2. All my life I have loved the beach, with its widespread sand lining sparkling water,
the sound of grandchildren, parents, friends and travellers, laughing, splashing
and marvelling at our coastline.
For generations, families across our nation have enjoyed the splendour of the
ocean. We have cherished this Australian way of life – one you serve, make
safe and secure.
Surf lifesavers have been the guardians of our beaches for over 100 years;
devoted to their roles, volunteering their skills and time.
Your red and yellow colours are an icon of professionalism within a
longstanding tradition of service; a history that you embody with
outstanding effort and dedication.
As Patron-in-Chief, I respect and admire your enduring commitment
to protecting our community. You are shining examples of strength
and fortitude.
Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
4. 4
2010-11 Overview ..................................................... 6
President & CEO’s Report......................................... 14
Operations .............................................................. 24
Sport ....................................................................... 30
Development ........................................................... 38
Viability & Reputation ............................................. 42
Strategic Development ............................................ 46
Surf Life Saving Foundation ...................................... 52
Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service .......... 56
Australian
for life
Review of SLSA Operations
6. Our key drivers:
• Growing lifesaving and emergency services capabilities.
• Enhancing knowledge/intelligence creation via research.
• Building smart and effective ICT systems.
• Growing sustainable and diversified revenues.
• Improving alignment, integration and delivery of ‘owning the beach’ strategies
and programs.
• Enhancing and formalising SLSA’s peak authority status and reputation.
• Implementation of SLSA’s continuous improvement plan.
Our key successes in 2010-11:
• We saw a downward trend in coastal drowning deaths.
• We performed 14,436 rescues, 67,519 first aid treatments and 733,716
preventative actions.
• We increased total membership numbers by 3.4% to over 158,800.
• We completed the report, ‘What is the Economic Contribution of Surf Life Saving
in Australia’.
• We received an Australian Research Council grant for the rip current study titled, ‘Rip
currents: An evidence based approach to managing the greatest beach hazard’.
• We extended our international humanitarian outreach programs to 25 countries.
• We continued to expand public safety campaigns targeted at rip currents, rock
fishing, blackspots and international tourists and migrants.
• We retained world champion status with the Australia Life Saving team winning
Rescue 2010 in Egypt.
• We were one of only three non-Olympic sports to be recognised as a ‘priority
sport’ by the Australian Sports Commission.
• We commenced the final phase of a revolutionary ICT project to improve the IT
systems used by the entire SLS movement.
• We successfully relocated our head office to Rosebery, NSW.
Our priorities in 2011-12:
• Adoption of SLS2020 and delivering our shared vision with the SLS movement.
• Adoption and implementation of the new SLSA Strategic Plan.
• Continue to conduct public education campaigns aimed at rock fishing, rip
currents, blackspots and international tourist and migrants.
• Diligently progress the findings and recommendations of the Coroner’s report
and Independent Panel’s report into the tragic death of Saxon Bird at the 2010
Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.
• Release the report, ‘What is the Economic Contribution of Surf Life Saving
in Australia’.
• Complete and roll-out the National ICT project.
• Secure ongoing recurrent funding from the Australian Government.
• Implement recommendations from the report, ‘Impacts of Extreme Weather
Events and Climate Change’.
• Ensure the organisation of Rescue 2012 continues positively.
Highlights
7. 7
SLSAAnnualReport2010-112010-11Overview:
Key dates
2010
9 Aug SLSA Board meeting
20-22 Aug SLSA Administration Conference
21 Aug SLSA Awards of Excellence
23 Aug SLSA Board/Special General meeting
17-18 Sept AC/SLSNZ joint Boards meeting
18-19 Sept KNG Series Trials, Tugun Beach
2-17 Oct Rescue 2010, Egypt
29 Oct SLSA AGM
30-31 Oct SLSA Board meeting
5 Nov SLSA Special Board meeting
7 Nov 2010 Coolangatta Gold
20 Dec SLSA Board meeting
2011
23-24 Jan Interstate Surf Life Saving Championships,
Sydney
30 Jan-5 Feb SLSA Leadership College
31 Jan-6 Feb DHL International Surf Rescue Challenge,
Mount Maunganui NZ
10 Feb SRHRS Board meeting
12-13 Feb Tasmanian Surf Life Saving Championships,
Clifton Beach
15 Feb NRHRS Board meeting
25 Feb SLSA EMG meeting
26-27 Feb SLSA Board/EMG Joint meeting
11-13 Mar NSW Age Surf Life Saving Championships,
Kingscliff
12-13 Mar WA Surf Life Saving Championships,
Scarborough Beach
12-13 Mar Victorian Surf Life Saving Championships,
Lakes Entrance
12-13 Mar SA Masters Surf Life Saving Championships,
Christies Beach
17-20 Mar NSW Surf Life Saving Championships,
Kingscliff
15-27 Mar Queensland Surf Life Saving Championships,
Kurrawa
26-27 Mar SA Surf Life Saving Championships, Moana
2-10 Apr DHL 2011 Australian Surf Life Saving
Championships, Kurrawa
8 Apr SLSA Board meeting
19 Apr NRHRS Board meeting
7-14 May 2011 Arafura Games, Darwin
11-13 May ILS Conference on Drowning Prevention,
Vietnam
23 May SLSA EMG meeting
27-28 May SLSA Board meeting
21 Jun NRHRS Board meeting
21 July SRHRS Board meeting
27 July SLSA EMG meeting
29-31 July Australian IRB Championships, Glenelg
12-14 Aug Australian Pool Rescue Championships,
Canberra
16 Aug NRHRS AGM & Board
18 Aug SRHRS Board meeting
20 Aug SLSA Board meeting
27-28 Aug KNG Trials, Noosa Heads
25 Sept 2011 Coolangatta Gold
1-2 Oct NT Surf Life Saving Championships, Darwin
6 Oct SRHRS Board meeting
7-9 Oct SLSA National Conference
8 Oct SLSA Awards of Excellence
12 Oct SLSF AGM
13 Oct PwC Report released
19 Oct NRHRS Board meeting
28 Oct SLSA AGM
SLSA EMG meeting
29 Oct SLSA Board meeting
7 Dec SLSA EMG meeting
13 Dec NRHRS Board meeting
15 Dec SRHRS Board meeting
2012
22-23 Jan Interstate Surf Life Saving Championships,
Sydney
29 Jan - 4 Feb 2012 National Leadership College
12-16 Feb ILS Board of Directors meeting, Toronto,
Canada
26 Mar - 1 Apr 2012 Australian Surf Life Saving
Championships, Kurrawa
8. 8
Snapshot
Table 1: Surf Life Saving Australia Snapshot
2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11
%
Change 1
Surf Life Saving Australia Ltd 2
Revenue - sponsorship & grants ($,000) 16,919 18,308 17,075 19,121 12
Revenue - total consolidated entity ($,000) 27,325 27,724 29,236 33,504 15
Expenditure - total consolidated entity 25,180 27,594 29,066 33,250 14
FTE employees - parent entity (i.e.SLSA) 36 38 44 44 0
Surf Life Saving in Australia
Membership
Number of male members 79,245 85,004 86,152 89,357 4
Number of female members 60,947 65,314 67,474 69,449 3
Total membership 140,192 150,318 153,626 158,806 3
Patrolling members 39,994 43,090 43,836 44,323 1
Number of junior members (Nippers) 52,313 56,338 58,632 60,027 2
Number of surf life saving clubs 306 306 306 310 1
Lifesaving
Coastal drowning deaths 3 92 91 84 61 -27
Rescues performed by surf lifesavers 12,541 10,621 9,420 12,042 28
Rescues performed by ALS lifeguards 4 1,101 2,564 2,492 2,394 -4
First aid administered by surf lifesavers 21,407 21,844 35,416 45,860 29
First aid administered by ALS lifeguards 4 5,696 12,772 18,383 21,659 18
Preventative actions undertaken by surf lifesavers 235,612 208,865 227,963 247,102 8
Preventative actions undertaken by ALS lifeguards 4 211,317 454,090 430,434 486,614 13
Education
Total SLSA awards 94,717 100,401 89,702 101,035 13
% of junior members receiving SLSA awards 46% 65% 32% 49% 53
Total qualifications 6,448 9,614 9,120 8,875 -3
Number of Cert II (Public Safety) qualifications issued (formerly Bronze Medallion) 6,387 9,479 9,038 8,830 -2
Total units of competency 79,973 120,104 124,231 145,850 17
1 Indicates the percentage change from 2009-10 to 2010-11.
2 Consolidated entity includes helicopter rescue services.
3 Source: National Coastal Safety Report. 2010-11 figure correct as at 31 July, 2011.
4 Refers to services provided by SLS-managed Australian Lifeguard Services.
9. 9
SLSAAnnualReport2010-112010-11Overview:
2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11
%
Change 1
Sport
Number of competitors at DHL 2011 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships 5,732 5,563 8,151 6,717 -18
Number of competitors at 2011 Coolangatta Gold 338 407 543 502 -8
National High Performance Squad nominations 74 115 116 109 -6
Number of accredited officials 2,790 2,430 2,615 3,161 21
Number of accredited coaches 1,141 1,884 1,987 2,701 36
Community
Number of Guardians of the Surf (Donors) 33,698 34,987 40,357 47,952 19
10. 10
Our profile
Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) is Australia’s major coastal
water safety, drowning prevention and rescue authority.
We are the largest volunteer organisation of our kind in
the country. Our core activities are:
• Coastal safety and lifesaving (see page 24).
• Health, fitness and sport (see page 30).
• Member and organisational development (see page 38).
• International development and research (see page 46).
Our history
Australia’s first volunteer surf life saving clubs appeared
on Sydney’s ocean beaches in 1907. By-laws which had
banned bathing in daylight hours since the 1830s were
gradually repealed between 1902 and 1905, in response
to the increasing popularity of surf-bathing, and a growing
conviction that bathing in appropriate clothing was not an
immoral act. The impact these changes had on local beach
culture was dramatic: beachgoers entered the surf in
rapidly escalating numbers. The surf was new to most surf-
bathers and many could not swim, so with its increasing
popularity came more drowning and consequent attempts
at rescue. By the summer of 1906-07, the population of
Sydney was obsessed with the question of the safety of the
surf. It was in this environment that surf life saving clubs
first emerged, their regular patrols a welcome relief to
local authorities and nervous bathers alike. On 18 October
1907, representatives from these clubs, together with
members of other interested groups, met to form the Surf
Bathing Association of New South Wales, the organisation
now known as Surf Life Saving Australia.
Our vision
To save lives, create great Australians and build
better communities.
Our mission
To provide a safe beach and aquatic environment
throughout Australia.
