Become a Member

Surf Life Saving Clubs are central hubs of communities all along the South Australian coastline. They’re a place to call home, a place to belong, a second family.

There’s a place for everyone in surf life saving to use their skills and follow their interests on and off the beach. You are welcome, no matter your age, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural background, faith, or ability.

There are so many roles that help support our clubs and communities, including lifesaving, sport, youth programs, development, education, club administration and more. Whether you want to be an active patrol member saving lives on the beach, an age manager for Nippers on the weekend, or a volunteer club official working behind the scenes to ensure things run smoothly, there’s a role for everyone.

Surf Life Saving SA needs you to ensure the ongoing safety of our beaches. Our vital community service is provided free to the beach-going public thanks to thousands of volunteers who dedicate their time to training, patrolling and volunteering at their local Surf Life Saving Club. Your membership is an investment in your safety as well as the safety and well being of all South Australians.

To become a member and volunteer for surf life saving, contact your local or get in touch with us on 08 8354 6900. 

Club and State Volunteer Roles

Lifesaving

  • SURFCOM operator

  • Radio Operator

  • RPAS (Drone) Operator

  • Rescue Water Craft (jetski) Operator

  • Silver Medallion Aquatic Rescue

  • Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Crew

  • Surf Rescue Certificate

  • CPR and First Aid

  • Bronze Medallion

  • Advanced Resuscitation Techniques

  • Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Crew / Driver

  • Jet Rescue Boat (JRB) Crew

Club Support

Club Committee Member

Each Surf Club has its own committee to oversee the activities and management of the club. They are responsible for ensuring the club's resources are used in the best way possible to meet their objectives. There are lots of different roles within the committee, each requiring different skills. Talk to your club about how you could add value to their committee.

Fundraising

Fundraising plays a very important role for each surf lifesaving club. Surf club operations are costly and membership fees alone are not enough. The club fundraising committee comes up with fundraising ideas, applies for grants, coordinates fundraising activities and attend networking events. If you have a way with words and an infectious positive energy, the fundraising committee may be a great opportunity for you.

Gear Stewards

A gear steward looks after the condition and storage of club gear including boards, running and flags equipment, tents, buoys, tubes and junior lifeguard equipment. They help coordinate and set up equipment for community programs and surf sports competitions and make sure it is all returned and stored securely at the end of the day. You don’t need any special qualifications to be a gear steward, all training is provided by the club.

Other Club Support Roles

  • Trainer / Assessor

  • Merchandise

  • BBQ Coordinator

  • Facilities

  • Social Media and Club Communications

  • Finance

  • Bar / Bistro

  • Member Protection

Surf Sports

Officials

Competition Officials assist with running our sports carnivals. They ensure competitions are run in a safe and secure environment while maintaining rules and regulations. This might involve marshalling competitors, starting races, recording results, setting the courses and more. Surf Life Saving SA will help you choose and enrol in the relevant Competition Officials course.

Core Official: Officials working with entry level participants in a club surf sport environment (recreationally or competitively).

Technical Official: Officials who choose to fulfil specific officiating role(s) and who work with participants (non-bronze proficient, Surf Rescue Certificate qualified or bronze proficient) who are actively competing in a club / branch / state surf sport competition environment. Officiating roles may include:

  • Marshall

  • Starter

  • Check Starter

  • Recorder

  • Timekeeper

  • Finish Judge

Senior Official: Officials who choose to fulfil specific senior officiating roles and who work with athletes competing in state/national surf sport competition environments. Officiating roles may include:

  • Chief Judge

  • Referee

  • Area Referee

  • Sectional referee

  • Course supervisor 

Other Surf Sport roles

  • Coach

  • Photographer

  • Event Crew

  • Support Staff

Nippers

  • Age Manager

  • Water Safety Personnel

  • Junior Activities Chair

  • Junior Social Events Coordinator

  • Child Safe Officer