The environment in which surf lifesaving operates has the potential for members to be involved in incidents of a traumatic nature. Such incidents could include the loss of life, the provision of emergency care, search and rescue operations, or a serious incident involving fellow members.

Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) is committed to lessening the impact of critical incident stress on members, staff and their families by providing best practice support following an incident. The approach below outlines the support to members following critical incidents.

For more information on these steps or the support available following a critical incident, please review the Member Welfare Guide. Please note that this has been designed as a printed, fold out card. Hard copies of this resource can be obtained by contacting the Membership Team.

National Emergency Workers Support Service

The National Emergency Workers Support Service by the Black Dog Institute provides access to free confidential mental health support to Emergency Service Volunteers, including Surf Life Saving members.  This service is available in addition to our critical incident support framework. Through this service members can access a range of services including online mental health checks, up to twelve free sessions with a clinician and resources for caring for friends and family affected by critical incidents.

Please see the Factsheet for more information.

CONTACT US ABOUT OUR MEMBER WELFARE SUPPORT AND RESOURCES

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