Inclusion and Diversity

Surf lifesaving is committed to having an inclusive and diverse membership that reflects our community. 

Disabilities

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 beachInformation on the types of inclusion programs and training available can be found here – Click here

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’

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. Click here

Multicultural

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 more information – Click here

Gender

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 factsheet available. This provides clear and insightful information on how to best support members and their experiences within Surf Life Saving. 

The newly created SLSA Female Mentoring Program aims to strengthen and support females in positions of leadership in Surf Life Saving. 40 women across Australia were selected to take part in this program in 2020, and program founder Suzanne Storrie shares information on this ground-breaking program. 

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. For more information – Click here

LGBTIQ+

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 suit 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
• Proud Beaches Forum – held in 2019 this forum presented current research, member experiences and external best practice for engagement. 

For more information – Click here