Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates & Resources for SLSNSW Clubs

Businesses can still require proof of vaccination at their own discretion. Clubs and branches may also wish to share information relating to how proof of vaccination status can be shown with their members and other stakeholders.

All members are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated to protect your own health as well as the community and discuss any concerns with their doctor. Participation in Surf Life Saving activities may be limited for members who are not double vaccinated as per Public Health Orders. The NSW Government have determined these requirements up until 15 December 2021, and SLSNSW is currently consulting with the membership on a draft COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. Answers to frequently asked questions about the draft policy are available here.

Clubs and branches are not precluded from setting their own policies. Prior to implementing any new policies, risk assessments and member/stakeholder consultation must be undertaken to ensure that the policies are lawful and reasonable. The information on this topic is continuously evolving and clubs and branches are advised to refer to guidance from Safe Work Australia on this issue.

COVID-19 Safety Plans are now optional for all businesses.

Information to support the development of your COVID-19 Safety Plans can be found in this factsheet.

If the club runs a gym, café, restaurant or bar then they must also register as a ‘COVID Safe Business’. A copy of the COVID-19 Safety Plan must be kept on the premises and be made available for inspection by an authorised officer if requested.

The following COVID-19 Safety Plans can be found on the NSW Government website:

• Community centres and halls
• Function centres
• Gyms
• Funerals, memorial services and wakes
• Office environment
• Pubs and clubs
• Restaurants and cafes
• Wedding ceremonies and receptions

Clubs and branches should appoint a COVID Safe Coordinator to act as the central point of contact for COVID-19 matters. Clubs are requested to update their Officer Positions in SurfGuard with a new position available COVID Safe Coordinator. This will enable clear communications with every club as new information and updates become available. Additional COVID Safe Coordinators can be appointed for each portfolio (e.g. Lifesaving, Education, Juniors, Sport).

QR Code check-in is only required at high-risk venues including gyms and limited hospitality settings (including pubs, small bars and registered clubs). Clubs operating these services need:

• a NSW Government QR code for their premises and events so that staff, members and customers can check in using the Service NSW app; and
• an alternative digital sign-in sheet for staff, members and customers who do not have a smart phone or are unable to sign-in using the Service NSW app. You then have 12 hours to register those contact details with Service NSW.

You should:

• display your QR codes in prominent locations
• remind people to check in when entering your premises
• where possible, keep an eye out for new people who have entered your premises
• ask to see the ‘green tick’ on the Service NSW app and check it relates to your premises.

If a person refuses to check in, you may refuse entry to that person for the well-being of your staff, members and customers.

Check-in is not required if the person is under 18 years of age and it is not possible to register their contact details.

If you have already registered your COVIDsafe plan with the NSW government, you should have received an email with your unique QR code to the email address you registered with. If you didn’t, you can go here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/lost-qr-code and enter the email address you registered with and you will be able to download your unique QR code to print and display.

AGMs

• Advice for clubs and branches on upcoming AGM’s is available on our website.

Insurance

• Clubs should manage their risk as though there is NO insurance cover in place for claims arising from COVID. However, the risk of a claim against the club is very low if they implement the relevant government health advice across their activities, both on and off the beach.
• SLSNSW members have coverage for personal accident cover under the icare (workers compensation) scheme. As with contracting any infectious disease whilst participating in SLS activities, members are required to demonstrate to icare that the infection was directly acquired as a result of their SLS activity. All claims are considered and determined by icare directly and independently.
• The SLSA Insurance Program provides a safety net to address costs if a COVID related claim is lodged against a club.  Marsh, as the broker for the National Program, will manage and defend any claim in partnership with the club and SLSNSW.

Cyber Attacks (Phishing)

• Phishing schemes have increased dramatically since the outbreak of COVID-19.
• A guide to help clubs and branches identify and protect themselves from Phishing attacks is available on our website.

For more information about club governance, management and compliance, please contact memberservices@surflifesaving.com.au

• Active Kids Vouchers will expire on 31 December 2021 and members are encouraged to redeem these.
• It is recommended that clubs have a clear policy on membership cancellation / refund / credit process and under what circumstances any refunds might be applied. More information and considerations, including SurfGuard processes can be found in this factsheet.
• Capitation fees will be charged on any membership accepted this season, including those which are archived within the season.

The NSW Government is offering 3 types of financial support to businesses as part of the COVID-19 support package:

1. COVID-19 business grant
2. COVID-19 micro-business grant
3. JobSaver payment.

More information is available via this Memo.

In addition, the Australian Government is offering a support payment for workers adversely affected by a state public health order individuals financial support: COVID -19 Disaster Payment.

The Westpac COVID-19 Customer Support Package is also available for Westpac customers.

For more information about available grants, please contact the SLSNSW Partnerships Team, fundraising@surflifesaving.com.au

For assistance in preparing a professionally written application, lodgement and acquittal for available grants, please contact the Surf Life Saving Foundation Grant Seeking Unit, (07) 3177 5855.

Communication resources such as social media tiles, website banners and posters have been created by NSW Health and can all be downloaded from Dropbox.