Since its inception, the Surf Life Saving Movement, has expanded its role as a Rescue Organisation from using the reel line and belt as its primary rescue piece of equipment to high-tech rescue aids such as powerful offshore rescue boats, maneuverable inflatable rescue boats, sophisticated communication systems and high profile helicopter rescue services.

However, it is still the lifesaver on the beach, with his or her rescue tube or rescue board, that carries out most rescues on our beaches.

Surf Life Saving Australia is Australia’s peak water safety and rescue authority and one of the largest volunteer organisations in the world. The organisations mission is: “to provide a safe beach and aquatic environment throughout Australia”

SLSA is primarily a volunteer organisation. The majority of surf lifesavers are rostered on duty by their surf clubs and complete surf patrols in their own free time for no pay. At North Bondi this is usually approximately half a day of patrol every month.

SLSA provides patrol services on most of Australia’s populated beaches in the swimming season, September to the end of April. Surf patrols set up the red and yellow flags which mark the safety area for swimming on Australian beaches. North Bondi has 16 patrols with approximately 12 members in each, nearly 200 volunteers a month patrol our section of beach.

In addition to the traditional beach patrols, SLSA runs community and school education programs, helicopter and jet and offshore rescue boat services, a radio communications network, a medical research program and database of geographical conditions, wave action and hazard rating on all beaches in Australia.

SLSA also provides paid professional lifeguarding services, contracted to local council or resort operators.