Our driving forces
To save lives in the water.
To promote a healthy, inclusive, clean, family lifestyle.
Our strategies
SLSA has developed a new strategic direction, SLS2020,
that will guide the Surf Life Saving movement through
the next decade. The focus of SLS2020 is to further build
the capacity and capability of the movement to save
more lives, create better Australians and build better
communities. There are four pillars of strategic intent that
we will pursue to achieve our mission:
1. Extend lifesaving coverage to meet community needs.
2. Develop our people.
3. Ensure the movement’s long term sustainability.
4. Involve all Australians and make a valued contribution
to the Australian society.
The diagram on page 12 provides a more detailed insight
into SLS2020, and how these pillars of strategic intent will
benefit society and the Surf Life Saving movement.
How we fulfil our mission
Our total membership of 158,806 is spread across 310
affiliated surf life saving clubs (see page 142), and more
than 60 support operations – (motorised units of RWCs,
RIBs, JRBs and ORBs – see glossary). Of our 158,806
members, 44,323 actively patrol our beaches and 60,027
are Nippers (junior surf lifesavers aged from 5 to 13).
The majority of our services are provided by surf lifesavers
who complete surf patrols in their own time – usually
a half-day patrol every three to four weeks during the surf
swimming season. We also operate the country’s largest
lifeguard service, contracting to local governments and
other coastal land and aquatic facility managers.
In the 2010-11 season, our volunteer patrol members
were involved in 12,042 rescues, while our paid lifeguards
rescued a further 2,394, taking the total number of lives
saved since 1907 to over 600,000.
Our stakeholders
It is estimated there are more than 100 million beach
visitations each year, making Australia’s beaches and
coastline the country’s favourite playground. Our principal
stakeholders are therefore those who use the Australian
coastline, and those who are directly or indirectly
impacted by our actions.
We engage with our stakeholders in order to further our
goal of saving lives in the water. We have direct relationships
with a number of stakeholders – our members, employees,
our corporate and government partners and our supporters.
We also have an indirect relationship with the broader
community and it is this group we must influence in order to
reduce the rate of coastal drowning deaths.
Who we are
11. 11
SLSAAnnualReport2010-112010-11Overview:
Who are our stakeholders?
Internal
• Our members: Our state and territory centres represent
our members on the SLSA Board. We have regular
contact with our owners through Board meetings
and the other forums outlined in the Boards and
Committees section of this report.
• Staff: The nature of our relationship with our staff is
described on page 74.
Corporate Sector
• Corporate partners: We very much rely on our
corporate partners to fund the majority of our
programs; these partnerships are outlined on page 45.
Occasionally, we enter the market seeking partners for
new properties and programs.
Government Sector
• Australian Government departments and agencies:
We rely on support for many of our programs from
the following Australian Government departments
and agencies:
• Attorney-General’s Department
• Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
• Australian Sports Commission
• Department of Health and Ageing
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
• Tourism Australia
• Other levels of government: Our state centres have
direct relationships with state governments, while our
clubs liaise with their relevant local government. On
occasion, SLSA will form relationships with state and
local governments on certain activities, particularly
when organising sporting events.
• Parliamentarians: In order to strengthen our reputation
we engage in proactive advocacy with elected members of
parliament, particularly those representing coastal seats.
Community
• Our members: We have a duty of care to protect our
members as they carry out their duties on and off the
beach. We are constantly developing and improving our
lines of communication with our members through an
integrated suite of online platforms.
• Potential members: We depend on new recruits to
maintain and increase lifesaving services. We have regular
national recruitment campaigns targeting new members,
and also rely on media, informal networks and the efforts
of state centres and clubs to attract new members.
• Potential donors: The Surf Life Saving Foundation
conducts a number of community fundraising campaigns
each year, see page 52 for specific information.
• Beach-going community: We communicate with the
community via a variety of different programs and
channels, including public advertising campaigns, media
activity and the distribution of educational resources.
Funding
We are a charity and rely on our corporate partners and the
Australian Government to fund the majority of our activities
(see page 52). This income is supplemented with royalties
derived from trademark licensing (i.e. organisations pay us
for the use of our intellectual property, principally the red
and yellow cap, flags and patrol uniforms). A small amount
is also received from fees for competitions, conferences and
the like.
SLSA is not an active fundraiser, although from time to
time we benefit from unsolicited bequests and donations.
Certain subsidiary companies of SLSA do conduct community
fundraising appeals and the details of all of these activities,
including costs, are listed in our financial statements.
The Surf Life Saving Foundation (which reports separately)
actively conducts fundraising around Australia on behalf of
SLSA and our state centres (see page 52 for details), while
surf life saving clubs, branches and states also conduct their
own fundraising activities as well. To support their lifesaving
activities our state centres (which also report separately)
are engaged in fee-for-service activities such as education,
training and the provision of contract lifeguard services to
local government and other land managers.
Statutory obligations and oversight
SLSA is a company limited by guarantee under the
Corporations Act 2001 (Commonwealth). The Surf
Life Saving Foundation operates under the charitable
fundraising legislation in each of the states and territories
it is registered (see page 52). SLSA is also a registered
charitable institution under the NSW Charitable
Fundraising Act 1991 (NSW).
About this report
This is the Annual Report of SLSA Ltd. The Surf Life Saving
movement is made up of over 450 separate legal entities,
including state centres, clubs, branches and subsidiary
support operations. The financial accounts of these
entities, whose relationship with SLSA Ltd is further
described on page 78, are not consolidated here. However,
the activities and achievements of all Australia’s surf
lifesavers are consolidated and reported.
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Notice is given of the Annual General Meeting of SLSA Ltd.
The meeting will be held on Friday, 28 October 2011 at SLSA’s
Rosebery office. All SLSA members are welcome to attend.
13. 13
SLSAAnnualReport2010-112010-11Overview:
How we are meeting our targets
SLSA’s Strategic Management Plan Saving Lives in the Water 2007-2011 lists our priorities and the strategies and tactics to
achieve them. Our achievements against these targets are reported in detail from pages 14 to 51.
In 2010-11 we distilled the various strategies into seven ‘key drivers’, which were considered priority enablers for SLSA to
progress its strategic and operational priorities:
• Growing lifesaving and emergency services capabilities.
• Enhancing knowledge/intelligence creation via research.
• Building smart and effective ICT systems.
• Growing sustainable and diversified revenues.
• Improving alignment, integration and delivery of ‘owning the beach’ strategies and programs.
• Enhancing and formalising SLSA’s peak authority status and reputation.
• Implementing SLSA’s continuous improvement plan.
The table below provides an overall status update of our progress.
During 2010-11, SLSA has embarked on a significant strategic planning exercise to develop a new direction for the SLS
movement to 2020 and an aligned SLSA Strategic Plan. This new strategic direction, SLS2020, outlined on page 12 of this
report will be the basis for SLSA’s performance reporting in the future.
Colour Key Definition Action
Blue Satisfactorily completed Celebrate
Green Progressing satisfactorily/on track Continue
Amber Started but not progressing satisfactorily Focus
Red Will not be achieved without intervention Review
Our Key Drivers
2008-09
Rating
2009-10
Rating
2010-11
Rating
Growing lifesaving and emergency services capabilities. Amber Amber
Enhancing knowledge/intelligence creation via research. Amber Green
Building smart, effective ICT systems. Amber
Growing sustainable and diversified revenues. Amber Amber
‘Owning the beach’ strategies and programs. Amber
Enhancing and formalising SLSA’s peak authority status and reputation. N/A Amber
Implementing SLSA’s continuous improvement plan. N/A Green
Amber/Green
Amber/Green Amber/Green
Amber/Green
Amber/GreenAmber/Green
Amber/Green
Amber/Green
Amber/Green
15. 15
SLSAAnnualReport2010-11President&CEO’sReport:
Foreword
This report details the achievements of Surf Life Saving
Australia (SLSA) Ltd during 2010-11, drawing together
information from over 450 entities, including 310 clubs, 61
support operations, 55 contracted lifeguard services, 17
branches, and seven state/territory centres. The majority
of these are separate legal entities and are required to
report on their performance elsewhere, however many of
their activities are reported here to provide a single point
of reference for the performance of Surf Life Saving (SLS)
in Australia.
This year we have continued to see a decrease in the number
of coastal drownings recorded throughout Australia. SLSA’s
‘2011 National Coastal Safety Report’ confirmed 61 coastal
drowning deaths throughout 2010-11. While it is somewhat
pleasing to note that this number has decreased from that
recorded in 2010, 61 coastal drowning deaths is still too many
and shows that we have a considerable amount of additional
work to do to help meet the goal of reducing drowning
deaths by 50% by 2020.
2010-11 has also seen SLSA embark on a considerable
strategic planning exercise. Following receipt of the
report from the Organisational Effectiveness Review in
late 2010, the SLSA Board committed to implementing
all of the report’s recommendations relating to strategy.
One of these recommendations was that SLSA should
align the strategic plans for the SLS movement, SLSA, and
the states. In response, SLSA has been leading a strategic
planning exercise for the entire movement. This has
involved a considerable amount of work at the Board level
as well as consultation with key stakeholders including
clubs and importantly members. This strategic direction
titled SLS2020, will provide the whole organisation with
a common strategic focus towards 2020 as we fulfil our
mission to ‘Save Lives, Create Great Australians, and Build
Better Communities’. An overview of the plan can be found
on page 12.
A significant achievement in 2010-11 was the completion
of the report, ‘What is the Economic Contribution
of Surf Life Saving in Australia’. SLSA commissioned
PricewaterhouseCoopers to evaluate the economic value
of Surf Life Saving to the Australian community, with the
final report indicating the total estimated value of Surf Life
Saving’s coastal drowning and injury prevention efforts at
$3.6 billion per annum.
The report, which will be publically released on
12 October 2011, demonstrates Surf Life Saving’s unique
and significant value to the Australian community, and
associated economic flow-on effects.
One of SLSA’s core roles is to fulfil the organisation’s peak
body responsibility in improving water safety policy and
standards throughout Australia and throughout the world.
It is pleasing to note that we continued to fulfil this role
throughout the year, continuing our heavy involvement
within the Australian Water Safety Council, the Australian
Emergency Management Volunteers Forum and the
International Life Saving Federation. This year also saw
SLSA play an important role in the consultative process
associated with the Australian Government’s not-for-profit
and charity reform agenda.
