
Surf Life Saving Sydney Inc.
To promote and ensure that Surf Life Saving (SLS) and other Emergency Services provided by members from the 15 SLS Clubs that form the Sydney Branch, meet agreed service standards and are undertaken by qualified and proficient volunteers. Deploy assets across patrolled beaches and the coastline from North Bondi south to Burning Palms in the Royal National Park, with the aim of preserving life in the aquatic environment. Deploy equipment and crews throughout NSW to provide assistance during floods, bushfires and other natural disasters where aquatic rescues are needed. Develop and provide structured training courses, diverse development activities along with competency assessments. Develop skilled lifesavers and leaders, while fostering club and community collaboration and connection. Invest in technology and implement strategies that help achieve our purpose, to prevent drownings and injury along the Sydney coastline. Oversight surf sports and other events, ensuring that they meet Workplace Health and Safety Standards, are inclusive and encourage diversity. Stability returned with a season of minimal disruption and good weather. Membership grew to 18,842 which is over pre covid levels. It was a busy year with hectic lifesaving activity, extended hours of operation, new carnival formats, growth in junior and educational activity plus a wide range of events and activities for members young and old. Promoted diversity and inclusion with programs such as Silver Salties, women in SLS leadership and Rainbow Beaches. The Surf Sports team conducted our biggest ever Branch Championships, which was spread over 3 venues and 5 days. Branch clubs continued to perform well at State and National Titles in Junior, Senior and Masters events. By the close of the season some 1,400 rescues had been performed, over 2,000 First Aid and 62,000 preventative actions. The Rescue of the Year occurred in February 2023, at Elouera/North Cronulla when 28 people were rescued in one incident, by volunteer Lifesavers and Lifeguards from across the Bate Bay. Members from 11 Clubs along with their Inflatable Rescue Craft and other equipment assisted with NSW Flood Emergencies in July, October and February 2023. During the second year that the Garie Road in the Royal National Park remained closed, members conducted patrols at Wattamolla, an area that has experienced frequent drownings. Despite heightened activity and greater public awareness of the dangers of the aquatic environment, 10 people drowned in Sydney waters last year and there were a total 52 coastal drownings across the state. Going forward member clubs have the capability and agility to respond to changing aquatic emergency incidents and in doing so reduce drowning and other injuries at some of Australia s most popular beaches.