Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Surf Life Saving is for everyone.
As South Australia’s peak coastal water safety, drowning prevention and rescue authority, SLSSA takes pride in promoting Surf Life Saving as a diverse and inclusive movement open to all South Australians. 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.
SLSSA supports initiatives and programs run by all Clubs that are designed to encourage participation by all South Australians and to make everyone feel like they belong between the flags.
SLSA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Framework 2024 - 26
OUR VISION FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is based on a fundamental belief that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to thrive within our movement. We are dedicated to creating an environment where differences are acknowledged and celebrated, and where everyone feels a strong sense of belonging. The more diverse and vibrant our membership, the brighter our future.
By embracing the diverse identities, lived and living experiences of our members, volunteers, and the communities we serve, Surf Life Saving Australia will strengthen an inclusive and welcoming culture. We are committed to ensuring everyone feels respected, valued and safe, fostering a sense of belonging where inclusive practices are the norm and surf life saving is open to all.
These are our big goals for diversity, equity and inclusion in surf life saving. The actions we take will help us achieve these goals.
1. Surf life saving reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
2. Inclusive practice is embedded and demonstrated in everything we do.
3. Everyone in surf life saving feels welcome, safe, respected and valued.
4. Everyone can participate in surf life saving in a meaningful way.
5. Surf life saving is seen as a movement that is open to all and where everyone feels like they belong.
Key documents and resources
Fostering Inclusivity in Surf Life Saving Clubs
In Surf Life Saving, you play a vital role in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Aiming for inclusivity doesn't demand an overhaul of how you operate; instead, it hinges on a mindset that values the unique strengths of each participant. Understanding and valuing that every individual is unique allows you to make necessary adjustments to ensure a safe, fun, meaningful and inclusive experience for all.
A guide for volunteers
As a surf lifesaving volunteer you hold a pivotal role in cultivating an environment that embraces diversity and promotes the success of all club members.
A guide for members
In your club, every member deserves respect, fair treatment, and an inclusive environment. As a valued member, you play a crucial role in promoting a culture of acceptance and support within the club.
A guide for parents and carers
As a parent or carer of a Surf Life Saving club member with a disability, you can support the creation of a nurturing environment of inclusivity within the club.
Guidelines
Surf Life Saving Australia recognises the importance of promoting inclusion and diversity within our organisation and across the whole surf lifesaving movement. These guidelines aim to inform, educate and provide approaches for the participation of all individuals.
A guideline for the inclusion of culturally and linguistically diverse people
This guideline aims to inform and provide approaches for fostering the participation of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) individuals in surf lifesaving activities.
A guideline for the inclusion of people with diverse genders and sexualities
This guideline outlines the standards for inclusion of people with diverse gender identity, sex and sexuality within Surf Life Saving, focusing on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, and Asexual individuals, collectively referred to as LGBTQIA+.
A guideline for gender equity and respect for women and girls
Surf Lifesaving can and should be a movement which empowers women and girls. The purpose of this guide is to enable a respectful and equitable Surf Life Saving community in which all genders can thrive within the movement and beyond.
Surf Life Saving for People with a Disability
Surf Life Saving Australia is committed to being an organisation that is open to everyone in the Australian community. People with a disability are encouraged to get involved in SLS activities and SLSA supports individuals to participate and obtain skills and qualifications.
Understanding disability guide
Disability refers to a health condition or impairment that can affect how a person interacts with the world around them. This might involve difficulties with movement, communication, thinking, or experiencing the world through the senses. It also includes the challenges individuals face when the surrounding environment or society is not set up to accommodate their specific needs.
Communicating with people with disability
Effectively communicating with individuals with disabilities is fundamental for fostering inclusivity. It requires active listening and understanding of individual needs. Avoid assumptions and prejudices by starting with open-ended questions to establish the most effective communication approach.
Language guide for people with disability
This guide outlines a glossary of terms for the inclusion of people with disability in surf life saving. By using appropriate language, we ensure that individuals with disabilities are acknowledged in a way that reflects their full humanity and capabilities, fostering an environment of acceptance and reducing the risk of unintentionally perpetuating stereotypes or stigma.