The member opportunities resource provides an overview of the opportunities available to members across different areas in Surf Life Saving and at different ages. This resource can be used to educate and inform members on opportunities that are available to them in Surf Life Saving.
Leadership Development
Leadership development is an important aspect of Surf Life Saving. It provides our members with the skills, networks and confidence to succeed both within Surf Life Saving, as well as externally in their work and personal lives.
The following leadership and development opportunities are available to members.
Volunteer Leadership: Online Program
Developed in collaboration with the Institute of Management Psychology, this 90-minute online program focuses on interpersonal leadership capabilities to motivate and retain members and supports leaders of all ages, genders and experience levels to create a positive volunteering experience.
Access via the SLS eLearning platform (in the SLS – Leadership folder).
SLSNSW Junior Lifesaver of the Year (JLOTY)
The Junior Lifesaver of the Year Program aims to focus on recognising and rewarding members aged 13-14 who are nominated branch winners of the Junior Lifesaver of the Year Award. Clubs are encouraged to submit a male and a female surf lifesaver to their branch’s JLOTY program, with branch winners progressing to the SLSNSW JLOTY program.
This program focuses on self-leadership, socialisation, teamwork, surf lifesaving and self-awareness.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global youth development program, empowering young Australians aged 14-24 to explore their full potential regardless of their location or circumstance. For more than 20 years the Office of Sport has delivered the Award under licence in New South Wales.
The Duke of Ed Award is the world’s leading youth development program, enabling young people to become empowered through volunteering/community service, physical activity, new life skills and adventure/travel. It’s an opportunity for young volunteers to become “World Ready”, build resilience and upskill for future career and study opportunities. Last year more than 13,500 young people registered to participate in the Award.
Speak to your club to see if they are a provider of this award or visit the Duke of Ed website to find an Award unit near you.
External Youth Support
For more information about involving Youth visit:
SLSA National Leadership College
The National Leadership College provides an exciting opportunity for members aged 20-30 to further develop their leadership skills and positively contribute to the success of Surf Life Saving!
National Leadership College will help you forge new networks with likeminded and passionate members across the country who are committed to making a difference within the movement. The week-long program combines a diverse range of inspiring guest speakers, workshops, and activities.
SLSA also offer scholarship opportunities to members from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) backgrounds to take part.
The week-long college is usually held in the first week of February, with applications opening in mid-September and closing in mid-October. Find out more via the SLSA website.
SLSA National Leaders’ Masterclass
The National Leaders’ Masterclass is an annual leadership and development program for members aged 30+ who currently hold a senior leadership role in Surf Life Saving.
As well as learning new skills and creating opportunities for personal growth, Masterclass will open new networks with other like-minded and passionate members across the country, who are committed to making a difference within the movement.
Masterclass is delivered in collaboration with University of South Australia and participants also have the opportunity to enrol in a Graduate Certificate of Business Administration following completion of Masterclass.
The four-day program is usually held in mid-September, with applications opening in early-June and closing in early-July. Find out more via the SLSA website.
Club and Branch Camps
Many clubs and branches offer members team building and development opportunities which develop friendships, enhance skills and recognise the contributions of members. Clubs must follow the Child Safe Policy and Code of Conduct and implement strategies to keep all members safe during these activities. The SLSNSW Child Safe page provides information and links to child safe resources including the Child Safe Guideline, Child Safe Risk Management Document and Child Safe Activity Planning Guide to assist with planning and running these activities.
Clubs and Branches must complete a Special Events application form if the camp or activity is held away from the club or is outside of the usual scope of lifesaving, education or training activities.