2010-11 saw SLSA relocate its head office and
administrative function from Bondi Beach to premises in
Rosebery – in close proximity to Sydney Airport and the
CBD. SLSA staff have now settled into the new premises
and are to be commended for the professionalism they
have shown during the transition to the new site. It
was a significant period of disruption during the year
which was handled very well and we thank our staff for
their assistance. Plans are now well advanced for the
redevelopment of our former office site at Bondi where
we hope to introduce a Beach Safety and Alert Centre,
museum and café space as well as meeting, function and
exhibition facilities.
As has been reported in previous annual reports, our
membership continues to grow. This annual report
records a 3.4% increase in membership taking our total
membership numbers to 158,806. What is most pleasing
is that these increases have been seen across most
membership categories.
On 2 August 2011, the Queensland Coroner delivered
his findings and recommendations following a Coronial
Inquest into the tragic death of Saxon Bird at the
2010 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. SLSA
has accepted the Coroners findings and is working to
action each of those recommendations as well as the
recommendations made by an Independent Panel
commissioned by SLSA through the legal firm Lander and
Rogers. SLSA’s progress on these recommendations, as well
as all event management and safety actions since 1996 are
publically available on the SLS website.
We will never forget that we tragically and regrettably lost
a fine young Australian surf lifesaver and our thoughts and
prayers remain with the Bird family and our broader Surf
Life Saving community.
President & CEO's Report
This annual report records a 3.4% increase
in membership taking our total membership
numbers to 158,806.
16. 16
Non-financial performance
Performance Management
In May 2007, SLSA adopted a Strategic Management Plan
– Saving Lives in the Water 2007-11. This plan provided
a platform for the strategic development and operational
delivery for SLSA and State Centres. The plan has guided
performance management and resource allocation based
on priorities and needs.
Leading into 2010-11, SLSA identified a series of ‘key
drivers’, which were considered as priority enablers for
many of the strategic and operational priorities in the
plan. The Board has received and reviewed regular status
reports on the progress against these key drivers. The key
drivers during 2010-11 were:
• Growing lifesaving and emergency services capabilities.
• Enhancing knowledge/intelligence creation via research.
• Building smart and effective ICT systems.
• Growing sustainable and diversified revenues.
• Improving alignment, integration and delivery of
‘owning the beach’ strategies and programs.
• Enhancing and formalising SLSA’s peak authority status
and reputation.
• Implementing SLSA’s continuous improvement plan.
Our performance against these key drivers is outlined below.
Growing lifesaving and emergency services capabilities
SLSA continued to focus on the Total Service Plan. Pleasingly,
drowning trends are falling, albeit too slowly for our liking,
showing that our programs such as the Blackspot Drowning
Reduction Program and the targeted public safety education
programs are making a difference. A significant increase in
funding support is required to make a real difference: i.e.
meeting the National Water Safety Strategy’s goal of halving
the drowning rate by 2020.
2010-11 saw SLS services called on to play a vital role in
the coordinated emergency responses to many incidents
around the country. Particular mention must be given to
the SLSQ services that contributed to the coordination,
rescue and recovery efforts following the devastating
floods in Queensland. The courage, commitment and
efforts of our members are commended.
Enhancing knowledge/intelligence creation via research
We have continued to progress our Research Agenda during
the year. Our Research Advisory Committee continues to
play an important role in focussing our research efforts.
SLSA appreciates the continued support of significant
Australian researchers, academics and experienced surf
lifesavers who contribute to this committee.
A range of important research projects were completed
or advanced throughout the year, including surveys at
the Australian Championships on general event safety
management and the trial of the fluoro lycra vests,
research on behavioural aspects of rip currents and
people caught in rips and the economic and social capital
contributions of SLS.
It is pleasing to note that SLSA has recently received an
industry award for its rip currents research.
Building smart and effective ICT systems
In August 2009, SLSA received a $4.4million grant from
the Australian Government to invest in developing a
sophisticated ICT platform for the future administration
of the organisation’s activities on and off the beach. This
project is being delivered over a three-year period.
At this time, it is pleasing to note that Phase One of the
project - the development of the Central Operating Data
Store - has been completed and the new systems that are
being developed as part of Phase Two are in their final
stages of testing. Finalisation of these products and roll-
out are planned for the end of 2011-12.
SLSA has also embarked on the development of a new
ICT strategy. This will identify the future ICT needs of the
organisation for the next decade, aligned to SLS2020 and
SLSA’s Strategic Plan.
Growing sustainable and diversified revenues
Following the restructuring of the Surf Life Saving
Foundation (SLSF) in 2009-10 into a truly national
foundation owned by SLSA and the seven state centres,
this year saw the election of talented, experienced and
influential business people to the SLSF Board. The SLSF
Board will play a critical role in ensuring the current and
future sustainability of SLS. Their influence is, and will
continue to be, an important asset for SLS. We record
our thanks to Stephen Maitland OAM, RFD (Chair), Neil
Balnaves AO, Alan Rydge, John Kirby, Lionel Hogg and
Deborah Thomas for their support and contribution to
SLS’s long term financial security.
SLSA’s retail program for SLS products continues to provide
an important service for our clubs and members. In
addition, we have launched a new Trademark Licensing
Program that will see SLS licensed products in a range
of outlets during 2011-12. This will hopefully provide
significant dividends in the coming years.
Improving alignment, integration and delivery of ‘owning
the beach’ strategies and programs
Last year, SLSA introduced a ‘Can Do’ membership program
that helped describe the essence of our organisation, which
has continued to resonate amongst the membership. On
the back of this program, SLSA launched a major brand
repositioning this year, with the roll-out of ‘Australian for
Life: Give, Get Involved, Be Safe’. This has been well received
amongst SLSA’s supporters. Further brand awareness and
leveraging activities are planned for 2011-12, particularly with
the membership.
Enhancing and formalising SLSA’s peak authority status
and reputation
SLSA has had a range of successes during 2010-11,
including the formal adoption of the feather flag as
a complement to the traditional red and yellow flag,
17. 17
SLSAAnnualReport2010-11President&CEO’sReport:
as an Australian Standard. This was achieved following
significant advocacy from SLSA. SLSA has continued to
support a diverse array of government and industry issues,
reflective of our diverse range of activities and outputs.
SLSA also continues to develop and publish influential
reports to support the water safety industry such as the
National Coastal Safety Report.
Implementing SLSA’s continuous improvement plan
In late 2009, SLSA received the final report from
the Barrington Group presenting the Organisational
Effectiveness Review. The SLSA Board considered the
report’s recommendations and created a Continuous
Improvement Program to implement all recommendations.
Most of the tasks from the plan have been completed
including revising the Constitution, Regulations and
Governance Policy, as well as finalising the Terms of
Reference for sub-committees and advisor positions, and
initiating the new appointments process for these roles.
A particular focus has been on the development of aligned
strategic directions and priorities for the SLS movement.
Financial Performance
2010-11 proved a difficult year for SLSA Ltd, particularly
with respect to containing above budget expenditure
associated with the redevelopment of the Rosebery
property and less than budgeted retail sales. As such, we
failed to reach our net revenue targets, and the parent
company has subsequently recorded a loss of $470,859 for
the year. However the SLSA group recorded a surplus of
$253,663.
SLSA has completed its building program, finalising the
refurbishment of the new national offices at 789 Botany Road
in Rosebery. The expected cash flow drain that this project
placed on the organisation has necessitated careful and tight
cash flow planning and management throughout the year.
The Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee (FACC) and
Management have focused considerable time and attention
to ensuring that our operating cash flow remains positive and
we have a strategy to replenish our liquid cash assets.
We take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank our
new independent directors Michael Crismale (Chair) and
Suzanne Young for their significant contribution to the FACC.
Community and Corporate Support
It is pleasing to report that our three valued major
corporate partners DHL, Westpac and Telstra, have
maintained their fantastic support during the year. DHL
extended its sponsorship this year to also include naming
rights for the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships,
in addition to their ongoing commitment to SLS beach
patrols across the country. Westpac continue to support
the Helicopter Rescue Service and lifesaving patrols,
and Telstra maintained its support of patrol uniforms,
the Beach to Bush Program and the equipment fund.
Our agreements with each of these partners are due for
renewal over the next 12 months and we hope to report in
next year’s annual report that these important long-term
partnerships have continued.
Several new partners also came on board this year, namely
Nikon, Woodside and P&N Beverages, via Frantelle Water.
We are pleased to have these companies, and their
excellent products, involved with SLS.
To all of our partners, we sincerely thank you for your
ongoing commitment.
This year saw many natural disasters in Australia, including
the Queensland, Victorian and New South Wales floods
and Cyclone Yasi in North Queensland. Many Australians
selflessly donated their time and money to assist our
fellow Australians who were affected by these disasters.
Despite this, the community continued to support SLS.
Throughout the year, the newly structured National Surf
Life Saving Foundation Board and staff focused much time
and attention into the SLS fundraising effort. Throughout
the year, $1.8 million was collected from donations and
distributed to the states, with $370,000 of guaranteed
distributions received in July 2011 and an additional
$329,000 committed subject to a final audit.
Government support
The Australian Government continues to support SLS
in a range of ways. Through the Department of the
Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Government continued
to support our water safety services via the National
Recreation and Safety Program and the Saving Lives in the
Water initiative, which included the Blackspot Drowning
Reduction Program and targeted water safety education
programs. It is essential that we secure increased funding
for these programs beyond 2011-12 to make a real impact
on reducing the coastal drowning rate. This will be a key
priority for SLSA next year.
This year also saw SLSA identified by the Australian Sports
Commission (ASC) as one of only three non-Olympic sports
recognised as a ‘priority sport’. Last year, we reported on
the Government’s commitment to increase funding for
sport. We are pleased to advise that SLSA was successful
in receiving an additional $750,000 in funding from the
ASC for our high performance sport and sport participation
initiatives. This will go a long way to assist us to provide
a positive recreational and participation environment
for Australians, and seamless participation and high
performance pathways for our members.
We have also seen a great commitment from our federal
parliamentarians with the creation of the Parliamentary
Friends of Surf Life Saving - a group of Members of
Parliament and Senators committed to the values and
contribution of Surf Life Saving. We take this opportunity
to thank SLSA Life Member Geoff Lyons MP and his staff
for supporting this initiative. We have had the opportunity
to meet with this group on two occasions and provided
them with an overview on the progress and success
of SLSA. We thank each of them for their time and
commitment and look forward to regularly communicating
with them further in the coming year.
SLSA was identified by the Australian Sports
Commission as a ‘priority sport’.
18. 18
Environmental Performance
It is evident that SLS services and facilities are vulnerable to
climate change and extreme coastal weather events. Many
clubs and services are already experiencing the challenges
caused by severe beach erosion. During 2010-11, SLSA
commissioned a report on climate change and its effects
entitled ‘Impact of Extreme Weather Events and Climate
Change on Surf Life Saving Services’. This report identifies
the challenges facing SLS and provides a ‘Road Map’ for
action based on capacity building and coordinated support
for our SLS services.
