Surf Life Saving Australia 2023/24 Competition Season PDF

Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en Module 1 – Introduction to Surf Life Saving Surf Life Saving (SLS) exists to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities. It is a unique not-for-profit cause that exists through donations, fundraising, corporate...

Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en Module 1 – Introduction to Surf Life Saving Surf Life Saving (SLS) exists to save lives, create great Australians and build better communities. It is a unique not-for-profit cause that exists through donations, fundraising, corporate sponsorship and government grants. Since Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) was established in 1907, over 650,000 people have been rescued by our surf lifesavers SLSA is Australia’s peak coastal water safety, drowning prevention and rescue authority. on ly With over 170,000 members and 314 affiliated surf lifesaving clubs, SLSA represents the largest volunteer movement of its kind in the world. Our history /2 4 A brief history of surf bathing, lifeguarding and surf lifesaving in Australia 20 23 8 July 1818 A Sydney newspaper (Sydney Gazette) records the first surf drowning in Australia, at Bondi Beach. C om pe tit io n us e -s ea so n Late 1800s Some basic lifesaving and rescue assistance are provided by surf brigades and councils. Early 1900s Daylight bathing bans (introduced in the mid- to late-1800s) are lifted and the earliest surf lifesaving clubs were formed in Sydney. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 14 of 479 Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en 1906–07 Manly Council employs a lifeguard, Edward ‘Happy’ Eyre, who dons a water polo cap to identify himself on the beach when on duty. The idea was adopted by surf lifesaving clubs for competition and patrols. 18 October 1907 The Surf Bathing Association of NSW (SBANSW) is formed by a group of surf lifesaving clubs, swimming clubs and the Royal Life Saving Society. The association regulated and promoted matters relative to surf bathing and was the precursor to the organisation known today as Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA). om pe tit io n us e -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 on ly 1907 Reel, line and belt lifesaving equipment is introduced in Australia. C 1910 The first SLSA Bronze Medallions are awarded to five men from Sydney clubs. The Bronze Medallion becomes the basic qualification required to perform surf rescues. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 15 of 479 io n us e -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 on ly Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en om pe tit 20 Mar March ch 1915 The first Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships are held on Bondi Beach. This is now an annual event. C Mid-1930s The red and yellow colours are adopted from the maritime warning flag system for patrol caps (the diagonal red and yellow flag is the international maritime warning flag for ‘man overboard’). 1935 Red and yellow beach flags are introduced, replacing the earlier colours of blue and white. 6F February ebruary 1938 (‘Black Sunday’) Hundreds of swimmers are swept into the water at Bondi Beach. Roughly 250 were rescued, making this the biggest mass rescue in SLSA history. Sadly, five men died. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 16 of 479 20 23 /2 4 on ly Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en -s ea so n 1939–45 (W (World orld W War ar II) Active surf lifesavers on military service overseas set up patrols on beaches in the Middle East and the Pacific, undertaking training sessions and instructing locals in surf rescue techniques. Back in Australia, women and schoolboys play an important role in ensuring that surf lifesaving clubs continued to operate. io n us e 1956 The Surf Life Saving Association of Australia joins with those of Ceylon, Great Britain, Hawaii, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA to establish the International Council of Surf Life Saving (ICSLS). om pe tit Mid-1960s Nippers programs are developed to provide surf skills training for children (boys only until females are admitted as members by SLSA in 1980). C 1970 The use of stinger suits is introduced to Northern Australia. 1970s Inflatable rescue boats (IRBs) are introduced for surf rescue work 1971 A meeting takes place in Sydney at which all affiliates to the ICSLS join to form a new, fully constituted organisation called World Life Saving (WLS). 1973 First use of oxygen equipment on patrol. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 17 of 479 Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en pe tit io n us e -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 on ly 1980 Females are admitted as full patrolling members of surf lifesaving clubs for the first time. Today, almost 40 per cent of patrolling lifesavers are female. C om 1993 WLS and the Fédération Internationale de Sauvetage Aquatique (FIS) unite to become the International Life Saving Federation (ILS), with their headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. 1997 First successful use of a defibrillator by a volunteer surf lifesaver. 2007 Centenary of surf lifesaving; designated the ‘Year of the Surf Lifesaver’. 2015 The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships celebrates its 100th anniversary of the firstever staging of The Aussies in April. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 18 of 479 n -s ea so 2017 First ever drone-assisted rescue in the world. 