be a lifesaver is essential as well as ensuring we are genuinely welcoming to all people within our clubs”.
“In a world that is increasingly disconnected, the ability Surf Life Saving has of bringing all people together should not be underestimated - the camaraderie, multi-age and multigenerational relationships that are formed within SLS are profoundly beneficial to individual members as well as their wider communities”.
INSIGHTS: LIFE SAVINGVICTORIA
“The lifesaving movement plays a key role in this core Australian ideal, and building our movement to be inclusive and accessible is fundamental to ensuring our communities thrive and flourish”.
“We throw our doors open and offer a welcoming place and hand to anyone who wants to contribute to a better way forward for our community”.
“We must seek and offer every available avenue to attract, build, support, and nurture people who make our movement so trusted, respected and loved throughout our community”.
“We need all available hands at the ready to achieve our vision where we are all: Together preventing drowning. Together thriving around water”.
INSIGHTS: NORTHERN TERRITORY
“Surf Life Saving’s vision is zero preventable deaths in Australian waters. Surf life saving is and will continue to expand its water safety, emergency support and aquatic rescue beyond the beach”.
INSIGHTS: WESTERN AUSTRALIA
“The community supporting and celebrating our expanding contribution to the community”.
“Beyond the coastal beach environment. Surf Life Saver’s skills are transferrable into offshore and inland waters. UAV & ROV technology being embedded in providing services beyond patrolled beaches, as most coastal drownings occur in these locations”.
“A coordinated approach to growing, retaining, and engaging our members will ensure we have a sustainable future ready to serve our communities and deliver surf life saving services across Australia.”