Our challenge for 2011-12 will be to provide guidance
and support to all clubs and services, particularly some of
the most vulnerable, to combat the challenges that they
face. This support will be provided through a coordinated
strategy between SLSA and state centres.
Governance
As a result of the Organisational Effectiveness Review, a
series of changes have been affected to SLSA’s governance
systems, including updates to the SLSA constitution,
regulations and governance policy. Included in these
changes is the SLSA Board’s ability to appoint two
additional Independent Directors, who may or may not
be members of SLSA and who have a range of skills that
compliment the Board composition. During the year, the
Board appointed two independent directors, Suzanne
Young and Michael Crismale. A brief biography on Michael
and Suzanne - as well as our other directors - is provided
on page 66.
Appointments and retirements of directors
During 2010-11, Peter George AM submitted his
resignation as the Director of Lifesaving for SLSA, effective
14 November 2010, with Mark Fife being appointed to this
role on 15 November 2010. In addition to this, Ken Bird
OAM submitted his resignation as the SLSQ Appointed
Director, effective 20 December 2010, and was replaced by
Ralph Devlin SC.
As reported in the 2009-10 annual report, SLSA also saw
long-standing directors Ron Rankin AM (President) and
John Fitzgerald OAM (Director of Development) not seek
re-election. Graham Ford was elected President and Kevin
Larkins was elected Director of Development.
SLSA conveys its sincere thanks to each of these outgoing
directors for their very significant contributions during
their time as directors.
Organisational Outlook
2010-11 has certainly been challenging. However, the
achievements detailed in this Annual Report demonstrate
another year of progress. This is a credit to all involved and
representative of the ‘Can Do’ attitude of everyone at SLSA
and the entire SLS movement.
SLSA will continue to face significant challenges in
2011-12 and we will endeavour to maintain positive
growth indicators and work towards reaching our strategic
objectives. The major focuses in 2011-12 will be:
• Diligently progressing the findings and recommendations
of the Coroner’s report and Independent Panel’s report
into the tragic death of Saxon Bird at the 2010 Australian
Surf Life Saving Championships.
• Adoption and implementation of SLS2020 and
delivering our shared vision with the movement.
• Adoption and implementation of the new SLSA
Strategic Plan.
• Release and leverage the report, ‘Economic
Contribution of Surf Life Saving in Australia’.
• Finalise and roll-out the current ICT project.
• Secure ongoing recurrent funding from the
Australian Government.
Conclusion
2010-11 has seen a period of significant change for
SLSA. We have completed the review of our governance
and management systems and introduced a new Board
structure. We have relocated the national office and
administration function and we have seen the retirement
of a number of long-standing directors.
We would particularly like to make mention of our
immediate past president Ron Rankin AM. Ron was at
SLSA’s helm since 2001 and oversaw significant growth
and change within the organisation. Ron leaves the
organisation in an extremely strong position, with growing
membership, enhanced cooperation between SLSA and
the states, and a strong balance sheet position.
We would also like to thank the SLSA staff, directors,
officers and committees. SLSA is an organisation that is
built on its people. The contribution of all these people
during the year has been outstanding, particularly during
a year of change. Thank you to everyone for their ongoing
service to the organisation.
The future promises to be exciting for the organisation.
We would like to wish all of our clubs, members and
supporters all the best for the year ahead, as we continue
to fulfil our mission to save lives, create great Australians
and build better communities.
Graham Ford
President, SLSA
Brett Williamson OAM
Chief Executive Officer
SLSA sincerely thanks each outgoing director
for their significant contributions.
20. 20
Governance Scorecard
Priority
Delivering our peak body responsibilities by establishing, advocating and securing international best practice water safety
standards, practices and systems for national beach safety and lifesaving services.
Tactic
Status
09-10
Status
10-11
Our priorities as identified
in last year’s annual report
Outcomes in 2010-11 Priorities for 2011-12
Strategy - Proactively develop and maintain world leading best practice standards.
Engage with
government & industry.
Green Green -- Elevate engagement with
government and industry
leaders.
-- Upgrade CRM database
to facilitate stakeholder
engagement.
-- Considerable government
engagement maintained.
-- Retained funding from the
Australian Government.
-- Recognition by the
Australian Sports
Commission as a priority
one sport.
-- Establishment of the
Parliamentary Friends of
Surf Life Saving group.
-- SLSA representation on
industry forums continuing,
eg: ARC, AustSwim, AWSC,
PSTF, AEMVF.
-- Active involvement with
the Community Council for
Australia and government
working groups working
on influencing and/
or implementing the
government's Not for Profit
reform agenda.
-- Commissioned and received
the PwC report, ‘What is the
Economic Contribution of
Surf Life Saving in Australia’.
-- Launch and successfully
leverage the PwC report.
-- Provide support and
leadership with the industry
in the NFP reform agenda.
-- Secure certainty over future
recurrent and non-recurrent
government funding.
Strategy - Pursue compliance with SLSA policies, systems and standards.
Maintain and
extend government
approvals/recognition.
Green Green -- Actively promote ACPSG. -- Promoted ACPSG to local
governments and other
agencies.
-- All current government
approvals and recognitions
maintained.
-- Actively promote ACPSG.
Extend legislative
recognition for SLSA
policies and practices.
Amber Amber -- Continue efforts to
gain formal recognition
of SLSA standards as
national benchmarks.
-- Formal legislative recognition
still on the agenda for
government engagement,
targeted at national
standards and SLSA IP
protection.
-- Continue efforts to gain
formal recognition of SLSA
standards as national
benchmarks.
21. 21
SLSAAnnualReport2010-11President&CEO’sReport:
Priority
Leading and supporting a strong, unified, sustainable and viable national organisation.
Tactic
Status
09-10
Status
10-11
Our priorities as identified
in last year’s annual report
Outcomes in 2010-11 Priorities for 2011-12
Strategy - Lead responsibly, ethically and transparently.
Set a clear strategic
direction for SLSA.
Green Green -- Develop new Strategic
Plan 2012-2016, through
an extensive stakeholder
engagement process.
-- Strategic Management Plan
maintained.
-- Summary and key driver
report cards delivered to the
Board and used to prioritise
the forward year’s budget.
-- Significant Board and EMG
workshops, as well as road
testing and socialisation
processes with internal
and external stakeholders
to develop a draft SLS2020
Strategic Directions for the
movement.
-- SLSA Strategy Team focussed
on developing a draft
Strategic Plan for SLSA to
2016.
-- Approve SLS2020 and
SLSA Strategic Plan and
commence implementation.
-- Facilitate strategic alignment
across the movement in
delivering the shared vision
and strategic objectives
outlined in SLS2020.
-- Implement new SLSA
Strategic Plan 2012-2016.
Effective governance. Green Green -- Implement Continuous
Improvement Plan.
-- Regular progress reports
on actions in Continuous
Improvement Plan provided
to the Board.
-- SLSA Regulations revised and
implemented.
-- New terms of reference
for SLSA committees and
advisors developed and
implemented.
-- Authority to create sub-
committees delegated from
the Board to the Standing
Committees.
-- Maintain focus on
Continuous Improvement
Plan.
Accountability for
performance.
Green Green -- Streamline annual
organisational
performance reports.
-- Organisational performance
report cards produced by
SLSA, with input from states,
and reviewed by EMG and
Board.
-- Align performance reports
against key priorities within
the new Strategic Plan.
Succession planning
in place.
Amber Green -- Implement Continuous
Improvement Plan.
-- Successful transition of four
Director positions carried
out throughout the year:
President, Directors of
Lifesaving and Development
and the Queensland
appointed director.
-- Maintain Continuous
Improvement Plan.
Strategy: Behave and deliver as a strong, focussed and unified organisation.
Proactively engage
with internal
stakeholders.
Green Green -- Develop consultation
policy and processes to
enhance stakeholder
engagement.
-- Draft Consultation Policy
produced.
-- Numerous mediums were
used to communicate with
stakeholders.
-- Several internal surveys
conducted in relation to
organisational improvement,
including IT survey and
Australian Championships
surveys.
-- Finalise and implement
formal Consultation Policy.
-- Continue to use membership
surveys to help inform
decision making.
-- Utilise social media to
connect/communicate
directly with our
stakeholders.
-- Considerable member
engagement included in the
development of the SLS2020
Strategic Direction.
22. 22
Tactic
Status
09-10
Status
10-11
Our priorities as identified
in last year’s annual report
Outcomes in 2010-11 Priorities for 2011-12
Shared vision and
unity of purpose.
Green Green -- Ensure broad socialisation
process in the
development of next
strategic plan.
-- Development of SLS2020, a
common strategic direction
for the entire SLS movement.
-- Engagement with the
membership in the
development of SLS2020
through road tests and
consultations forums.
-- Facilitate alignment of
strategic plans across
movements.
-- Facilitate a consistent roll
out/adoption of SLS2020
throughout the movement.
Delivering as a
national organisation.
Green Green -- Further clarify roles and
responsibilities, and
take a brutal attack on
reducing duplication.
-- Board/EMG Business Arising
Matrix maintained.
-- Organisational performance
report cards maintained.
-- SLS2020 has included
a Strategic Direction
titled ‘Effective National
Movement’. This
includes clarity of roles,
responsibilities and
accountabilities for all levels
of the movement.
-- Commence implementing
the ‘Effective National
Movement’ Strategic
Direction.
-- Ensure SLSA’s roles
and responsibilities are
articulated in the new SLSA
Strategic Plan.
Strategy: Effective and efficient management.
Quality management
support systems.
Green Green -- Progress actions arising
from internal ‘Can Do’
survey.
-- Complete and implement
Phase Two of the National
ICT project.
-- Maintained SLSA and
subsidiaries ASIC compliance
requirements.
-- Annual organisational
performance report card
produced and analysed.
-- Board/EMG Business Arising
Matrix is reviewed regularly
and action items monitored.
-- Phase Two of the National
ICT project is in final testing.
Phase Three work has
commenced.
-- Implemented new
technologies to assist in
risk assessment/analysis on
beaches and at events.
-- Actions arising from ‘Can
Do’ survey progressed/
completed.
-- Complete and implement
the National ICT project.
-- Develop a new SLSA ICT
strategy to identify the
needs of the organisation
for the next decade aligned
SLSA’s Strategic Plan and
SLS2020.
Support and develop
talented, motivated
staff.
Amber Amber -- Further enhancements
to HR systems and
strategies.
-- Staff turnover rate
maintained at 33%.
