About Life Saving

History

Surf Life Saving in Australia came about through the efforts of people who defied the law! To explain, up to the start of this century, people had the idea that the human form in a bathing costume was indecent. Hence the law stipulated that bathing was prohibited during the daylight. Also, the sexes were segregated.

The origins of Surf Life Saving can be traced back to the actions of Mr William Gocher, at Manly Beach in September 1902. Similar actions by other people who defied the laws by bathing during the prohibited time (daylight hours) forced the laws to be changed - thus the now very popular recreational and sporting pastime, surfing, began to grow into what it is today - part of the Australian way of life.

As surf bathing grew rapidly in popularity, its dangers just as rapidly became apparent. Therefore small groups of experienced and regular surfers who were concerned with the rising incident of drownings in the surf, began to form themselves into lifesaving bodies to assist those who required to be rescued from an unfamiliar environment.

As these clubs grew in size and numbers, there was the need for a united front to raise funds, and to improve lifesaving techniques. This resulted in the formation of the New South Wales Surf Bathing Association in 1907. This was later changed to Surf Life Saving Australia.

At present in Australia there are 305 Clubs with over 113,000 members who protect the bathing public around the beautiful Australian coastline. In Queensland, there are fifty-nine (59) clubs with in excess of 25,000 members.

Training to be a Surf Lifesaver

The Australian Lifesaving Academy Queensland (ALAQ) is responsible for the delivery of training throughout Queensland and is a Registered Training Organisation. All Surf Life Saving trainers and assessors are ALAQ qualified. ALAQ offers a range of lifesaving awards to Surf Life Saving members and to the community. These awards are grouped according to specialist paths and the age at which they can be obtained. Depending on the award, courses can be held at your local surf club, at Branch headquarters or at Surf House in Brisbane.

The Surf Lifesaver 

All members that wear the red & yellow quartered cap are volunteer surf lifesavers. They have earned and annually update the proficiency of their "Bronze Medallion" or hold a "Surf Rescue Certificate" as a probationary surf lifesaver.

Surf Rescue Certificate

Probationary surf lifesavers can achieve this award from the age of 13 to help be prepared for active patrolling duties. The award trains candidates in rescue skills, first aid and patient management, resuscitation, plus a theoretical component exploring safety knowledge and surf awareness.

Bronze Medallion

This is the minimum requirement for a surf lifesaver. The holder of this award is over the age of 15 and has proved proficient in surf awareness, survival, patrol and rescue procedures, emergency care plus anatomy and physiology. All members are required to complete a 400-metre swim in 9 minutes or less, in a swimming pool of no less than 25 metres or over a measured open water course. Once this competency is completed a qualified trainer provides education and support to ensure club members attain the level of a proficient lifesaver. At the completion of training a candidate's physical fitness is tested by a 200m run - 200m swim - 200m run to be completed in under eight minutes; a 400m pool swim to be completed in under nine minutes and simulated rescues using a rescue board and tube. All these skills combine to train candidates to be an effective member of a patrol team tasked with providing a safe beach and aquatic environment.

More information 

Peregian Beach Surf Life Saving Club holds several courses a year for new members to gain their Surf Rescue Certificate or Bronze Medallion. Check out or Training and Education Calendar for dates or contact club administration for more information on training to become a surf lifesaver at Peregian Beach Surf Life Saving. 

Visit the SLSQ website for more information regarding Surf Life Saving.