Surf Life Saving Australia launches innovation fund to modernise movement

From diversity to carbon neutrality, Australia’s iconic lifesaver movement is out to reinvent itself for the 21st century.

Surf Life Saving Australia chief operating officer John Brennan (centre) flanked by (from left) Nick Marshall, Marcus Hay, Billie Cook, Imogen Marshall and Ella Marshall. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Our army of surf lifesaving volunteers have been asked how to solve some of the biggest challenges facing the iconic movement.

Surf Life Saving Australia will on Monday launch its Surf Life Saving Innovation Fund, with a focus on how to best direct resources and donations through the feedback of the volunteers and members who patrol our beaches.

Management has written to the movement’s 190,000 members asking for input on how to tackle major challenges, including attracting and retaining volunteers and becoming more inclusive.

Addressing climate change and carbon emissions has also been identified as a major challenge.

Diversity and inclusion have become major focal points for organisation in recent years, and there is a feeling surf lifesaving is yet to tap into the potential of the disability sector and other community minorities.

SLSA chief operating officer John Brennan said members had a unique insight into the organisation’s challenges – and solutions.

“No one knows and understands the needs and challenges of saving lives on the Australian

coastline better than Surf Life Saving’s volunteers,” he said.

“This is about leveraging their knowledge and passion to tackle issues and drive innovation

for the future of surf lifesaving while taking valued supporters on the journey.

“Supporters can also choose which innovation project they would like to direct their kind

donations towards.

“Additionally, they will receive regular progress updates to demonstrate how their donations are making a real and lasting impact.”

Albatross Nippers at Nobby’s Surf Life Saving Club on the Gold Coast, founded by volunteer surf lifesaver and sports physiotherapist Nick Marshall in 2015, was an example of the innovation the organisation was looking for.

The modified Nippers program for children aged five to 14 with disability promotes water

safety skills, community spirit and fun within an inclusive surf lifesaving environment.

“It means a lot to see people enjoy something that I took for granted as a kid. I love being

part of a tight-knit community where everyone wants to help each other,” Mr Marshall said,

adding more than 200 children have joined Albatross Nippers since its inception.

“Something I never really thought about before putting the program together was how

socially isolating disability could be.

“One family said that before this program, they didn’t come to the beach. They were worried about how it would go and how to access the beach.

“The long-term goal is to have an inclusive Nippers program within every surf lifesaving

club around the country, and these are the types of possibilities with the Surf Life Saving Innovation Fund.”