20 23 /2 4 on ly Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en Drowning prevention strategies pe tit io n us e SLSA aims to base its drowning prevention strategies and programs on substantial evidence. Equally important is the use of research strategies to fill gaps in our knowledge and to discover new and effective strategies. SLSA collaborates with many research institutions to ensure that evidence is of a high quality, independently evaluated and of value to SLSA program and service improvement. SLSA has developed a ‘total service plan’ that outlines some initiatives for addressing each C om aspect of the International Life Saving Drowning Prevention Chain. This plan recognises that lifesavers need to be skilled in prevention, recognition, rescue and recovery strategies in order to effectively prevent drowning. Each module of this app links to one or more aspects of the Drowning Prevention Chain. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 19 of 479 -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 on ly Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en C om pe tit io n us e Lifesavers and Lifeguards Many members of the public ask what is the difference between surf lifesavers and lifeguards. Surf lifesavers are trained volunteers who patrol our beaches and provide beach (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 20 of 479 Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en safety services on weekends and public holidays during the peak school holidays and summer season. They undertake a number of roles including aquatic rescues, providing first aid and emergency care, and providing surf safety information to the public. Lifeguards are paid employees undertaking patrols at a beach or another aquatic environment. The Australian Lifeguard Service (ALS) is the national lifeguard provider of beach and pool lifeguard services to government councils and land managers across Australia. You can refer to the Australian Lifeguard Service website for more information on lifeguarding in Australia. on ly For simplicity in this manual, lifesaver is used to refer to both lifesavers and lifeguards except when there is a point of difference between the two. 20 23 /2 4 SLSA Governance and Organisational Structure C om pe tit io n us e -s ea so n As one of the largest volunteer organisations in Australia, we depend on the contribution of our volunteer members for everything from patrolling beaches, to providing input for the strategic direction for the organisation. Thanks to its members, SLSA has evolved over time into a highly federated and geographically dispersed organisation, made up of surf lifesaving clubs, regional branches (in New South Wales and Queensland), state centres, support operations (regional rescue and response teams), as well as paid lifeguard services. Refer to the SLSA website or the SLSA Annual Report for more information. As one of Australia’s largest volunteer movement, SLS has several committees at every level of the organisation to ensure volunteer representation in key decisions. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 21 of 479 Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en Committees may comprise of SLS staff and/or volunteer members. Some committees cast votes to make changes in the strategic direction of SLS, while other committees provide recommendations for consideration, e.g., WHS committees. Refer to your SLS state centre, branch and/or club’s annual report for more information on the structure and function of your local SLS workplace committees. us e -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 on ly Training and Education C om pe tit io n There are multiple entry-level qualifications for being a lifesaver and SLS training opportunities for you to maintain your effectiveness as a lifesaver. Refer to your patrol captain or SLS state centre website for more information on courses and training opportunities available in your state as well as any prerequisite and proficiency requirements. You can supply feedback on training through your surf lifesaving club’s chief training officer or by contacting SLSA directly and speaking with a member of the Learning and Development team. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 22 of 479 -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 on ly Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en us e Progression and competition opportunities C om pe tit io n Many potential employers and members of the community recognise the skills and positive values that volunteer lifesavers uphold. Getting involved in SLS activities, progressing through SLS pathways and participating in other SLS training or leadership programs can lead to various career and competition opportunities, both within Australia and internationally. There are also opportunities at every level of the organisation to progress as a volunteer or paid staff member. Refer to any of the SLS entity’s websites for information on what further options are available. (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 23 of 479 Public Safety and Aquatic Rescue training manual - 35th Edition_en Module 1 – Reflection Questions Now that you have completed this module, read through the following reflection questions. If you find yourself answering ‘no’ or ‘not sure’ to any of them, you may wish to go back and review the relevant content or speak with your trainer for clarification. 1. Are you familiar with the different ways in which Surf Life Saving works to reduce drowning? ly 2. Do you know how your SLS club fits into the national organisation and how decisions are made in your SLS club and state centre? on 3. Are you aware of the different award pathways and training opportunities available to you? C om pe tit io n us e -s ea so n 20 23 /2 4 4. Do you know who is available to support you in your role at your SLS club? (c) 2023 Surf Life Saving Australia - this version of the PSAR35 manual is for competition use only. Page 24 of 479