The member opportunities resource provides an overview of the opportunities available to members across different areas in Surf Life Saving and at different ages. This resource can be used to educate and inform members on opportunities that are available to them in Surf Life Saving.

Leadership Development

Leadership development is an important aspect of Surf Life Saving. It provides our members with the skills, networks and confidence to succeed both within Surf Life Saving, as well as externally in their work and personal lives.

The following leadership and development opportunities are available to members.

The Junior Lifesaver of the Year Program aims to focus on recognising and rewarding members aged 13-14 who are nominated branch winners of the Junior Lifesaver of the Year Award. Clubs are encouraged to submit a male and a female surf lifesaver to their branch’s JLOTY program, with branch winners progressing to the SLSNSW JLOTY program.

This program focuses on self-leadership, socialisation, teamwork, surf lifesaving and self-awareness.

Download the SLSNSW JLOTY Honour Roll

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global youth development program, empowering young Australians aged 14-24 to explore their full potential regardless of their location or circumstance. For more than 20 years the Office of Sport has delivered the Award under licence in New South Wales.

The Duke of Ed Award is the world’s leading youth development program, enabling young people to become empowered through volunteering/community service, physical activity, new life skills and adventure/travel. It’s an opportunity for young volunteers to become “World Ready”, build resilience and upskill for future career and study opportunities. Last year more than 13,500 young people registered to participate in the Award.

Speak to your club to see if they are a provider of this award or visit the Duke of Ed website to find an Award unit near you.

The National Leadership College provides an exciting opportunity for members aged 20-30 to further develop their leadership skills and positively contribute to the success of Surf Life Saving!

National Leadership College will help you forge new networks with likeminded and passionate members across the country who are committed to making a difference within the movement. The week-long program combines a diverse range of inspiring guest speakers, workshops, and activities.

SLSA also offer scholarship opportunities to members from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) backgrounds to take part.

The week-long college is usually held in the first week of February, with applications opening in mid-September and closing in mid-October. Find out more via the SLSA website.

The National Leaders’ Masterclass is an annual leadership and development program for members aged 30+ who currently hold a senior leadership role in Surf Life Saving.

As well as learning new skills and creating opportunities for personal growth, Masterclass will open new networks with other like-minded and passionate members across the country, who are committed to making a difference within the movement.

Masterclass is delivered in collaboration with University of South Australia and participants also have the opportunity to enrol in a Graduate Certificate of Business Administration following completion of Masterclass.

The four-day program is usually held in mid-September, with applications opening in early-June and closing in early-July. Find out more via the SLSA website.

Many clubs and branches offer members team building and development opportunities which develop friendships, enhance skills and recognition the contributions of members. It’s important to keep members safe during this time, and we recommend that clubs review the ‘Practical Guide for Touring with Children’ to ensure good planning and safeguarding practices are in place.

Clubs and Branches may also need to complete a Special Events Form if the camp or activity is held away from the club or is outside normal surf lifesaving activities. For more information and timeframes members can view the SLSA Guidelines for Safer Surf Clubs and complete the Special Event form which are available in the Members Area Document Library.