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Surf Life Saving is committed to having an inclusive and diverse membership which reflects our community. We are an all-inclusive organisation that protects, educates, prepares and embraces everyone and the information below signposts to key areas of information.

Inclusion of people with disability is about providing access to a range of quality opportunities and options. Embracing diversity and creating greater awareness can lead to better inclusion of people with disability in sport.

SLSA Inclusive Beaches website aims to assists Surf Life Saving Clubs to support the inclusion of people of different abilities and backgrounds to join their local club and learn to be safe at the beach. Information on the types of inclusion programs and training available can be found on this page.

This list of NSW Clubs with inclusive activities shares information on club programs and who to contact for more information. Resources to support these clubs include:

The SLSNSW Inclusive State Championships has taken place since 2019 and is open to members with a disability aged 7 and above. Members may be part of a club’s inclusive program or may participate in club activities (in any age group) and must be current financial members. Information on this event is released alongside our State Age Championships.

NSW Office of Sport has easy to read information on creating an inclusive club and highlights that sport benefits everyone in the community, regardless of ability. These resources can support clubs in becoming more inclusive and supportive to all members.

Surf Life Saving NSW has released the acclaimed short film, Taking Back the Waves, produced by Sydney-based creative agency, Taste Creative. The film was funded by the NSW Government and developed as part of the Surf Life Saving NSW Community Inclusion Program. The film focusses on three trial sites in NSW and explores some of the inspirational work being done by community groups and surf lifesavers in Pambula in the state’s south, Bondi and Collaroy in Sydney and Nobbys and Newcastle beaches.

Surf Life Saving NSW identified that people of all abilities have a role to play in the life of any local community. Creating an inclusive beach experience for people with disability, their families and friends was seen as essential in promoting equality and breaking down barriers.

An Acknowledgement of Country is an opportunity for anyone to show respect for Traditional Owners and the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country. It can be given by both non-Indigenous people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. More information and a sample statement can be found on the Reconciliation Australia website, and the SLSNSW Acknowledgement of Country video can be found on our YouTube Channel.

View the NSW Club Listing Map which outlines the Traditional Nation and People of the land on which our Surf Life Saving Clubs are located. This information can be used in conjunction with the acknowledgment of country above.

Surf Life Saving NSW has a diverse and multicultural membership, and there are a number of resources to support clubs in strengthening their links to local communities. For more information on beach safety talks and workshops that can be tailored to groups no matter what age or background, visit the SLSNSW Community Programs page. For multicultural resources and collateral please contact the Community Education Team.

Surf Life Saving is a proud member of Pride in Sport which is the only sporting inclusion program specifically designed to assist organisations of all levels with the inclusion of employees, members, coaches, volunteers and spectators with diverse sexualities and genders.

In support of our transgender members and their clubs we have a Transgender and Gender Diverse Factsheet available. This provides clear and insightful information on how to best support members and their experiences within Surf Life Saving.

Surf Life Saving Australia’s Women’s Mentoring Program was launched in 2020 and was designed to strengthen and support females in positions of leadership in Surf Life Saving.  To date over 80 NSW members have been involved in the program as both mentors and mentees, and interested members are encouraged to view the SLSA circular usually released in August each year.

Play by the Rules has devised a short list of ideas to help your club encourage more women to get involved in leadership – visit the Women on Board for insights and information.

Lifesavers with Pride (LWP) is Australia’s alliance of gender and sexually diverse surf lifesavers. They represent lifesavers across the whole rainbow which includes our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer members as well as working with straight supporters.  They advocate on their behalf with Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), as well as the states offices, plus with surf clubs across the country to promote a welcoming, inclusive and progressive lifesaving culture that is both proud and safe for all its members, regardless of their gender or sexuality.

Lifesavers with Pride have developed a suite of resources to ensure all clubs are able to provide a safe and secure environment for their LGBT members. These include:

Surf Club Resources – pamphlets, checklists, posters, stickers.

Proud Beaches Scholarship – enabling LGBTIQ people to overcome the financial cost involved in completing training to become a lifesaver.

We are available to confidentially support LGBTQ people within surf lifesaving.

Surf Life Saving NSW Contact:

Claire Bevis (she/her) – Membership Manager and MPIO

Jim Pinnington (he/him) – Surf Sports Manager (for support around inclusion and diversity in surf sports)

External Support:

Lifesaver’s with Pride – www.lifesaverswithpride.com.au / info@lifesaverswithpride.com.au

Lifeline – www.lifeline.org.au/real-experiences/community-perspectives/lgbtqia-people  P: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue – www.beyondblue.org.au P: 1300 22 4636