Surf Life Saving is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child and young person who takes part in our activities, programs, events or services. The Child Safe Code of Conduct applies to all members and associated parties as outlined in the Child Safe Policy.

Surf Life Saving  recognises the importance of protecting young people under the age of 18 from abuse, harm and exploitation.  It is everyone’s responsibility to treat children and young people respectfully and within the Child Protection Laws and the SLSA Child Safe Policy.

Resources, webinars and online training courses are available to all members, providing clear guidelines of appropriate behaviour when engaging with children and young people.  All members are encouraged to complete the Child Safe Awareness online course found via the Members Area.

Surf Life Saving NSW members who work directly with children under the age of 18 must complete a Working with Children Check (WWCC), unless their role is exempt under the legislation.  The WWCC Guidelines outline these roles and exemptions.

Completed WWCC details must be provided to the club to be verified with the Office of Children’s Guardian. Failure to do so will result in suspension from any child related roles.

Keeping children and young people safe relies on all members being vigilant and reporting any child safe concerns. All club members have a responsibility to speak up if they become aware of or observe something considered inappropriate. Please contact the Club MPIO or President and submit child safe concerns through the SLSA online reporting portal:

  1. Visit https://complaints.sls.com.au/ and click on ‘Make a Child Safe Report’
  2. Follow the question prompts, noting you may wish to remain anonymous
  3. Click submit once finished. Your report will then be sent to Surf Life Saving Australia‘s Legal Counsel and Surf Life Saving NSW State Complaints Manager for action.

All reports submitted will be treated in confidence and with the utmost respect for all those involved.