-- Standardised recruitment
and induction processes
maintained.
-- Individual and group
professional development
programs maintained.
-- Develop and implement
people development
program.
-- Workforce planning strategy
to be initiated.
Continuous
improvement of
systems.
Green Green -- Completion and
implementation of Phase
Two of ICT system.
-- Phase Two of the national
ICT project is in final testing.
Phase Three work has
commenced.
-- Complete and implement
the National ICT project.
-- Implemented new
technologies to assist in
risk assessment/analysis on
beaches and at events.
-- Other systems developed/
enhanced in 2010-
11 include: Surfcom
Management and Beachsafe
website and iPhone
applications.
23. 23
SLSAAnnualReport2010-11President&CEO’sReport:
Tactic
Status
09-10
Status
10-11
Our priorities as identified
in last year’s annual report
Outcomes in 2010-11 Priorities for 2011-12
Excellent ‘customer’
service.
Amber Amber -- Define Customer Service
Charter for SLSA and
States.
-- Online surveys to assist
organisational effectiveness.
-- Actions arising from ‘Can
Do’ Survey progressed/
completed (eg. ICT project,
sun safety programs).
-- Outcomes of IT survey
continue to guide
development of SLSA
systems.
-- Enhance the ‘customer
focused’ culture within SLSA.
Strategy: Build our sustainability and viability.
Sound financial
management systems.
Amber Amber -- Improve timeliness
and format of financial
reports.
-- Format of financial
reports for the SLSA Board
modified to provide top line
information regarding current
and forecast expenditure.
-- Financial reporting tools
amended to provide more
accessible reports for
2011-12.
-- Improved timeliness of
monthly reports.
-- Deliver timely expenditure
and forecast reports to the
FACC and Board.
Grow reliable and
diversified revenue
streams.
Amber Amber -- Confirm national Surf Life
Saving Foundation and
Board Members.
-- National SLS Foundation in
place and operating.
-- SLS Foundation Board
Members confirmed and
appointed.
-- Enhanced retail program
implemented.
-- Commenced revised
Trademark Licensing
program.
-- Clarify and confirm roles
and responsibilities of SLSA
and SLSF to build financial
security.
Risk management –
people and assets.
Green Green -- Finalise revised risk
management strategy.
-- Further revision of draft Risk
Management Strategy and
tools completed.
-- Implemented new
technologies to assist in
risk assessment/analysis on
beaches and at events.
-- Finalise Risk Management
Strategy and tools.
-- SMG, FACC and Board to
maintain regular review of
SLSA risks and mitigation
strategies.
Priority
Building frontline capacity by developing leadership, management and operational support.
Tactic
Status
09-10
Status
10-11
Our priorities as identified
in last year’s annual report
Outcomes in 2010-11 Priorities for 2011-12
Strategy: Using leading edge technologies for effective information communication systems.
Establish central data
management system.
Green Green -- Roll out Phase Two of
National ICT project.
-- Phase Two of the ICT project
in final testing. Phase Three
work has commenced.
-- Complete and implement
the National ICT project.
Strategy: Use leading edge technologies for effective administration & management.
Streamline
e-administration and
e-learning.
Amber Amber -- Maintain and develop ICT
systems.
-- Lifesaving Online for
membership renewals,
rosters and patrol records,
working and integrated.
-- Phase Two of the national
ICT project in final testing.
-- Complete and implement
the National ICT project.
-- Develop a new ICT strategy
to identify the needs of the
organisation aligned with
SLSA’s Strategic Plan and
SLS2020.
25. 25
SLSAAnnualReport2010-11Operations:
Overview
Over the past year, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) has
continued its mission to reduce preventable drowning
and deaths on the coast. Analysis of death by drowning
over the past five years has seen a steady year-on-year
decline, which is testament to the intervention strategies
implemented by both SLSA and other aquatic rescue
organisations. This includes supporting the tremendous
efforts of our many dedicated volunteer surf lifesavers and
paid lifeguards in delivering services on and off the beach.
Significant efforts were directed towards aligning
SLS standards with world’s best practice, including
the implementation of the revised Cardio Pulmonary
Resuscitation protocols delivered by the International
Liaison Committee on Resuscitation and the Australian
Resuscitation Council into our member and community
education programs, and implementing the revised
International Standard (ISO) for Aquatic Safety Signage and
Beach Safety Flags. SLSA also actively participated in the
review and delivery of the Public Safety Training Package
(PUA Version 8) ensuring that Surf Life Saving remains at
the forefront of public safety training.
A number of reviews were conducted during the year
including a review of our beach icon, the red and yellow
quartered patrol cap. Our membership voted strongly in
favour of keeping the iconic cap for frontline operations
ensuring it will be here for many years to come. We also
continued to review a multitude of new and innovative
gear and equipment, some of which will enable frontline
lifeguards to deliver lifesaving services to the community
more effectively.
This year also marked the fourth and final year of the
Saving Lives in the Water program, delivered with the
assistance of the Australian Government. This has allowed
the Blackspot Program - targeting high-risk locations as
identified in the SLSA Total Service Plan - to continue.
It also enabled the continuation of the successful rip
current awareness and education program, Know Your
Options, our rock fishing safety initiative in partnership
with the Australian National Sportfishing Association,
Don’t Put Your Life On The Line and the All Cultures
program targeting multicultural backgrounds.
SLSA continued to capitalise on efficiencies offered by
IT systems as a part of our Smarter Lifesaving ethos. This
included the development of the Beachsafe website, which
during the 2010-11 evolved into an iPhone application
and mobile website, allowing the community to access
important beach safety information at any time and in any
location (see case study on page 26). The development of
the SLSA Surfcom Management System also continued.
Other proactive initiatives included the ongoing development
of our cutting-edge Coastal Risk Assessment Tools which will
allow SLS accredited Coastal Risk Assessors to conduct more
assessments on more beaches. This tool has evolved into an
iPhone application and also includes a version for general and
event risk management.
SLSA is also continuing to enhance engagement with
industry stakeholders and coastal land managers through
advocating international and national standards and
guidelines, coastal risk management services and the new
Australian Lifeguard Magazine to ensure the industry and
community are continually informed.
External Influences
• Drowning and injury on the coastline continues to occur
away from regularly supervised locations or during
unsupervised times.
• The increasing costs to volunteers including time,
training, funding, legal protection and recognition.
• The cost of technology available for service provision.
Operations
Mark Fife
Director of Lifesaving
Peter George AM
Chief Operating Officer
SLSA conducted a review of our beach icon,
the red and yellow quartered patrol cap.
26. 26
Case Studies
Beachsafe Website and iPhone Application
SLSA’s Beachsafe website, www.beachsafe.org.au,
has provided the community with access to detailed
information about Australia’s 11,942 beaches since 2009.
This has included weather and forecasts, tide, swell, water
temperature, lifesaving service information, regulatory
and hazard information.
To ensure this essential resource is available to as wide an
audience as possible, an iPhone application and mobile
version of the website were developed in 2010-11. These
platforms are aimed at regular beachgoers, tourists and
visitors to unfamiliar parts of Australia. With dynamic
weather and surf information available immediately,
visitors to the beach can now make educated decisions
about swimming, surfing, rock-fishing and diving based
upon the information supplied.
In 2010-11, the Beachsafe website received 22,238
visits, the mobile website 7,189 visits, while the iPhone
application was downloaded 74,628 times.
With a direct link between the iPhone application and
SLSA’s nationwide network of lifesaving service managed
databases, users of the application can be assured that the
patrol information and beach safety warnings are up-to-date.
Beachsafe Information
• Displays if the beach is patrolled or unpatrolled.
• Detailed weather showing the current temperature and
weekly forecast.
• Water temperature, swell information and tide times.
• UV index rating.
• Known potential hazards at each location.
• Detailed information about the beach itself including
swimming, surfing and fishing descriptions.
• Provides instant directions to the beach from your
current location.
• Display of real time hazards and beach status
information when lifesavers are present (NSW only).
iPhone Application Features
• User can save favourite beaches for quick and
easy reference.
• Important beach safety information for visitors to
Australian beaches.
• Locate nearby beaches using GPS.
• Search for a town, city or region to find the
nearest beaches.
• Ability to send feedback directly to SLSA.
Australian CoastSafe
Australian CoastSafe gathers data on all beaches around
Australia to establish a framework to deliver a safer aquatic
environment. It provides support for surf lifesavers and
lifeguards and offers cost-effective benefits to all levels of
government, private developers and the tourism industry to
reduce the risk of injury or death on the coast. CoastSafe has
a number of key components, each with individual merit,
and when combined provide the most comprehensive beach
safety management program in the world.
Australian Coastal Public Safety Guidelines, Version Two
Version Two of the Guidelines incorporates consultation
from around the country, including local government
insurers and local governments. These guidelines are
accessible through a fully searchable website at
www.coastsafe.org.au/guide.
Australian Beach Safety and Management Program
(ABSAMP)
The ABSAMP database now contains information on
every one of Australia’s known 11,942 beaches. During
2010-11 parts of the ABSAMP database were made
available free of charge through the Beachsafe website
and iPhone application. SLS continues to review and
improve ABSAMP, keeping it up-to-date and relevant.
A new flexible model has been developed which now
permits purchasing ABSAMP data easy for both small
and large organisational requirements.
Coastal Public Safety and Risk Management Services
SLSA continued to deliver an annual Certificate in Coastal
Public Safety Risk Assessment which includes four Diploma
level units of competency in risk management and auditing.
In October 2010, there were 12 people from SLS trained
to this standard. Throughout the 2010-11 financial year
qualified CoastSafe assessors performed assessments on
a total of 116 beaches, including eight beaches in South
Korea. SLS also developed a suite of iPhone and iPad risk
assessment and auditing tools for a range of activities,
including events and coastal public safety risk assessments.
Beachsafe is now available as an iPhone app
and mobile website, making weather and
surf information available immediately.
27. 27
SLSAAnnualReport2010-11Operations:
Operations Scorecard
Priority
Delivering our peak body responsibilities by establishing, advocating and securing international best practice water safety
standards, practices and systems for national beach safety and lifesaving services.
Tactic
Status
09-10
Status
10-11
Our priorities as identified
in last year’s annual report
Outcomes in 2010-11 Priorities for 2011-12
Strategy - Proactively develop and maintain world leading best practice standards.
Monitor national and
international water
safety developments.
Green Green -- Attendance and key
presenter at the World
Conference on Drowning
Prevention 2011.
-- Attended and presented at
the World Conference on
Drowning Prevention 2011
and played a key role on
event organising committees.
-- Planning in progress to host
the 2nd International Rip
Symposium.
