“Empowering the next generation of Surf Life Saving volunteers to become confident, skilled and engaged members of the Surf Life Saving and broader community”
The SLSNSW Youth Strategy one pager provides an overview on how we will engage, develop and retain young members. This strategy was designed in conjunction with young people across NSW and supported by the SLSNSW Board. See the youth strategy here.
At Surf Life Saving New South Wales, Youth Engagement is designed for members aged Under 14 to Under 18 are designed to build skills, leadership, and a lifelong connection to the surf lifesaving community. Whether you’re progressing from Nippers, stepping into patrols, or exploring new opportunities in leadership and development, there’s a pathway for every young person. This page provides key information and resources for:
RESOURCES TO ENGAGE YOUTH MEMBERS
Youth Pathways Overview
Where will your lifesaving journey take you? Do you want to fly drones? Drive IRBs? Maybe teach first aid? Here you’ll find an overview of all the different pathways available to 13–18-year-olds in SLSNSW. Have a look at the different areas you could specialise in and click on each item to find out more.
Youth Officer Position Description
The Youth Officer Position Description outlining the roles and responsibilities of a Club Youth Officer can be found here.
How to Engage Young People – A Guide for Clubs
How to Engage Young People – A Guide for Clubs provides practical advice and tips on working with young people within surf lifesaving. It shares information on effective youth communication and is a great resource for anyone looking to improve their engagement and outcomes with youth members.
Patrol Playbook and Welcome to Patrol Messages
The Patrol Playbook provides key information for making the most of patrols Patrol Playbook, with role specific information for Patrol Captains, Patrol Members and Youth Members. A great resource to share with Club Captains and have printed, laminated and ready for every patrol.
A fantastic tool to welcome and support new youth patrol members. The Patrol Welcome Message provides a template for clubs to communicate with new youth patrol members (and their parents) before their first patrol – this can be customising with any club’s specifics to send a warm welcome to youth members embarking on a new club experience.
Youth Employment Pathways
Get paid for your passion! Want to be a lifeguard, UAV pilot or an Event Safety Officer? Find out more about the different ways you can turn your lifesaving skills into paid work.
Youth Recognition
Acknowledging the contributions of youth members authentically and genuinely shows that your organization is appreciative and values their input. The Youth Recognition Factsheet resource captures key information from the NSW Youth Volunteering Guidelines.
NSW Youth Volunteering Guideline
The NSW Centre of Volunteering Guidelines outline how to best engage young volunteers.
Child Safe
Surf Life Saving NSW is to the protection of Children and Young People (CYP) from abuse, harm and exploitation. Information, support and training for clubs and members can be found on the SLSNSW Child Safe Page.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
Surf Life Saving NSW is proud to partner with The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (Duke of Ed), giving young members the opportunity to turn their Surf Life Saving journey into a globally recognised achievement. Patrols, training, volunteering, leadership and adventurous activities can all contribute towards completing the Award, while developing confidence, resilience, teamwork and lifelong skills.
Register your Interest
Clubs can register their interest by completing the online registration form (available below). Once your registration has been received, the NSW Office of Sport Duke of Ed team will be in touch with information about the next steps, training and support available.
If your club does not yet have a Duke of Ed Leader, or you have questions before registering, please contact the Duke of Ed team directly and they will help you get started.
After gaining Club support, register your clubs interest here : https://slsnsw.jotform.com/261520668082962
Can't find what you're looking for?
Contact the SLSNSW Team.