Surf Life Saving Australia

Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) is a not-for-profit community organisation that keeps Australia’s beaches safe through volunteer patrols, professional lifeguard services, education, and emergency response. Its network spans more than 300 affiliated surf life saving clubs and over 180,000 members, making it one of the largest volunteer movements of its kind in the world. Alongside its volunteer patrols, SLSA operates Australia’s largest lifeguard service and the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service.

Founded in 1907, SLSA has grown from a handful of clubs on Sydney’s ocean beaches into a national organisation whose lifesavers have rescued more than 650,000 people. Its work combines frontline rescue, public safety education, and research to reduce coastal drowning, supported by a mix of community fundraising, government backing, and corporate partnership.