-- Participating as a member of
the Australian Water Safety
Council.
-- Representation at ILS
meetings and participation
in international projects.
-- Continued planning for
hosting the 2nd International
Rip Symposium.
-- Taking a key role in the
development of the
Australian Water Safety
Strategy review for 2012-15.
Produce ‘best practice’
policies / protocols.
Green Amber -- Rationalisation of current
policy framework and
development of a more
defined policy structure.
-- Delivery of a revised
organisation policy for water
safety.
-- Completed review of
Terms of Reference for
all Committees, Sub-
Committees, Working
Groups and Advisory roles.
-- Redevelopment of complete
Policy Structure for SLSA.
Strategy - Strengthen our reputation via proactive advocacy.
Communicate SLSA
policies, reports.
Green Green -- Develop and implement
a successful launch and
media strategy for the All
Cultures campaign.
-- Produce a high-quality
'National Coastal Safety
Report'. Review and
improve Beachsafe to
ensure it reaches the
desired audience.
-- Delivery of the All Cultures
Campaign and Launch.
-- Delivery of a high-quality
and authoritative 'National
Coastal Safety Report'.
-- Produce a high-quality
'National Coastal Safety
Report'.
-- Review and improve the
promotion of the various
Beachsafe IT platforms
to ensure they reach the
desired audience.
Publish authoritative
reports, issues papers.
Green Green -- Targeted submission
submitted based on key
strategic priorities.
-- Delivery of a high-quality
and authoritative 'National
Coastal Safety Report'.
-- Review of definitions and
data quality completed.
-- Production and launch of
an authoritative 'National
Coastal Safety Report'.
-- Following analysis of the
drowning trends within
the 'National Coastal
Safety Report', develop and
implement appropriate
drowning intervention
strategies.
-- Contribute chapters to
the 'World Handbook on
Drowning'.
-- Produce research and
discussion papers for
authoritative journals.
28. 28
Tactic
Status
09-10
Status
10-11
Our priorities as identified
in last year’s annual report
Outcomes in 2010-11 Priorities for 2011-12
Participate in forums
to promote SLSA
standards.
Green Green -- Participate in key
programs and World
Conference on Drowning
Prevention 2011.
-- Representation on key
committees including the
Australian Tsunami Advisory
Group, Australia New Zealand
Safe Boating Education Group
and Australian Emergency
Management Volunteer
Forum.
-- Implementation of the
revised Australian Standard
for Water Safety Signage and
Beach Safety Flags.
-- Attended and presented at
the World Conference on
Drowning Prevention 2011.
-- Planning for hosting 2nd
International Rip Symposium.
-- A member of the Australian
Water Safety Council.
-- Continued representation
on key federal government
Emergency Management
related groups including
ATAG, ANZSBEG and AEMVF
and founding representation
on working groups with the
Australian Maritime Safety
Authority and the Australian
Communications and Media
Authority.
-- Continued advocacy of SLSA
and Australian Standards.
-- Delivery of Version Four of
a 'National Aquatic Signage
Style Guide'.
-- Representations to ACARA
as a part of the National
Curriculum Review.
Provide expert advice
on surf/beach safety
issues and systems.
Green Green -- Roll out of Rapid Map
technology to state audit
units.
-- Implementation of an
advanced risk management
iPhone application.
-- Implementation of coastal
risk management training
and software.
Strategy - Develop and build an SLSA ‘accreditation scheme’ for beach safety and services.
Develop an
accreditation criteria
and system.
Amber Amber -- To be reviewed for
inclusion within the
strategic plan going
forward.
-- Ongoing development of the
'Australian Coastal Public
Safety Guidelines' with
version two on-line.
-- To be reviewed for inclusion
within the strategic plan
going forward.
Strategy - Pursue innovation via research and development.
World class research
and development
programs.
Amber Green -- Ongoing gear and
equipment R&D to
continue, with three
formal R&D projects to
be undertaken.
-- Completion of several gear
and equipment trials and
assessments including R&D.
-- Review of coastal drowning
definitions and research of
all death by drowning over
the past seven years.
-- Continue rip current
research activity.
-- Rocky coasts and rock fishing
research program.
-- Continue fatality and Injury
data analysis.
Introduce
improvements based
on R&D.
Green Amber -- The development
of standardised IRB
specifications a key
priority.
-- IRB review in progress and
planning for redesign of IRB
hull.
-- IRB review including hull
development.
-- Proactive perusal of new
gear and equipment.
Strategy - Pursue compliance with SLSA policies, systems and standards.
Maintain and
extend government
approvals/recognition.
Amber Amber -- Pursue additional
campaign and blackspot
funding.
-- Funding secured for Surf
Emergency Response System
Review.
-- Blackspot funding allocation
delivered.
-- Develop future funding
proposals.
-- Delivery of the Surf
Emergency Response System
Review project.
-- Perusal of funding
opportunities using revised
funding model.
Extend legislative
recognition for SLSA
policies and practices.
Red Red -- Ongoing development
work.
-- Limited outcomes achieved. -- Ongoing development work.
Strategy - Exploit SLSA’s status as preferred supplier for lifeguard training and services.
Produce high quality
training for lifeguards.
Green Amber -- Provide access to
Certificate IV in
Public Safety (Aquatic
Search and Rescue
Management).
-- Redevelopment of Beach
Management Award Suite to
accommodate requirements
for Certificate IV.
-- Commencement of
development of Silver
Medallion Aquatic Rescue.
-- Finalisation of reviewed
award framework for Beach
Management Awards.
-- Finalisation of Silver
Medallion Aquatic Rescue.
Promote benefits of
ALS.
Green Green -- Produce industry
magazine.
-- High-quality industry
lifeguard magazine
developed and delivered.
-- Commencement of an
external Lifeguard Advisory
Committee to foster industry
engagement.
29. 29
SLSAAnnualReport2010-11Operations:
Priority
Preventing deaths and injuries in the water by facilitation of the provision of quality beach and aquatic safety, lifesaving
and preventative education.
Tactic
Status
09-10
Status
10-11
Our priorities as identified
in last year’s annual report
Outcomes in 2010-11 Priorities for 2011-12
Strategy - Deliver world class quality lifesaving services and systems.
Continuous
improvement in
delivery of lifesaving
services.
Green Green -- Ongoing improvement
development.
-- Delivery of Surfcom
Management System.
-- Ongoing improvement
development.
Improved facilities,
gear and system.
Green Green -- Review of gear and
equipment specification
in line with policy review.
-- Gear and equipment
specification review
complete (except IRB hulls).
-- IRB hull specification
development.
Strategy - Facilitate smart lifesaving services and systems.
Develop lifesaving
plans.
Green Green -- Year two of campaigns
to be delivered and
evaluated.
-- Reviewed, updated and
delivered rip current, all
cultures and rock fishing
campaigns.
-- Deliver the 2nd Rip Current
Awareness Day.
-- Deliver and evaluate last year
of rip current, rock fishing
and all cultures campaign.
-- Implementation of Surf Ed.
Framework and Program.
Effective coordination
and delivery systems.
Green Green -- Several outstanding
development areas still
required to be complete.
-- Delivery of Surfcom
Management System.
-- GIS capability enhancement.
-- Source funding opportunities
to integrate an operation log
suite into SurfGuard.
Extend lifesaving
services.
Green Green -- Extend Blackspot Program
to identified priorities.
-- Blackspot program delivered
for 2010-11.
-- Extend delivery of blackspot
programs.
Prioritise improved
lifesaving services.
Green Green -- Several funding
applications submitted to
assess key priority areas
along Australian coastline.
-- Coastal risk audits carried
out in key high-risk areas.
-- Expand Coastal Risk Auditing
Program to assess more key
priority locations on the
Australian coast.
Strategy - Foster the delivery of effective, high-quality training and assessing.
Identify and prioritise
training needs.
Green Green -- Development of version
eight programs.
-- Versioneightprograms
integratedintrainingresources.
-- Review award framework.
High quality training
resources and
systems.
Green Green -- Review of BM support
resources Development
of Aquatic Rescue Award,
review and update
Beach Management in
Certificate IV.
-- Review of BM resources
complete.
-- Silver Medallion Aquatic
Rescue Award development
continued.
-- Implementation of revised
ILCOR and ARC protocols.
-- Completion of Silver
Medallion Aquatic Rescue
Award.
-- Completion of Beach
Management Suite review.
Increase trainer and
assessor support.
Amber Amber -- Development of TED units
for trainers and assessors.
-- Trainer and assessor material
updated to reflect new units.
-- Facilitate upgrade to TAE
from TAA.
Strategy - Prevent deaths and injuries via proactive intervention.
Intervention and
rectification plans.
Green Green -- Year two of campaigns
to be delivered and
evaluated.
-- Delivered rip current, all
cultures and rock fishing
campaigns.
-- Delivered Be Safe campaign
with under pinning between
the flags message.
-- Deliver the 2nd Rip Current
Awareness Day.
-- Deliver and evaluate last year
of rip current, rock fishing
and all cultures campaign.
-- Develop boating education
with industry partners.
Ongoing beach safety
education.
Green Green -- Year two of campaigns
to be delivered and
evaluated.
-- National Public Education
Committee to be
formed to co-ordinate
organisation programs.
-- Public Education Committee
formed.
-- Delivery and ongoing
development of ‘Beachsafe’
hub across multiple
platforms.
-- Convening Public and
Community Education
Committee to facilitate
industry wide consultation
for surf education programs.
-- Trial of Surf Ed. Framework
and Program.
Targeted education
programs to ‘high risk’
groups.
Green Green -- Year two of campaigns
to be delivered and
evaluated.
-- Delivery of rock fishing and
all cultures campaign.
-- Delivery of rock fishing and
all cultures campaign.
-- Review campaigns for other
high risk groups.
30.
31. 31
SLSAAnnualReport2010-11Sport:
Overview
2010-11 was highly successful for the sport of surf
lifesaving in Australia with a number of milestones
reached in sport development, coaching, high
performance and administration.
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) recognised
surf lifesaving as a priority sport for High Performance
Pathways and Sport Participation. The DHL 2011 Australian
Surf Life Saving Championships was conducted successfully
and included the implementation and acceptance of risk
management process improvements. In high performance,
the Australian Lifesaving Team retained world champion
status at Rescue 2010 in Egypt.
Sport Operations
Recognition as a priority sport by the ASC represents
a significant step-forward for the sport of surf lifesaving.
Of the 27 priority sports chosen, surf lifesaving was one
of only two non-Olympic sports. Priority status means
additional funding for high performance and participation
programs over the next four years. SLSA has now entered
into partnerships with Australian Canoeing, Rowing
Australia, and Swimming Australia.
