SLSNSWMembers

#DRONES // Drones are scheduled to operate every day at all NSW UAV locations during the spring school holidays.

While some Local Government Areas already have daily drone operations across some or all UAV locations, this will be a bigger change for others, with every NSW UAV location flying daily throughout the holiday period.

Daily drone operations will also run at every NSW UAV location from 1 December to 30 April as part of the 2026/27 drone flying schedule.

Beachgoers, clubs and local communities are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the full schedule via the website. Download the @nsw_sharksmart app for more information, to get alerts when the drones aren’t flying, and real-time shark notifications.

The Surf Life Saving NSW Shark Surveillance Drone Program is funded by the NSW Government through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development`s Shark Management Program. ...

#IRONSERIES // Congratulations to the four NSW athletes who yesterday secured their place on the start line for the 2026/27 Shaw and Partners Iron Series, joining our eight pre-qualified athletes to make a fearsome dozen of the state`s best!

A gruelling two-day Trial Series saw Katy Rees (debut, @swanseabelmont ) and Pipi Te Pania (returning, @newportsurfclub ) qualify for the Ironwoman Series, while Noah Steiner (returning, @wandasurfclubb ) and Jett Green (debut, @avocabeachslsc ) will line up with the Ironmen.

We`re so proud of all the NSW athletes who competed at Tugun over the weekend - doing the state proud. Now it`s in the qualified athletes` hands to show everyone what we`ve got!

Story 🔗 in bio

📸 John Veage ...

#SAREX // South Coast and Illawarra members joined @marinerescuensw and @nswpolice - @marineareacommandnswpf at Jervis Bay last weekend for a multi-agency search and rescue exercise (SAREX).
 
The exercise featured multiple search areas and a raft rescue scenario, with RWCs, IRBs, UAVs and liaison officers involved throughout the day.
 
Exercises like this give our members the opportunity to build their skills, prepare for real-life situations and practise working alongside other agencies during an emergency. Thank you to everyone who gave up their weekend to take part in this valuable learning experience. ...

#DROWNINGREPORT // 109 people lost their lives to drowning in NSW (2025/2026).

That’s a 9% increase on the 10-year average, with beaches the most common location, followed by rivers and creeks.

Key findings in the Drowning Report include:
• 81% of those who drowned were male
• People aged 45–54 recorded the highest drowning rate
• 48% of beach drowning deaths were rip-related
• 20% of deaths occurred more than 100km from home
• 27% of people who drowned in NSW were born overseas

Everyone has a role to play in preventing drowning. Stay safe around the water by:
• Supervising children at all times
• Swimming at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags
• Checking conditions before entering the water
• Wearing a lifejacket when boating, rock fishing or paddling
• Avoiding alcohol and drugs around water
• Knowing your limits and learning essential water safety skills

Learn more about the National Drowning Report via the link in bio. ...

#AOE26 // A well-earned moment in the spotlight 📸
 
A HUGE CONGRATS to our 2026 SLSNSW Awards of Excellence Winners:
Youth Surf Life Saver of the Year – Harrison Wicks, Gerringong SLSC
Youth Volunteer of the Year – Lucy Marshall, Avoca Beach SLSC
Youth Athlete of the Year – Dane Sutton, Wanda SLSC
Services Team of the Year – Tamarama SLSC Education Team
Administrator of the Year – Nicole Crowe, Camden Haven SLSC
Trainer of the Year – Christine Warren, Evans Head-Casino SLSC
Assessor of the Year – Craig Le Brocq, Shelly Beach SLSC
Facilitator of the Year – Paul Dowdell, Shelly Beach SLSC
Community Engagement Program of the Year – Ask Me How to Stay Safe at the Beach,  Ocean Beach SLSC
Rescue of the Year – North Bondi SLSC & Coogee SLSC
Patrol Captain of the Year – Jodie Salmon, North Bondi SLSC
Support Operations Member of the Year – Sean Leicester, The Lakes SLSC
Lifeguard of the Year – Chloe Jones, Tweed Shire
Official of the Year – Mick Lang, Tacking Point SLSC
Coach of the Year – Trevor Gee, Avoca Beach SLSC
Masters Athlete of the Year – Paul Lemmon, Terrigal SLSC
Surf Sports Team of the Year – Yamba U13 Male Surf Team
Club of the Year – Shellharbour SLSC
Athlete of the Year – Jemma Smith, Newport SLSC
Surf Sports Club of the Year – Manly LSC
Volunteer of the Year – Callum Mercer, Birubi Point SLSC
Surf Life Saver of the Year – Dominic Winkle, Clovelly SLSC ...

#EMERGENCYSERVICESMATCH // A memorable day with the Roosters 🐓

A huge thank you to the @sydneyroosters for having us as the spotlight organisation for the third annual Emergency Services Match and for helping shine a light on the work of Surf Life Saving.

We thoroughly enjoyed covering the field in red and yellow at half time 🔴🟡

To everyone who came along, stopped by our activations, cheered from the stands and got involved throughout the day, thank you for bringing the energy and support. We were proud to represent our members and share a little of what makes Surf Life Saving so special and important.

What a fantastic celebration of community, teamwork and the people who help keep NSW safe. 🙌

@allianzstadium @sydneyroosters @sydneyroostersnrlw ...

#AOE26 // Highlight moments from this evenings 2026 NSW Awards of Excellence 🌟

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a fantastic evening celebrating the achievements of our members. Congratulations to all our finalists and winners on their outstanding contributions to Surf Life Saving NSW 👏

@djistoreau @abesbagels ...