Surf Life Saving Australia

Vale John Baker AM ESM   The Surf Life Saving community is today mourning the sudden passing of Surf Life Saving Australia President John Baker AM ESM.     John, ‘JB’ was the seventh President since SLSA was established in 1907, serving in the role since 2021 after spending 14 years on the national board.    Surf Life Saving Australia CEO, Adam Weir, said John’s passion for Surf Life Saving was felt at all levels of the organisation and his loss will be felt by many.     “Today is terrible for our Surf Life Saving community, losing one of our most dedicated volunteers and leaders.   Beyond the accolades and awards, John was a beloved member of our Surf Life Saving community and will be missed. Our thoughts are with his wife Jo and his family and friends at this time,” he said.     Surf Life Saving South Australia President and National Director, Sarah Cutbush FAICD, said that the South Australian Surf Life Saving community had been devastated by the news.    “This is such a loss for our movement - of a leader, and of a friend.     “Our condolences go out to Jo and his family and friends, as well as Brighton SLSC - we will join you in keeping JB’s memory and legacy alive.”    For more about his life and contribution to Surf Life Saving: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/gktNNebY Vale John Baker AM ESM 

Surf Life Saving Australia is proud to take the Safe Sport Pledge! We're committed to making Surf Sports a safe, inclusive and positive experience for everyone on the sand and in the water. This Safe Sport Day we're joining #TeamSafeSport to stand up for the right to play sport free from abuse, harm and neglect. Take the pledge today at: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/emhfq2rk #ProtectingSportTogether #SafeSportDay #SurfSports

Thank you to Westpac for their generous Tries for Lives campaign. This powerful initiative turns sporting moments into life-saving impact.   For each try scored by both the men's and women's teams, Westpac donated $5,000 to the corresponding state Westpac Life Saver Helicopter Services.   A total of forty tries were scored throughout the series, leading to a $200,000 donation to the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter Service: $125,000 for Northern and Southern NSW Service (25 Tries) $75,000 for the Queensland Service (15 Tries)   This pledge ensures the choppers remain operational year-round, delivering vital emergency services across coastlines and remote regions for years to come.   NSW Rugby League Ltd, Queensland Rugby League

Congratulations to the 24 participants of the 2025 National Leaders’ Masterclass. The Masterclass is extremely important to the organisation, giving our experienced leaders the opportunity to sharpen their skills around strategic planning, business management, and innovation. Read more about it here: bit.ly/NLM_2025 🎙️ : John Baker AM ESM, Nancy Joseph, Erin Scammell

Each story about drowning helps us better understand how to prevent it. Join the World Health Organization (WHO) webinar to draw inspiration from real-life stories from UN agencies, Governments, Organisations and global partners who are committed to #DrowningPrevention: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/gqWkQubJ Tuesday, 29 July 2025, 13:00 - 14:30 CEST

Anyone can drown, no one should. Today is World Drowning Prevention Day, and together with Royal Life Saving – Australia we have been presenting the 2025 National Water Safety Summit in Sydney. Held on behalf of the Australian Water Safety Council, the Summit brings together more than 230 delegates from across the water safety, health, education and community sectors to chart a clear path towards halving drowning by 2030. A special thank you to Surf Life Saving Australia's Parliamentary Friends Co-Chair the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, who was a guest speaker today.

SLSA invites expressions of interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to create an original artwork that reflects our vision for reconciliation as part of our Reconciliation Action Plan. 🔗 to submit : https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/gdXia54v

Surf Life Saving Australia was proud to deliver our inaugural Coaching and Officiating Conference, with support from the Australian Sports Commission. It was a phenomenal weekend with an impressive lineup of the top coaches and officials from across the country. The insightful knowledge shared, and community experience, lives beyond the event. We also extend our immense gratitude to everyone who attended. Hear from a few below:

Surf Life Saving Australia Celebrates 50 Years of NAIDOC Week: This week marks a momentous occasion, as we celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC Week. From 6 – 13 July, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) proudly joins those around Australia celebrating 50 years of community uniting to honour Indigenous voices, culture, and the resilience of mob. This year’s theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’, celebrates the vision of communities and acknowledges the legacy of ancestors.  SLSA’s support for NAIDOC Week is grounded in our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Framework and our commitment to ensuring that everyone feels like they belong in Surf Life Saving.    President of SLSA, John Baker AM ESM, said “As a community membership organisation, our strength lies in reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve.“ “Promoting inclusive initiatives like NAIDOC Week is part of a broader goal to create an environment where all Australians can see themselves as part of our movement.” A key strategic priority for SLSA, is to build a future where there is a place for everyone in Surf Life Saving. We are proud to be developing a Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, as we create a culture that embraces diversity, fosters unity, and where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are celebrated and empowered across our organisation, within our communities, and along our coastline. “Through SLSA’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, we’re taking meaningful steps to build cultural awareness and ensure our beaches, clubs, and leadership pathways are inclusive and safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Wade Krueger, Co-Chair of the SLSA Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group said. ”Reconciliation is a journey, not a destination, and I’m proud to be part of an organisation that is listening, learning, and taking action.” 

Surf Life Saving Australia, with support from the Australian Sports Commission, was proud to deliver our inaugural Coaching and Officiating Conference at the Bondi Pavilion, NSW.   There was an impressive turnout of outstanding coaches and officials who arrived with a thirst for knowledge and an open mind. The weekend was filled with enthusiasm and collaboration, thank you to all attendees.   We also extend our immense gratitude the lineup of presenters who shared their experience and knowledge including SLS Chair of Sport Rachael Rylance, and Annabelle White from the ASC.