SLSA has revamped the existing National High Performance
program structure, moving from camp-based training
programs for tier three athletes, to providing support in
their daily training environment, access to sport science,
sport medicine and career and education support.
SLSA was successful in securing $125K per annum for
three years to deliver an Illicit Drugs in Sport education
program. The Implementation Plan has been approved by
the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and
includes education programs conducted by elite athletes.
High Performance
The Australian Surf Life Saving Team retained world champion
status at the Lifesaving World Championships in Egypt
finishing ahead of New Zealand in the overall pointscore.
The team also won the 2011 International Surf Rescue
Challenge and Trans-Tasman Challenge, and the Under
23 Development Competition at Mount Maunganui,
New Zealand. Full results and squad lists for all events
can be found on page 102.
Events
The national sporting events conducted by SLSA, with
support from SLS state centres and our event partners,
continued to expand.
The 2010 Coolangatta Gold introduced under-19 female
and team categories which were positively received. The
Interstate Championships saw Queensland complete a clean
sweep of all categories, winning the Pool, Ocean, Handicap
and Alan Whelpton AM Overall point scores.
SLSA and Kellogg moved in a new direction in the
management of the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ironman and
Ironwoman Series by entering into partnerships with
former Ironman Guy Leech and Sport Entertainment
Limited (SEL) to plan and deliver the series. The Series
proved to be successful from both a sporting and
entertainment perspective, and heightened the profile of
Ironman and Ironwoman racing.
The DHL 2011 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships was
conducted successfully at Kurrawa Beach with a number of
risk management improvements introduced (see case study
on page 32). The surf conditions throughout the nine days
of competition were conducive to high quality racing and
proved thrilling for crowds and television audiences alike.
Rescue 2012 - Lifesaving World Championships
SLSA, in conjunction with SLSSA and the South Australian
Tourism Commission, will host Rescue 2012 from
7-18 November 2012 in Adelaide, South Australia.
The event involves five separate competitions: World National
Team Championships, World Interclub Championships, World
Masters Championships, World Surf Boats Championships
and World Inflatable Rescue Boat Championships.
Additionally, a Developing Nations Program involving six Asia
Pacific Nations will be conducted prior to the event. The aim
of this program is to refine pool and ocean competition skills
and provide access to high-profile coaches.
It is expected that approximately 4000 competitors will
attend from over 40 countries.
External Influences
• Television programming and competition with other
iconic Australian summer sports.
• New alternative aquatic sports entering into the
market place.
• Limited availability of corporate sponsorship for
sporting events.
Sport
Rick Wright OAM
Director of Surf Sports
Dave Thompson
General Manager, Sport
32. 32
Sport Case Studies
Risk Assessment Process Improvements for Surf Carnivals
After the tragic death of Saxon Bird at the 2010 Australian
Surf Life Saving Championships, SLSA undertook a number
of reviews in regards to risk management processes
and procedures.
The reviews identified a number of areas for improvements
in existing process and procedures and the opportunity to
implement new processes.
These included:
• Revised committee structures for the operational
planning and delivery of competition safety.
• Two additional lay-days in the program to allow for
flexible programming.
• Standard competition times, commencing at 8am and
concluding at 4pm.
• iPhone risk assessment application, providing real time
data and reports.
• Review of all Safety and Rescue, Contingency and
Evacuation Plans.
• Multiple ocean and still water contingency sites.
• Compulsory official, competitor, team manager and
referee briefings.
• Checklists to ensure all officials and referees followed
the same processes for each day of the competition
and to log any issues raised.
• Statistical data captured for first aid injuries, competitor
finishing results and risk assessment data.
• Competency and qualification checks of all power
craft personnel.
• Introduction of Championship Deputy Referee and First
Aid Coordinator roles.
• Introduction of a safety coordinator in each competition
area to assist the area referees.
• Real-time feedback from members attending the
Championships.
• Introduction of fluoro competitor lycras to enhance
visibility and the overall safety of the competitors in
the water.
All of these initiatives are also being applied to each
national event throughout the year and are also being
adopted by state centres. We are working closely to share
these new initiatives including all documentation with
states to help create consistency in delivering surf sports
events across Australia.
Introduction of fluoro lycra vests at DHL 2011 Australian
Surf Life Saving Championships
Fluoro lycra vests were declared mandatory for all athletes
participating at the DHL 2011 Australian Surf Life Saving
Championships to improve competitor visibility and
further augment existing safety processes at the event.
The lycra vests – fluoro yellow for male competitors and
fluoro pink for female competitors – were provided to
all athletes as part of their entry fee. Athletes were not
permitted to partake in any event without wearing the lycra.
Following the event, SLSA conducted a survey of athletes
aimed at assessing the advantages and barriers of wearing
the lycras.
There were 701 surveys conducted in total. 52% of
respondents did not think there were any barriers
to wearing the fluoro lycra vests; 35% cited fit, 12%
performance, and 7% appearance as barriers. The vast
majority of respondents (92%) cited ‘safety/visibility’ as
the main motivator to wear the lycra vests and 98% rate
the visibility of the fluoro lycra vest from ‘medium’ to
‘high’ visibility while many of these individuals made it
clear that the female’s fluoro pink colour was more visible
than the male’s fluoro yellow colour.
It was observed that the yellow coloured lycra vests
lost fluorescence when wet. 80% of competitors found
the lycra vests to be of ‘medium comfort’ to ‘very
comfortable’. 92% rated the improvement to competitor
safety of the new lycra vest from ‘medium improved
safety’ to ‘highly improved safety’. Notably, 60% of
competitors would choose to wear a fluoro lycra vest in
events where they are not compulsory.
There were several implications for SLSA as a result of
the survey. Lycra vests will remain for future Australian
Championships; the female’s colour will remain pink and
the male’s colour may change to fluoro green. The masters
cut and style of lycra vest will change to promote comfort
for all competitors. A national lycra vest policy is to be
developed to allow for national and personal sponsorships.
Fluoro lycra vests will remain for future
Australian Championships.
33. 33
SLSAAnnualReport2010-11Sport:
Message from the Australian Sports Commission
The countdown to an Olympic and Paralympic Games is an exciting time for Australians. As London 2012 looms on our
horizon there is much work to be done to fine tune our preparations.
The Australian Government and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) continue to work closely with Olympic and
Paralympic sports, along with the Australian Olympic and Paralympic Committees to ensure our athletes get the best
possible support.
Through the Green and Gold project, $3.85 million in extra funding has been provided for our top Olympic athletes and
teams to boost their training and preparations for London 2012.
A true sign that Australian sport is united in working together is the endorsement from the Commonwealth, State and
Territory Governments of the National Sport and Active Recreation Policy Framework.
What this means is that for the first time all governments have agreed on priorities for sport.
Underpinning the Framework is the new National Institutes System Intergovernmental Agreement which unites our National
Institutes of Sport and national sporting organisations to work hand-in-hand to achieve common national high performance
objectives to maximise resourcing and expertise in support of the development of world class athletes to achieve
international success.
This Framework is supported by significant additional investment in sport by the Australian Government. The 2011-12
Budget will provide $300 million to support the full spectrum of sport from grass roots through to elite competition.
Support by the Australian Government will enable a more collaborative long term focus to drive reform within Australian
sport and importantly make the connection between Australian’s standing on the podium and young Australians
participating in sport.
This is an exciting and challenging time for Australian sport. The Australian Sports Commission looks forward to working
with all sporting organisations, the state and territory institutes and academies of sport and state and territory departments
of sport and recreation, to promote access to, and participation in, sport across the community and support Australia’s
continued sporting success.
The Hon. Warwick Smith AM
Chairman
Board of the Australian Sports Commission
34. 34
Priority
Supporting SLSA’s core objectives via enjoyable and entertaining surf sports.
Tactic
Status
09-10
Status
10-11
Our priorities as identified
in last year’s annual report
Outcomes in 2010-11 Priorities for 2011-12
Strategy: Support grass roots development
Develop useful
coaching resources.
Green Green -- Resources including Surf
Boat Sweep DVD and
Pool Rescue coaching
placed on the SLSA
secure web library.
-- Introduction of the SLSA
YouTube channel for
coaching resources.
-- Junior coaching course
approved by Executive
Management Group.
-- Promote and deliver Junior
Coaching Course.
Extend coach
development
programs.
Green Green -- Successful
implementation of the
Junior Coaching and
Officiating courses within
clubs across Australia.
-- Level One Course re-
accredited by Australian
Sports Commission.
-- Training weekend conducted
for state pool rescue coaches.
-- HP coaches and/or athletes
provided to all State HP
programs.
-- Conduct level two coaching
courses in smaller states.
Monitor and address
performance and
development gaps.
Green Green -- Further development
of statistical analysis
capabilities throughout
Australia.
-- Introduction of National
Development Squad
initiatives for youth age
groups.
-- Mentoring delivered by
SLS State Centres.
-- Full statistical analysis of
2009-10 season conducted.
-- Pool competition conducted
as part of the Interstate
Championships.
-- Further development
of statistical analysis
capabilities throughout
Australia.
Assist ILS to grow
sports internationally.
Green Green -- Further planning and
preparation for the
Rescue 2012 event to be
held in Adelaide, South
Australia. Promotion of
the Rescue 2012 event at
Rescue 2010 in Egypt.
-- Five Japanese coaches
involved in Level Two Course.
-- Help provided to NZ
to standardise Patrol
Competition rules.
-- Development team
participated in clinic for
emerging nations at Arafura
Games.
-- Further planning and
preparation for the Rescue
2012 event to be held in
Adelaide, South Australia.
-- Promotion of the Rescue
2012 event at European
Championships in Alicante,
Spain.
Strategy: Build a strong base of traditional carnivals and competitions
Facilitate consistent
and fair competition.
Green Green -- Further develop SLSA
events and associated
compliance programs
and technical rules.
-- Promotion of the revised
33rd edition.
-- ‘33rd Edition of Surf Sports
Manual’ finalised and on
website.
-- Revised Surf Sports Manual
to be launched.
Sport Scorecard
35. 35
SLSAAnnualReport2010-11Sport:
Tactic
Status
09-10
Status
10-11
Our priorities as identified
in last year’s annual report
Outcomes in 2010-11 Priorities for 2011-12
Support the conduct
of safe surf carnivals.
Green Green -- Development of Event
Operations Manuals.
-- Risk management process
better integrated into
event planning.
-- Introduction of the
Australian Event
Management Committee
to gain greater expert
input into event planning.
-- Detailed project plans
and operations manuals
established for each national
event.
-- Updated forms, issue logs
and checklists developed for
use at each national event.
