If you are wanting to become a volunteer lifesaver, keep reading!
If you live near the sea, then you probably appreciate the beauty of the water and the dangers that the sea offers. It may seem strange but when you consider that as much as 55% of people around the world can’t swim, it makes more sense.
Knowing this you will probably feel obliged to do your part. While becoming a volunteer surf lifesaver is a noble goal, there are many other ways in which you can get involved and help your local surf lifesavers.
The best approach is to look at community fundraising, raising money to help the surf lifesavers will give them the funds to recruit more lifesavers and the equipment they need to make more beaches safe. At the moment, just 3% of Australian beaches have surf lifesavers.
If you want to become a volunteer surf lifesaver, there are several ways in which you can get started:
Nippers Age Manager
Nippers is a program that introduces surf lifesaving to children between the ages of 5-14. The principle is to introduce them to safety on the beach in a fun way and allow them to make friends at the same time. They have lessons in wading, running, swimming, and various other beach activities, including lifesaving skills. They can then join to become a volunteer surf lifesaver if they wish.
Volunteer Club Official
A volunteer club official is simply someone that volunteers to look after the interests of the surf lifesaving club. They can be involved in teaching nippers or helping raise funds, or an array of other things. This means there is a way everyone can help, regardless of your skillset.
Beach Patrol
To volunteer for beach patrol as a surf lifesaver you simply need to put your name down with the organization. They will then ask you to attend an assessment day. This focuses on your swimming skills as you need to be a strong swimmer to rescue others in the water.
The assessment day is designed to prepare you for bronze medallion training. This is the eight-week course which will give you training in beach knowledge, rescue skills, and first aid. At the same time your fitness will improve.
Once you are ready you can sit the Bronze Medallion assessment and, assuming you pass the test of the skills you’ve learned, you’re then ready to become a volunteer surf lifesaver and assist on the beach.
Your training will need to be updated regularly but there are plenty of opportunities as a volunteer surf lifesaver. You’ll find it is a rewarding way to spend your spare time.
It should be noted that you can also become a paid member of the team although volunteers and paid members typically don’t work together. You’ll need to share the dedication to zero preventable deaths in Australian waters.
To become a paid member, you will need to keep your eye on the appropriate website and check out the current vacancies. When you see one that fits, apply and you’ll go through the selection process.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a volunteer surf lifesaver is a rewarding job but it is also dangerous and isn’t for everyone. Fortunately, there are many other opportunities and ways in which you can help the surf lifesavers.