-- Customised risk assessment
iPhone application
developed by SLSA Lifesaving
and IT for use at events.
-- Development and
implementation of Event
Operations Manuals and Risk
Management Plans.
Long-term calendar of
major competitions.
Amber Green -- Implementation of a
three year calendar for
National surf events.
-- 2010-12 events calendar
continues to be updated and
circulated to state centres.
-- 2013-15 event calendar
in development, ongoing
research of four major
events being conducted.
-- Continue to work closely
with SLS state centres to
integrate and complement
event schedules.
Rationalise events to
increase participation.
Amber Green -- Implementation of new
Interstate format in line
with World Lifesaving
Championships.
-- Review of event
categories and team
events at all carnivals to
maximize participation.
-- Interstate Championships
format now consistent with
World Championships.
-- Inclusion of ocean swim,
beach volleyball and SLSQ
activities in the Coolangatta
Gold festival.
-- Revise Interstate Series from
2012 onwards.
Monitor and review
international and
national trends and
developments
in sport and events.
Green Green -- Develop strong
relationships with other
NSOs to look into internal
benchmarking as well
procedural operations
with Rowing Australia and
Swimming Australia.
-- Invited the SLSNZ events
team to the 2011 Australian
Championships to share
knowledge and resources.
-- Develop strong relationships
with other NSOs to look into
internal benchmarking as
well procedural operations
with other national sporting
organisations and sport
management experts.
Programs to improve
performance and
participation.
Amber Green -- Development and
implementation of
new and enhanced
participation initiatives
including the National
Youth Development
Squad.
-- Partnerships with
physiotherapists and
strength and conditioning
providers established.
-- Ongoing focus on athlete
welfare.
-- Development and
implementation of new
and enhanced participation
initiatives which will include
publically engaging activities
such as ocean swims and
beach volleyball.
Conduct successful
National
Championships.
Green Green -- Produce a successful
Australian Championships
on the Gold Coast for a
second year with positive
media coverage.
-- Successful Australian
Championships held on
the Gold Coast with a
number of safety and risk
enhancements in place.
-- Produce a successful
Australian Championships on
the Gold Coast with positive
media coverage.
Opportunities for
novice to elite.
Green Amber -- 10% increase in
participation at national
championship events.
-- Additional age categories
and late entry period added
to Coolangatta Gold.
-- 10% increase in participation
at national championship
events.
Promote public surf
sports events.
Amber Green -- 15% increase in
participants for
Coolangatta Gold.
-- Joint promotion of events
with external parties such as
Healthwise and Fitness First.
-- Partnerships with Australian
Ocean Swim Series, Ocean
Ski Series and World
Firefighter Games.
-- 10% increase in participants
for Coolangatta Gold.
36. 36
Tactic
Status
09-10
Status
10-11
Our priorities as identified
in last year’s annual report
Outcomes in 2010-11 Priorities for 2011-12
Effective national High
Performance programs.
Green Green -- Implementation
of athlete welfare
initiatives and increased
grants to tier three
athletes.
-- New program implemented
to support tier three
athletes, providing greater
access to support services.
-- Pool Rescue Squad targets
shortage and places greater
importance on international
lifesaving competition.
-- Delivery of new athlete
welfare services initiative.
-- Athletes having access to
several services to aid their
daily training environment.
Provide representative
opportunities.
Green Green -- U21 Development team
to Japan, Pool U21
Development team to NZ,
Australian team to Rescue
2010 and an Australian
and U20 development
team to International Surf
Rescue Challenge, NZ.
-- Australian open and U23
teams participated at
the Sanyo Bussan Cup
in Japan, New Zealand
Pool Championships,
International Surf Rescue
Challenge, Rescue 2010 and
the Arafura Games.
-- Australian Team to German
Cup.
-- Australian U20 development
team to 2011 NZ Pool Rescue
Championships.
-- Athletes selected in the
Rescue 2012 shadow train
on squad.
-- Athletes selected in Rescue
2012 team.
-- Athletes selected in U19
Rescue 2012 team.
Maintain ‘world
champion’ status.
Green Blue -- Defend title at Rescue
2010.
-- Australia retained world
champion title at Rescue
2010 in Egypt.
-- Selection of Rescue Shadow
Squad.
-- Selection of Elite pool rescue
squad.
-- Development and
implementation of new HP
program to put athletes in
best position of defending
title.
-- Rescue 2012 Team will be
chosen.
Develop pathways
to Olympic sports
representations for
our members.
Green Green -- Strengthen affiliations
with other National
Sporting Organisations
and continue SLSA/Kayak
talent development
program.
-- Surf Kayak Talent ID Program
running successfully on the
Gold Coast.
-- Formal relationships with
Australian Canoeing, Rowing
Australia and Swimming
Australia developed.
-- Strengthen affiliations
with other National
Sporting Organisations
and continue SLSA/kayak,
open water swimming and
Australian Canoeing talent
development programs.
37. 37
SLSAAnnualReport2010-11Sport:
Tactic
Status
09-10
Status
10-11
Our priorities as identified
in last year’s annual report
Outcomes in 2010-11 Priorities for 2011-12
Strategy: Support and develop officials and managers
Useful support
resources.
Amber Amber -- National roll-out of the
team managers resource
and development of
training course.
-- Team managers resources
launched.
-- Expand promotion of team
manager resources and
development course.
Extend officials
and managers
development
programs.
Amber Amber -- Establish junior officials
course to increase the
number of younger
officials in surf sports.
-- Junior official course
underway.
-- Mentor training
commenced, not linked to
delivery of officials courses.
-- Continue to promote and
conduct Junior Coaching
Course.
Strategy: Promote and leverage surf sports spectaculars
Exciting professional
surf sports
competitions.
Red Green -- Successful handover and
new working agreement
of the Kellogg’s Nutri-
Grain Series. 15% increase
in TV ratings across SLSA
televised sports.
-- Successfully handed over
Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Series
to SEL. SLSA worked closely
to ensure the event’s
success.
-- Successful partnership with
the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain
Series.
-- 15% increase in TV ratings
across SLSA televised sports.
Promote and leverage
surf sports ‘heroes’.
Amber Green -- Increased coverage
for the Coolangatta
Gold and Australian
Championships.
-- Two hours of Coolangatta
Gold coverage broadcast
same-day delayed on
Channel Ten.
-- Four hours of live Australian
Championships coverage on
Channel Ten.
-- Successful promotion of
both elite and sub-elite
athletes via print, broadcast
and online media.
-- Greater use of online and
social media platforms to
promote and cover all SLSA
events.
-- Extend use of online
platforms to cover all SLSA
sporting events.
-- Create further opportunities
to promote and leverage
SLSA sporting events through
greater broadcast, print,
radio and online coverage.
39. 39
SLSAAnnualReport2010-11Development:
Overview
2010-11 has seen the delivery of activities across all
areas of Development including youth, leadership,
environment, inclusion and recognition. The addition of
skill development flipcharts to the Junior Development
Resource provides a valuable resource for Age Managers in
developing our youth and delivering our Nipper programs
which continue to grow.
There has been considerable investment in increasing
leadership capacity of the organisation with the delivery
of the Leadership College and the Sir Adrian Curlewis
Scholarship. Engagement with AEMI Volunteer Leadership
Programs, Emergency Management Volunteer Summit and
Australian Ambassador Youth for Development programs
have provided additional opportunities for our members
and supported the development of leadership capability.
The delivery of the National Administration Conference
provided support and recognition to the important role of
our Club Administrators, while our various recognition awards
valued the contribution and achievement of our members.
We continued to demonstrate an ongoing commitment
to environmental impact studies and initiatives, which
in 2010-11 included the completion of the National
Rainwater and Greywater Initiative, the commissioning
of the report, ‘Impacts of Extreme Weather Events and
Climate Change’ and a review of the EcoSurf policy
to consider adaption to environmental activities. The
promotion of inclusive engagement programs and the
partnership with the University of Technology, Sydney
(UTS) to measure the social impact of Surf Life Saving,
demonstrates the movement’s ongoing contribution to
community wellbeing and sustainability.
External Influences
• Acquisition of resources to meet the continual increase
in participation in youth Nipper programs (5-13 years).
• Ongoing impact of extreme weather events on surf life
saving club infrastructure and service delivery.
Development
Kevin Larkins
Director of Development
Vanessa Brown
Development Manager
SLSA has partnered with the University of
Technology, Sydney to measure the social
impact of Surf Life Saving.
40. 40
Tactic
Status
09-10
Status
10-11
Our priorities as identified
in last year’s annual report
Outcomes in 2010-11 Priorities for 2011-12
Strategy: Develop tomorrow’s leaders
Facilitate frontline
leadership
development.
Green Green -- Greater co-ordination
of state and national
programs through
a leadership framework
for skills orientated
experiences and
activities.
-- Delivery of National
Leadership College and
Sir Adrian Curlewis
Scholarship Program.
-- Leadership framework
commenced, state
delivery and engagement
of leadership programs
increased.
-- Increased leadership
capacity of participants.
-- Increased opportunities
across all levels.
Provide work
experience, exchanges
and scholarship
programs for
volunteers
and staff.
Amber Green -- Increased involvement
in AEMI Volunteer
Leadership Program
for both staff and
volunteers.
-- Delivery of Sir Adrian
Curlewis Scholarship
Program.
-- Increased participation
and facilitation support of
AEMI Volunteer Leadership
Programs.
-- Engagement of both
volunteers and staff at the
Emergency Management
Volunteer Forum.
-- Engagement with SLSGB and
RLSSI (Rashtriya Life Saving
Society – India).
-- Members involved in AYAD
programs in
Indonesia, Vietnam and
Samoa.
-- Increased opportunities
across all levels.
Strategy: Engage develop and support our members
Provide information,
resources and support
to grow
membership.
Green Green -- Delivery of resources to
promote recruitment
and retention.
-- Membership analysis
completed (see page 120).
-- Increased membership.
-- Delivery of National
Administration Conference.
-- Delivery of National
Conference – Strategic
Directions 2020.
-- Promotion of Get Involved.
Provide/facilitate
participation and
development pathways
for all members.
Amber Green -- Delivery of resources
for the 14-17 years age
group.
-- Junior Development
Resources expanded to
include Skill Development
Flipcharts.
-- Engagement resources for
14-17 years age group
underway.
-- Review of youth pathways.
Recognise and reward
members’
contributions.
Green Green -- Increased promotion
and uptake of
recognition awards.
-- Awards of Excellence
and member recognition
programs delivered.
-- Increased nominations
received for recognition
awards.
-- Review of recognition award
criteria and process.
Development Scorecard
